Boys’ volleyball on quest to continue dynasty

March 17, 2009 • written by Chelsea Sundiang

The two-time NCS-winning boys’ volleyball team has big shoes to fill now that there is a new coach, only two returning players and an additional six new senior players.

Leah Manalo, last year’s junior varsity coach and a Moreau alumnus, returns as the new head coach for varsity volleyball.

“There’s a lot of expectations now that we’ve built a tradition,” Manalo said. “We’re trying to uphold it.”
As a fourth year varsity member, current team captain, and Athlete of the Month, senior Mauro Salinas realizes the amount of responsibility he now carries for the team to meet such expectations.

“You don’t just watch out for yourself anymore,” Salinas said. “When I see someone doing something wrong, I correct it before the team starts getting bad habits.”
“We really want to play at the previous varsity team’s level,” first time varsity player senior Darren Sayo said.
Among the first year players trying out for varsity, senior Adam Suguitan is making a comeback from his freshman year volleyball experience.

“I decided to join again because it’s my senior year,” Sugitan said. “It would be cool to be a part of doing a Three-peat of NCS.”

Suguitan and senior Timothy Macagba engaged in nerve-wracking competition for the same position, but their hard work earned them both a spot on the team.

“I’m really relieved we both made it,” Macagba said. “I know he worked hard and I know I worked hard.”

Although no one was cut from try-outs and Macagba is now the co-captain, he still has competition for play time among the new 14-man team which consists of seven seniors: Alec Safreno, Earvin Lacap, Christopher Melad, Macagba, Salinas, Sayo, and Suguitan.

Manalo has many criteria to pay attention to when selecting which team members earn their time on the court. ”Obviously I’m looking for talent,” Manalo said. “Someone that’s coachable, adapts well, and [has] a good overall attitude is a huge factor.”

Because they are intending to hold their NCS winning streak, Safreno expects next year’s varsity team to do the same.

“[They should] get good and stay that way,” said Safreno. “Make Moreau boys volleyball the dynasty it deserves to be.”

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