Sang Lee
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- Whistles blew non-stop Tuesday in the
Flintridge Prep gym, and that spelled disaster for the
Bellarmine-Jefferson High boys' volleyball team.
Bell-Jeff was swept by Flintridge Prep, 15-5, 15-6, 15-7, in an
error-plagued match for the Guards, who were caught for nine net
violations and two out-of-rotation violations, not to mention numerous
other errors.
"That's been our problem all year," Guard Coach Russ Johnson said
about his team's errors. "Consistency is our problem. In tournaments we
beat teams like Long Beach Wilson and then we lose to teams we should
have beaten. But we have lots of young players, and those things will
happen."
Despite the loss, Bell-Jeff (6-5, 2-2 in league) has still improved
over last season's two-win campaign.
Conversely, Rebels (9-2) -- ranked No. 4 in CIF Southern Section
Division V -- improved its league record to 4-0.
"We're a good team this year. We have all our returners back and I
expect nothing but the best from my team," Rebel Coach Sean Beattie said.
After finishing in third place behind Cathedral and Salesian highs
last season, the Rebels look to be the front-runners in league this year,
with returning middle blocker Brian Strand.
Strand finished with a match-high 11 kills and added four blocks.
Outside hitter, Brian Young led the Rebels with 10 digs.
Bell-Jeff's leading player was junior middle blocker Ryan Shinneman,
who had four kills. Setter George Hakopian finished with 13 assists and
two kills.
Add Beattie among a list of coaches who have noticed Bell-Jeff's
improved play.
"Bell-Jeff has improved. They have two good hitters and their setter
has good hands and can move the ball around. I have no doubt they can do
well this year," he said.
But Beattie's focus remains on his Rebels, as they try to vie for the
league championship.
"There's a little pressure. In the beginning [of the season] I didn't
know what to expect. But the more we play the more we expect this year.
We've been ranked in CIF three and four," Beattie said.
Flintridge Prep continues its title run against last year's champs,
Cathedral, at 4 p.m. Thursday at Cathedral High.
"We played Cathedral in a tournament and we beat them. But they look
pretty good," Beattie said.
