SPORTS

Pioneer volleyball drops league opener to Leigh

Longhorns take match 3-0; Taylor Luebkeman
leads Mustangs with five kills

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Editor

Pioneer kicked off the 2006 boys’ volleyball season in disappointing fashion, dropping a 3-0 road loss to neighborhood rival Leigh on March 2.

Leigh’s Austin Ensley goes up for a kill attempt during a 3-0 win over Pioneer on March 2. Photos by Jeff Frazee

In all three games, Pioneer’s young squad managed to stick close in the early going, before the Longhorns put together long scoring runs and win all three by scores of 25-9, 25-11, and 25-12. Leigh was led by outside hitter Mike Downs and middle blocker Joseph Smith, each with nine kills on the night. Pioneer’s Taylor Luebkeman led his squad with five kills.

“I think the team played well, since this is their third year together,” said Pioneer Head Coach Howard Gibson of his team, which has only one senior on the roster. “They’ve just got to hit the spots, they’ve got to hit the lanes, they’ve got to be a little more reactive and they have to hit the ball. If you keep giving the ball back to the other team, eventually you will lose, and that’s what we were doing tonight.”

In all three games, Pioneer put up a tough fight in the early going, staying within just a handful of points from taking a lead, before Leigh ripped off long scoring stretches. Case in point: Pioneer trailed Leigh 12-8 early on in game two before the Longhorns put together a 13-3 stretch the rest of the way. Similarly, game three saw the Mustangs hang close with a 14-10 deficit—withstanding an 8-0 run by Leigh to start the game—before the Longhorns finished off the game with an 11-2 stretch the rest of the way.

Despite the tough loss, Gibson said he’s hopeful for his team’s chances this season, even with a squad featuring just one senior player in Lenny LaRussa, while the rest of the roster is made up of all juniors and one sophomore.

“Actually, I think we’ll have a .500 (winning percentage) year,” said Gibson. “Whenever you have eight or nine team in the league, then we should be able to beat half of those teams. My biggest goal this year is to make sure that when Sobrato (High) comes into the league next year, that we don’t end up in the B (Santa Teresa) league again. I don’t want to go back to B …Bottom line, if we can be .500 and stay above with almost all juniors, I think we’ll have a decent season.”

Pioneer’s Taylor Luebkeman (15) goes skyward for a tip over the net during a 3-0 loss to Leigh on March 2. Luebkeman led the Mustangs with five kills on the night.

Gibson, in fact, is a new yet familiar face to the varsity ranks as well. Having coached the Pioneer varsity team as recently as six years ago. Gibson, who spent the past two years as an assistant coach for Pioneer’s frosh/soph team with his son Shane, is excited to be back and eager to make a difference. Gibson said he’s progressing with the players he’s coached the past two years on the frosh/soph level, to the next level at varsity.

“I feel like these are my boys, as far as the frosh/soph (experience) from the last two years,” he said.

Meanwhile, Leigh is looking to once again make a run at the Mt. Hamilton Division title amongst a pack of tough competition after finishing last season in second place in league standings. The win over Pioneer was a good start toward that goal, said Longhorn Head Coach Rob Karr.

“Momentum was on our side from the beginning,” said Karr. “I’ve got a really good team this year. They’re a good team, they’re a smart team, and they’re a bunch of really good kids. It’s a good start for us, absolutely.”

Karr said although the early part of the season is a tough one for all teams, with opening-night jitters and other factors, he was pleased to see his Longhorns come out swinging and working together well. Karr said he was especially pleased with the team’s serves and play at the front of the net.

“We got some good hang time,” Karr said of his team’s play at the net. “Guys got up high in the air and got some good hang time. They were hanging up there for a little while. Mike Downs, our outside hitter, and Joe Smith, our middle blocker, are both good hitters with good hang time, and they really crushed some balls.”

Sports Briefs

Tryouts set for Almaden Valley Storm Class 1, U16 soccer
Almaden Valley Storm, a boys’ U16 Class 1 soccer team in the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League, is holding tryouts for players born between Aug. 1, 1990 and July 31, 1991. Tryouts will be held after the high school season ends. Call Jay Vyas at (408) 997-0812 or Dave Gold (408) 997-7775 for details.

Almaden Valley Storm Class 1, U13 hosts soccer tryouts
Almaden Valley Storm, a boys’ U13 Class 1 soccer team in the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League, is holding tryouts for players born between Aug. 1, 1993 and July 31, 1994. Tryouts will be held at normal practices, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Steinbeck Middle School. Call Mike Reickerd at (408) 268-7576 or Dave Gold 408-997-7775 for details.

Almaden X-treme soccer players needed
Almaden X-treme soccer team, a girls’ U15 Class 1 team, is looking for players. The team took second place in league last year and is looking for players in all positions. Birth dates need to be Aug. 1, 1991 through July 31, 1992. If interested, contact Bob Spaletta 371-8687 or taxhound@aol.com.

Almaden Valley Storm Class 1, U11 soccer team needs players
Almaden Valley Storm, a boys’ U11 Class 1 soccer team in the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League, is looking for players born between Aug. 1, 1995 and July 31 1996.  Call Mike Reickerd at (408) 268-7576 for more details.

Boys’ U13 competitive soccer team seeks players
A boys’ U13 competitive soccer team is looking for player to come and try out for the 2006 spring and fall soccer team. All practices and home games are in Blossom Valley.

Contact Laura Ino at (408) 224-2298 for more information.

Almaden Valley Strikers holds boys’ U11 Class 3 soccer tryouts
Almaden Valley Strikers, a boys’ U11 Class 3 soccer team in the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League, is holding tryouts for players born between Aug. 1, 1995 and July 31 1996. Tryouts will be held Sunday, March 12 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Almaden Elementary School. Call Lela Huenergardt at (408) 997-8903 for more details.

BVAL Golf Tournament set for May 8
The Blossom Valley Athletic League will host the BVAL Golf Tournament on May 8 at the Almaden Golf and Country Club. All proceeds from the event will go to BVAL member schools’ athletic programs. Players’ fees are $200 per person, and sponsorship packages are also available for interested parties.

Check-in time and lunch for the event begins at 11 a.m., with players set to tee off at 12:30 p.m. Dinner and a silent auction follows the tournament.

For more information about the BVAL Golf Tournament, please call (408) 265-5409.

High School Sports Schedule

Leland High School
Friday – Varsity baseball at Leigh, 3:30 p.m.
Friday – JV baseball vs. Leigh, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday – Boys’ volleyball at Pioneer, JV 6 p.m./varsity 7 p.m.

Monday – JV Golf vs. Pioneer at Santa Teresa, 3 p.m.

Tuesday – Varsity Golf vs. Westmont at Almaden Golf and Country Club, 3 p.m.
Tuesday – Badminton vs. Silver Creek, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday – Boys’ tennis at Leigh, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday – Varsity baseball vs. Santa Teresa, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday – JV baseball at Santa Teresa, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday – Varsity golf vs. Westmont at Cinnabar, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday – JV golf vs. Pioneer at Almaden Golf and Country Club, 3 p.m.
Thursday – Boys’ tennis vs. Piedmont Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday – Track at Lincoln, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday – Boys’ volleyball vs. Gunderson, JV 6 p.m./varsity 7 p.m.
Thursday – Badminton vs. Oak Grove, 3:30 p.m.

Pioneer High School
Friday – Varsity baseball at Santa Teresa, 3:30 p.m.
Friday – Frosh/soph baseball vs. Santa Teresa, 3:30 p.m.

Monday – JV Golf vs. Leland at Santa Teresa, 3 p.m.
Monday – Girls’ lacrosse vs. Santa Catalina, 4 p.m.

Tuesday – Girls’ lacrosse vs. Menlo-Atherton, 4 p.m.
Tuesday – Boys’ volleyball vs. Leland, JV 6 p.m./Varsity 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Boys’ tennis at Branham, 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday – Badminton vs. Branham, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday – Varsity golf vs. Leigh at the Villages, 3 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity baseball at Westmont, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday – Frosh/soph baseball vs. Westmont, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday – Boys’ volleyball at Oak Grove, JV 6 p.m./varsity 7 p.m.
Thursday – Boys’ tennis vs. Oak Grove, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday – Track vs. Willow Glen, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday – JV golf vs. Leland at Almaden Golf and Country Club, 3 p.m.
Thursday – Swimming vs. Santa Teresa, 3 p.m.
Thursday – Badminton vs. James Lick, 3:30 p.m.


For more information about Leland and Pioneer sporting events, go to:

Pioneer Athletics:
www.phsathletics.com

Leland Athletics:
www.lelandathletics.com

Blossom Valley Athletic League:
www.bval.org

For more complete and up to date schedules on CCS playoffs, go to:
www.cifccs.org

High School Scoreboard

Feb. 28
Leland boys’ volleyball 25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24 loss vs. St. Francis

Pioneer boys’ volleyball 25-19, 25-16, 25-12 loss at Saratoga
Pioneer badminton 8-7 loss at Live Oak

Mar. 1
Pioneer boys’ volleyball 23-25, 25-15, 18-25, 25-19, 16-14 loss at Harker

Mar. 2
Pioneer badminton 12-3 win vs. Prospect

Mar. 3
Pioneer softball 1-0 loss vs. Piedmont Hills

Leigh softball holds third annual clinic for
Branham Hills Softball League

March 4 event teaches softball fundamentals to
youngsters, raises funds for Leigh softball program

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Editor

The Leigh softball team turned into softball coaches for a day.

That’s because for the third straight year, the Longhorns held a softball clinic for a large group of Branham Hills Softball League players, teaching the future high school softball stars the fundamentals of how the game is played.

Leigh softball player Kat Pisano tosses a ground ball during softball drills to a Branham Hills Softball League youngster on March 4. Leigh softball held its third annual clinic to help raise funds for a new pitching machine while teaching young softball players some of the game’s finer points. Photos by Diego Abeloos

The clinic, held on the morning of March 4, also served as a fundraiser for the Leigh softball team, which is trying to raise funds for a new pitching machine, among other things. Last year’s event raised about $600 for the Leigh softball program, which went toward new uniforms for the JV squad and other much-needed items.

“Most of the (Leigh) girls who are putting the clinic on are girls that went through the Branham Hills chain,” said Leigh Head Coach Clovis Mirassou. “ … They like to give back and they enjoy being with these kids. It’s a fun thing for everybody. It helps us because the school can only afford to give so much money to each program, and we need extra things that we don’t have to hit the parents up for. This way here, it’s fun thing where the kids benefit from it, and we benefit from it.”

“I love it,” added Patti Hill, one of the organizers of the event and mother to Leigh ace pitcher Jackie Hill. “I love the whole idea of our girls giving back to the young girls.”

In total, approximately 50 Branham Hills Softball League players ranging from ages 6 to 14 took part in the event, going through fundamental softball drills such as running bases, shagging fly balls, taking ground balls on the infield, and getting some helpful batting tips from JV and varsity Leigh softball players.

“Some of them, it might be little over their heads at first,” Mirassou said of teaching softball fundamentals to the youngsters, “but it’s never too late to learn to do the right things … We like to start them out learning to do it the right way, instead of somebody having to turn them around later on in life.”

The event is also a natural marriage between two local softball programs for Mirassou, who has spent nearly 30 years coaching softball in the area, beginning as a coach in the Branham Hills Softball League, where his two daughters, Karin and Kelli, played. Both of his daughters are currently coaches in the Leigh softball program and teach at the high school as well.

“It’s a good feeder program for both Leigh High School and Branham High School,” Mirassou said of Branham Hills Softball League. “They’ve got good coaching at that level … It’s a good program to start with and about 80 percent of my girls have come through the program.”

But the good works by Leigh on the softball diamond has also translated into another opportunity for one Leigh player.

Hill, Leigh’s top starting pitcher, was among those in the Leigh softball program taking part in instructing the kids. A senior, Hill recently received a scholarship to Penn State University, where she plans on studying architecture and playing softball. Although Patti Hill wouldn’t go into specifics, she called Penn State’s offer a “nice package.”

Needless to say, Patti Hill is a very proud parent upon hearing the news of her daughter’s offer.

“I’m very proud,” she said. “She’s worked really hard for this. It’s been a life for her. That’s all she really does. She eats and breathes softball.”

“Jackie Hill has just been a godsend to me,” added Mirassou. “She started her freshman year and she was a freshman who could walk right in and take over the program. I didn’t have a pitcher, so it was perfect timing. She’s just a sweetheart. No ego trip; she’s probably if not the best, then one of the best pitchers in the valley right now.”

Above all else, the clinic is about having a good time doing something all the participants and instructors have in common—playing softball—said Mirassou.

“The girls really looked forward to this,” Mirassou said of his squad. “They each have to fight over who gets a group and who does the different (instructional) stations. They all really enjoy this a lot.”

Chargers Boys’ volleyball open league play
with 3-0 win at Prospect

Scott Lucas records team-high eight kills in win;
Chargers improve to 4-2 overall

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Editor

The Leland boys’ volleyball team got off to a fast start in Mt. Hamilton Division play, taking a 3-0 win on the road over league rival Prospect on March 7.

The Chargers, improving to 4-2 overall with the win, were led by senior outside hitter Scott Lucas, who put up an efficient eight-kill effort on just 12 attempts.

From left to right: Leland’s Daniel Ortiz drives home setter Boris Sanchez’s set for a point against Prospect in the last game of a 3-0 win for Leland on March 7.

“The guys were ready to go,” said Leland Head Coach Jason Hilbert. “ … The guys played some tough teams over the weekend so they were definitely ready to play. They have their sights set on defending their league title.”

Game one saw the Chargers come out quickly to establish the game’s tone, going up 14-5 early and holding at least a seven-point lead throughout the first half of the game.

Leading 16-9, the Chargers put together one of the team’s most significant scoring stretches of the night, a 9-4 run that saw Daniel Ortiz slam down a kill before teaming up with Lucas on a key block for another point, en route to a 25-13 win. Ortiz finished the night with five kills.

“That’s the stuff we’ve been practicing all week,” Hilbert said of his team’s performance in game one. “I can say that, but they have to execute it, and tonight, they definitely executed. That’s what you like to see as a coach.”

Game two proved to be slightly tighter for the Chargers, who slowly managed to break away from Prospect, taking an 8-6 lead and extending it to a 15-10 advantage midway through the game.

Leading 16-12, the Chargers put together another scoring stretch, a 7-1 run that featured a kill and a tip from Seth Anderson, as well as an ace on service from Lucas, for a 10-point lead at 23-13.

Needing only 2 points to wrap up game two, the Chargers managed to weather a late 8-1 run by the Panthers before winning the game 25-21 on a Prospect serve that sailed out of bounds.

Similar to game two, game three was closely contested in the early going, before Leland broke a 9-9 tie with a 5-1 scoring run for a 14-10 lead. After an Ortiz kill attempt sailed squarely into the net for a 14-11 score, the Chargers fired off an 8-2 scoring run for a solid 9-point lead at 22-13.

On the run, the Chargers received a pair of kills each from Lucas and Ortiz. Lucas also managed to drop in a tip during the run.

“Scotty is the premier hitter in our league,” Hilbert said of Lucas. “There’s a couple of other guys that are pretty good, but Scotty you really have to game plan for. He always comes to play.”

Still, the Chargers had to withstand another late run by the Panthers, a 5-1 stretch that cut the lead to five at 23-18 before Leland closed the deal with a 2 straight points for a 25-18 win in game three.

“We have a deep team and we have a lot of confidence in each other,” Hilbert said of his team’s play in games two and three. “When it comes down to the nitty gritty time, anybody and everybody will step up. I’m pretty confident in everyone on this team, that’s why they have a jersey. They wouldn’t have a jersey if they couldn’t play.”

The win over Prospect came on the heels of a 3-1 weekend at the annual Aptos Spring Fling Tournament, ultimately settling for a third-place finish. The Chargers handed both Harbor and San Lorenzo Valley losses in the early going, before picking up a close 17-25, 25-23, 15-7 win over West Catholic Athletic League powerhouse Bellarmine.

The Chargers couldn’t sustain the momentum in their fourth game of the tournament however, taking a tough 13-25, 25-16, 15-12 loss to Homestead in the semifinals.

“The guys saw it as playing some of the best teams in CCS,” Hilbert said of the weekend tournament. “We knew Bellarmine was going to be there, and they knocked us out of CCS Playoffs last year, and they really went after it and played with a lot of heart. It really just showed their character … It really shows the potential of this team. We can play with anybody.”

Blossom Valley soccer showcase: screaming success

McCarthy, Munoz shine amongst local stars

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Pioneer’s Syra McCarthy and Stevie Munoz of Leland High capped stellar high school careers, nailing a goal apiece in respective games at the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s senior showcase event held Friday at Piedmont Hills.

Bryan Velez (21) finished his high school soccer career by representing Pioneer at BVAL’s Senior Soccer Showcase on March 3 at Piedmont Hills. Photos by Jeff Frazee

Two seniors representing each of 22 BVAL schools, clashed in the second annual matches, designed to raise and contribute money toward the BVAL scholarship fund.

Each May the BVAL Scholarship Award is bestowed upon an athlete who has faced down adversity and intends to further his/her education at a university.

“The purpose is to highlight graduating seniors from the BVAL,” said league commissioner Barbara Beard. “It’s certainly one of the positive things we do and the kids really enjoy it.”

Interests vary, so some players view it as a final achievement in their high school careers, while others hope to impress college scouts, said Beard.

As A-league Mount Hamilton Division champion, Pioneer’s Randy Worthington head coached the white (home) team, along with C-League champ Willow Glenn’s coach Mitch Method on the girls’ side. They faced Michele Kennedy of Leigh, the A-league’s second place finisher, and Michelle Sunseri of Evergreen Valley, who led the away squad, dressed in colored uniforms.

“The game was excellent,” said Worthington. “Both teams made some really great plays with only about three hours of practice total. You see instant pride when a coach nominates her kids for a super squad. It’s all about having fun and using athletic skill for enjoyment on the field.”

According to Worthington, approximately 90 percent of participants have the skill to play on in college, but for many, the senior showcase is likely the last game they’ll play at a competitive level.

Girls’ action concluded in a 3-2 victory for the away team, despite McCarthy’s early goal.

Amy Neustedter and Jessica Sitarz of Leigh, Katelyn Tyson and Stephanie Kato of Leland, and Pioneer goalkeeper Kiki DeMarquez were also featured in the girls’ game.

Leland’s Katelyn Tyson (8) moves up field on the attack against Branham’s Megan O’Keefe (13) at the Senior Soccer Showcase on March 3.

On the boys’ side, Leland coach Rich Kubic managed the home team (white) versus B-League Champion Lincoln High School’s coach Josh Sotelo and Overfelt’s Dr. John Martinez.

“The goal for coaches in this game is more about time management than anything— you want to let the players show their stuff to the different college scouts attending the game.” said Kubic. “I believe the game is primarily for that purpose, but also I think that they intend to develop soccer into a bigger sport in this area. It also allows the guys one last chance to play high school soccer for their friends and families.”

The away team opened with two early goals, but Kubic’s 3-5-2 attack paid dividends when Munoz scored on a through ball he poked in with his left foot from 15 yards out before halftime.

Kubic’s players converted one more goal in the second and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” said Kubic. “We worked with the guys for four days including the game. The training sessions were focused and intense—the guys had excellent attitudes.”

Pioneer’s Flavio Huato and Brian Velez were also showcase selections.

A BVAL committee consisting of Colette Cluff and former Pioneer boys’ soccer head coach Jeff Farro, began initial planning for the event in January, enlisting sponsors Summit remodeling CO, Garland, Sturges & Quirk, Blossom’s ‘N Bows and New Millennium Graphics, who contributed funds toward supplies.

“Jeff came into the BVAL office a couple of years ago and proposed an all-star game for seniors,” said Cluff. “We have tried to put together what we think will be an excellent opportunity for kids to round off their high school careers.”

No-no for Leland’s Truan

Leland softball started its season on a promising note when Chargers’ ace pitcher Vanessa Truan tossed a no-hitter on March 2 in a 5-0 win at home over Santa Clara.

Truan, who picked up her first win of the season, struck out 14 batters over seven innings in the win, while teammate Quianna Sanchez helped lead the Charger offense by going 1-for-3 with a double and two runs batted in.

The Chargers open Mt. Hamilton Division play on March 21 at home against the Mt. Pleasant Cardinals at 3:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy www.mikejanes.com.

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