Junior Izaiah Hennis, left, and senior Malachi Gorman make a successful block against Center.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - With a 4-3 record to start to the season, the Cordova Lancers varsity boys’ volleyball program is doing well. 

Vibes have been high inside the Lancer gym early on and that was very apparent during a 3-0 victory at home March 6 against visiting Center High.

The energy is palpable, and with the team quickly approaching the start of Metro League play, Lancers’ head coach Joseph Smith is optimistic about their chances. 

Cordova head coach Joseph Smith gives his team a pep talk before the match against Center on March 6.

"I am optimistic about this season," Smith said. "I know that coming into the Metro League, we're facing tougher competition but we've got pieces that are working well together. They're still getting used to each other in some circumstances but I think it's going to be a fun season."

A trio of seniors, setter Grant Carr, middle blocker Malachi Gorman and outside hitter Ali Aljanabi; have been key contributors in the team’s fast start. According to Smith, a big reason for their early success has been improved communication on the court, with vastly improved composure and focus when games get tight.

Carr is in his first year as the team’s setter, however, and Smith mentioned that cohesion between the front and back ends of his lineup is a work in progress.

 

Senior Ali Aljanabi makes a big hit for a point against Center.

Freshman setter Derek Hobart has also made an impact in his first season on varsity and could be relied upon in the future. 

The Lancers now look ahead to Metro League competition, which begins on March 18 when they host visiting McClatchy at 6 p.m.

 

Junior Izaiah Hennis goes up high for a kill shot against Center.

It will be Cordova's first season in the newest version of the Metro League after realignment within the California Interscholastic Federation Sac Joaquin Section, and their coach knows they will have their work cut out for them.

"There's been consistency amongst those teams, with West Park, Antelope, Kennedy for a lot of seasons," Smith said. "We know we're going to be in some tough matches against them. I'm hopeful we can compete well and we'll see where the cards fall. But it should be good games for us."