Boys’ volleyball wins Division I semifinals, advances to finals

Will+Bebinger+and+Matt+Honberger+make+a+block+together+in+the+first+set+against+Grant.

Will Bebinger and Matt Honberger make a block together in the first set against Grant.

Last night, the boys’ volleyball team played Grant in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I semifinals, sweeping the Pacers 3-0.

The players that have shown dominance on the court all season were prevalent in all three sets of the game. Cole Aidnik and Cavan Stewart led the team in kills, with 10 and eight respectively. On the defensive side, Will Bebinger and Matt Honberger came on strong, Bebinger with 17 blocks and Honberger with 10.

The first set of the game started off very close, but after each team reached 10 points, the Wildcats took off, scoring 15 more points to the Pacers’ six. Honberger and Bebinger made several key blocks to get the win, 25-16.

Close play persisted through the next two sets, but the Wildcats came out on top 25-21 in both. Daniel Jones made big plays, offensively and defensively, at the end of both sets to secure a win for the team.

With the win, the Wildcats advance on in the playoffs to the Division I finals where they will attempt to capture their third consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section championship. The team has had this game in their sights since the season began in February.

“It’s been a goal of ours the whole year to win sections and make it back to NorCals. We’ve been practicing for this moment the whole year,” Bebinger said.

With only one day in between the games, the team will prepare as much as possible in the short amount of time they have.

“We will practice the fundamentals, but most importantly get rest so that we are physically and mentally prepared for the game,” Bebinger said.

The Wildcats face fifth seed Roseville tomorrow at Capital Christian to battle for the section title. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.

 

by RYLEA GILLIS