Patriots complete regular season with win against Rams 25-11, 25-10, 25-16; Playoffs begin on May 6.CAUTION: READ THIS ONLY IF YOU HAVE AN APPETITE FOR CORNY SPORTS-FOOD ANALOGIES.
It's not a picnic when playing against Rockville, particularly with Coach Hollies at the helm. Good athletes and good coaching are main ingredients for a winning boys volleyball program, and Rockville is cooking up a recipe for a bright future on par with its outstanding teams of the past several years. Rockville has good young athletes that now know how to play volleyball. Take them for granted next year, then prepare to be eaten alive.
Experience, fortunately, served up a win for Wootton this year. Setters Aaron Yee and Eray Wang adjusted to a change in the usual Patriot lineup in the first set, directing an offense led by Tony Malinauskas, Alex Filie, and Zhenyang Zhang. Kevin Liang contributed a strong all-around performance in the swing hitter position.
The Patriots jumped out to an early lead in game two behind Filie's serving. Eray Wang took over the sole quarterback duties, and, along with Malinauskas, Mark Yang, Zhenyang Zhang and Richard Fan led an effective transition game. Eric Zhang and Chris Wong came off the bench to protect the lead for the Patriots.
Since the beginning of March, the talents of Wootton's younger players have been simmering in the practice gym. Michael Ip, George Ewald, Eric Zhang, along with Chris Wong, got the nod to cook up their own winning recipe, giving the fans a taste of what's on the Wootton menu for the next few years...Ewald patrolling the net, and Ip, Zhang, and Wong adding their own seasoning.
Of note in game three was the steady leadership of veterans Eray Wang, Mark Yang, Zhenyang Zhang and Xinyuan Wang. Well done.
With the win, Wootton completes its regular season with an 11-1 match record, and 35-4 set record, and a division championship. Anyone hungry for the playoffs to begin? See you in the gym on Wednesday, May 6. Opponent, site and time to be determined.