A Newsletter for the Wootton High School Boys Volleyball Community

5.07.2011

Wootton Advances to Semifinal Match Against Favored Blair

Patriots claw past Northwest Jaguars 25-17, 25-17, 25-11.

The stage was set for the Wootton-Northwest rematch in the quarterfinals of the MCPS playoffs. Since their meeting on April 4 (a 3-0 Wootton victory), the Jaguars had won 7 of 8 matches in convincing fashion, dropping only a close five set match against Clarksburg. Coach Rob Smith's team is one of the most athletic (and tallest) teams in the county. Obviously well-coached, the Jags are tough, physical opponent that gave Wootton fits at the net during the first match.

The Wootton bandwagon was riding a 13 match win streak, but this time, with the season now on the line, each team's challenge was set.

Wootton had been experimenting with a variety of lineups all season long, going as deep as 15 players in most matches. Throughout the regular season, however, a key to the Patriots' success was the leadership and resolve of the three seniors: Mark Yang, Eray Wang and Aaron Yee. Each has proved to be a steadying force for a young team with high expectations of itself.

So, with Yang, Wang and Yee leading the way, the Patriots played their most complete match of the season, responding to a strong Jaguar block and attack.

With the win, Wootton advances to the semifinals against a talented and favored Blair team (see season preview http://www.gazette.net/gazettecms/story.php?id=2673 and "Blair Boys ...again reigning supreme" http://www.gazette.net/gazettecms/story.php?id=2810) Blair team that features two All-County players and several of the top club players on the East Coast. The match will be played in Wootton's gym on Tuesday, May 10. First serve is set for 6 pm.








5.04.2011

Patriots Advance to Round Two

Wootton tops Clarksburg Coyotes 25-7, 25-11, 25-11; Play Northwest on May 6.

Top seeded Wootton faced a young, 16th-seeded Clarksburg team at Wootton in the first round of playoffs. Clarksburg is a team on the rise, having played 7 of it's 12 matches to a fifth and deciding game, and winning 5 of its last 6 matches, just the kind of seasoning a young team needs to develop and look toward a promising future.

Wootton relied on it's serve and transition game to come out on top. Seniors Aaron Yee, Eray Wang and Mark Yang led the Patriots as they have all season. Setter Justin Fowler, along with Wang, directed the Patriot offense. Paul Malinauskas, Henry Zhou, Yee and Wang led the Patriots on the outside, while Nic Texier and Charles Wang were solid in the middle. Jeffrey Qiu provided spark with his serving and play on the outside and middle. Christopher Wong and Michael Ip led the Patriot defensive effort, along with Cary Chin and Ben Wang.

Wootton meets #9 seed Northwest in a second round playoff game in Wootton's gym on Friday, May 6 at 5:15 pm.

5.02.2011

Three More Wins for Patriots; Earn #1 Seed for Playoffs.

Wootton tops Seneca Valley, Gaithersburg and Poolesville.

Wootton completed its 2011 regular season with a 12-0 match record (36-1 set record) and earned the top seed in the MCPS playoffs for the third consecutive year.

On Wednesday, April 27, the Patriots traveled to Seneca Valley to take on the Screaming Eagles. A 25-5, 25-13, 25-12 victory was earned by a strong serving and transition game.

On Friday, April 29, the Patriots hosted the Gaithersburg Trojans, scoring a quick 25-8, 25-6, 25-11 win led by seniors Eray Wang, Mark Yang and Aaron Yee. After the match, the Wootton volleyball community paused to recognize the contributions of Wang, Yang and Yee to Wootton volleyball. Consider their remarkable 4-year record:
Regular season match record: 39-7
Regular season set record: 134-24
4 playoff appearances (2008 1st round, 2009 semifinalist, 2010 finalist, 2011 TBD)
Three years #1 seed in playoffs.

In the final regular season match, the Patriots traveled west to meet the Poolesville Falcons. Once again relying on its serving and transition game, the Patriots scored a 25-13, 25-14, 25-14 victory.

#1 Wootton will host #16 Clarksburg on Wednesday, May 4 at 6 pm in the first round of the MCPS playoffs.

4.25.2011

Patriots are 9-0; Regular Season Nears End

Wootton takes a break after brushing back Paint Branch 25-8, 25-7, 25-5.

Prior to a two week break from it's regular season, the Wootton boys took on the visiting Panthers of Paint Branch in a match that is becoming increasingly meaningful in terms of playoff seeding. Three quarters through the season, the Patriots sit atop the overall MCPS standing as one of two undefeated teams, squeezing out Springbrook based on overall set record of 27-1 versus 27-2. With three regular season matches remaining, Wootton has the slight upper hand to earn the top seed for a third consecutive year.

Pardon my attempt at British colloquialism.... Sophomore Jeffrey Qiu was bloody effective in unleashing a torrent of bombs against the Panther defense. Queuing up Qiu was sophomore setter Justin Fowler, who took on full time setting duties with the absence of senior Eray Wang. And the rest of the Patriots followed Qiu's lead, with everyone seeing action minus all-utility Wang and senior Mark (serve: BANG!) Yang and the late (but very much still alive) Nic Texier. Texier turned over the middle hitting reigns to sophomore Charles Wang and junior Alan "Jungle Man" Ngyun, who proved that volleyball is more than a recreational pastime played by beer bellied "bumpers and spikers" at the company picnic. Ngyun, in fact, showed up 24 hours earlier ready to play, demonstrating a commitment to the sport that ringers at the clambake are often lacking.

Henry Zhou, Michael Ip, Eric Zhang and Chris Wong played solid all-around games. Juniors Wong and Ip are establishing themselves as two of the premier defensive players in the county. Following in Wong's and Ip's footsteps are freshmen Ben Wang and Cary Chin, who are on a path to step up when the opportunity is presented to them. Freshman Paul Malinauskas played a fine match as a left-handed volleyball cruncher...perhaps the most talented Wootton freshman in years to crunch volleyballs left-handedly..... At least since now-senior Mark Yang and older Malinauskas brother Tony "the Phalanx" set foot on Wootton's storied volleyball court.

Senior Aaron Yee deserves a line all to himself for his usual stellar play. Good job Aaron. Bigger opportunities are on the horizon for you. All-County....been there, done that.

Wootton returns from it's two week layoff when it visits Seneca Valley in a 3:30 pm match on Wednesday, April 27.

4.12.2011

Patriots Outrank Colonels, 3-0

Wootton defeats Magruder 25-10, 25-12, 25-9.

Magruder High School will host the MCPS boys volleyball championship match on May 12.  Wootton certainly would like to be playing in Magruder's gym on May 12, but first had to make the trip down Muncaster Mill Road to play the Colonels in a regular season match, where the home team has a tradition of playing very tough.

Each of Wootton's 15 players saw action on the court. The Patriots were focused throughout each set,and were able to reduce the number of unforced errors as the match progressed.

Wootton returns home to face Paint Branch in a 5:15 pm match on Thursday, April 14, 2011.

4.07.2011

Wootton Captures Gold Division Title with 3-0 Win Over Kennedy

Patriots top Cavaliers 25-10, 25-19, 25-15.

Half-way through the 2010 and 2011 seasons, the winner of the Wootton-Kennedy match would take the MCPS Gold Division title. And for the second year in a row, Wootton has come out on top. With the win, Wootton High School boys volleyball has now earned three consecutive MCPS division championships.

Each of the fifteen players on Wootton's roster saw action, and were led by 4th year seniors Eray Wang, Aaron Yee and Mark Yang. Junior middle hitters Alan Ngyun (3 kills, .500), Nic Texier (4 kills, .428) and sophomore Charles Wang (2 kills on 2 attempts) patrolled the middle of the net for the Patriots, and junior Christopher Wong (4 aces) led the team in serving. Wong, along with fellow junior Michael Ip and freshman Cary Chin and Benjamin Wang led the backrow defense. Seniors Yee and Wang, along with sophomore Justin Fowler, shared setting duties. Seniors Yee (2 kills), Yang (1 kill) and Wang (3 kills on 3 attempts), and junior Eric Zhang, sophomores Jeffrey Qiu (3 kills, .750) and Henry Zhou, along with and freshman Paul Malinauskas (8 kills, .333), led the Patriot outside attack.

The Patriots continue their season with five non-division matches that will determine seeding for the playoffs. On Monday, April 11, the Patriots will visit the Colonels of Magruder High School in a 5:15 match, followed by the Gold Division champion Wootton Coed team.

4.05.2011

Patriots Defend Territory Against Jaguars

Wootton tops Northwest for sixth consecutive victory 25-18, 25-19, 25-15.

The name jaguar is derived from the Native American word yaguar, which means "he who kills with one leap."

Thank goodness for Wootton that volleyball matches are best of five 25-point sets, because the Patriots saw a big, physical, athletic group of Jaguars that can leap and kill with the best of teams in Montgomery County. It would take more than one leap to stop the Patriots' serve and pass game on its home court, but the Jaguars have marked their territory as a team on the rise and ready to challenge for the MCPS Championship. They are a talented group that is becoming a very good team. Coach Rob Smith is making good things happen with volleyballs at Northwest.

As Patriots do, Wootton's boys volleyball team defended its home turf. Seniors Aaron Yee, Eray Wang and Mark Yang were once again a steadying force and stepped up in key moments when the Patriots needed points. Setter Justin Fowler dished out 28 assists as he directed the offense in all three sets. Yee (7 kills), Nic Texier (3 kills, .500) Paul Malinauskas (11 kills, .270) and Jeffrey Qiu (7 kills, .750) led the attack. Yee (5 aces), Malinauskas (4 aces), Qiu (4 aces), Fowler (3 aces), Yang (3 aces) and Henry Zhou (2 aces) kept the Jaguars on the run with their serving. Christopher Wong and Michael Ip, along with Yee, led the team in digs. Charles Wang came off the bench to strengthen the Wootton block against the high (and hard) hitting Jaguars.

Wootton is on the road on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 to face the Kennedy Cavaliers in a 5:15 pm match. The winner of the Kennedy-Wootton match clinches the MCPS Gold Division Championship.


4.02.2011

Patriots Collar Bulldogs 3-0


Wootton season record at 5-0 with 25-14, 25-8, 25-15 win over Churchill.

Churchill visited Wootton's home court in a Gold Division match that would determine division standings, playoff seeding and bragging rights among rivals. The Bulldogs pounced first, but the Patriots answered with an effective serving game where six different players fetching a total of twelve aces.

Seniors Aaron Yee, Mark Yang and Eray Wang dogged the Bulldogs serving and barked back, unleashing the Wootton offense that featured Jeffrey Qui leading the way with seven kills, followed by Paul Malinauskas with six kills (and 3 blocks). Of note was Nic Texier hitting 1.000 with 3 kills on 3 attempts. Juniors Christopher Wong and Michael Ip excelled for the Patriots in the back row. Eray Wang (6 assists) and Justin Fowler (22 assists) directed the Wotton offense.

Next up for Wootton is a home match against the Northwest Jaguars on Monday, April 4 at 7 pm.

3.29.2011

Patriots Go Across County, Down Gladiators 3-0

Wootton tops Northwood 25-3, 25-3, 25-10; Season record at 4-0

The pieces to Wootton's 2011 season puzzle are accounted for and in hand, but fitting them together in a coherent way to score high is a challenge that any Scrabble player can appreciate. If stacked with one or more high-value letters and an opportunity on the board for a triple letter/word score, try your best to match 'em up and rack up some major points. Knowing that Northwood is a well-coached team with good athletes, Wootton prepared for a battle in this Gold Division match-up. As the match began, the Patriots realized they were catching Northwood on a down day. No doubt, however, the Gladiators will bounce back and rack up points of their own as they move through the rest of their season. Good coaches and good athletes make sure of that.

For Wootton, the triple word score manifested as a three game sweep with each player seeing court time. Seniors Aaron Yee, Mark Yang and Eray Wang once again let the Patriots to victory with a strong supporting cast of five juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen. The pieces are in hand, yet completing the 2011 puzzle will continue to depend on how many high value pieces are in hand when the opportunities are presented.

The Patriots return home for another Gold Division match against rival Churchill on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 7 pm. There will be no fooling around when the Patriots and Bulldogs face each other across the net.


3.26.2011

Aces for Wootton at Home Against Rockville

Patriots serve 21 aces in 25-16, 25-10, 25-10 win against Rams. Season record at 3-0.

Wootton opened up MCPS Gold Division play against cross-city rival Rockville in a match where the Patriots fell behind early in the first set before stepping up an aggressive serving campaign in front of its home fans. Six of the fifteen Wootton players that saw court action served aces, with freshman Paul Malinauskas leading the way with seven aces. Senior Mark Yang and sophomore Jeffrey Qiu recorded four aces each.

Once again, Yang, along with All-County senior Aaron Yee and Do-Everything senior Eray Wang led the Patriots to victory. Yee, along with Malinauskas, tallied 8 kills apiece. Qiu, along with junior Nic Texier had four kills each, while sophomore Henry Zhou Wang directed the Patriot offense to decisive wins in sets two and three, while sophomore setter Justin Fowler set the pace in the first and second sets before taking a much needed break. Sophomore Charles Wang had 2 kills and two blocks in his first varsity start.

As a team, Wootton hit at a .343 clip in the match.

Juniors Christopher Wong and Michael Ip, along with freshmen Cary Chin and Benjamin Wang, led the Patriot defense and passing game. Alan Ngyun and Eric Zhang came off the bench to close out the Wootton victory with strong blocking at the net.

The Patriots travel across county to face the Northwood Gladiators on Monday, March 28, 2011 in a Gold Division match. The coed match begins at 3:30 pm, followed by Yee, Yang, Wang and company.

3.24.2011

Patriots Buzz By Damascus 3-0

Claim first two sets 25-11, 25-13; Swat back Hornets 26-24 after feeling sting of home team's rally.

Wootton traveled north to Damascus on Wednesday, March 23 to take on an athletic Hornet squad in a non-division match. The match tested Wootton's depth as the Patriot bench was depleted to compete against an opponent that proved to be stronger as the match progressed.

Seniors Aaron Yee, Eray Wang, and Mark Yang led the Patriot charge. Juniors Nic Texier, Michael Ip and Alan Nugyen were steady on defense and transition. Sophomore Justin Fowler shared setting duties with Wang and Yee. Sophomores Jeffrey Qui and Charles Wang were strong at the net while fellow Sophomore Henry Zhou led all Patriots with 8 kills. Zhou was especially clutch in a come-from-behind win in set three.

Freshmen Cary Chin and Benjamin Wang made their varsity debut in the back row, while fellow frosh Paul Malinauskas provided offensive firepower in the first two sets.

The Patriots return home on Friday, March 25 against cross-town rival Rockville High school for city bragging rights and the mythical city crown.

3.22.2011

Wootton Serves Up 2011 Season Opener With 3-1 Win

Patriots top Richard Montgomery Rockets, 22-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-13

The senior trio of Aaron Yee, Mark Yang and Eray Wang led a young Patriot team to victory to open the 2011 season. Each in their four year of varsity play, Yee, Yang and Wang drew on their experience to steady Wootton's serve and receive game after the Rockets opened up an eleven point lead at the start of the first set.

Two-year All-County player Aaron Yee paced the Patriot attack with 14 kills. Yang gave the Patriots a lead in set two with his strong serves, finishing with 4 aces in the match. All-around utility player Wang stepped in to serve, pass, and block as the Patriots attempted to match the outstanding play of Richard Montgomery's Justin Chang, Jacob Hartranft and Brendan Chang.

Juniors Michael Ip and Christopher Wong opened up the Patriot attack with 86% combined passing efficiency, and created opportunities in the transition game with their digging.

Sophomore setter Justin Fowler directed the offense, with Junior Nic Texier (5 kills) and Sophomore Jeffrey Qiu (3 kills) a constant force in the middle of the net. Qui also had a strong serving game with 2 aces and 9 missiles on 16 serves. Sophomore Henry Zhou and Freshman Paul Malinauskas (9 kills) joined Yee on the outside attack.

Also seeing action for the Patriots were first year players Charles Wang and Alan Ngyun, who helped close out the victory in the fourth set.

Wootton hits the road on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 to play the Hornets of Damascus High School. The Coed match starts at 5:15 pm, followed by the boys match (approximately 7 pm).