In Battle of Unbeatens, Wootton Tops Blake

Patriots end Bengal win streak at six, 25-8, 25-14, 25-21

"It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it"

Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden

Wootton started it's match against Blake High School playing as solid a game as it has all year, with  passes on target, tough serving, smart setting and an agressive attack.  The patriots jumped out to a large lead in set one and never looked back. It was a complete team effort that put a measure of success on the Patriots preparation for the previously 6-0 Bengals, who were a half game ahead of the Patriots in the race for the division championship.  But volleyball matches do not end after one set.

In set 2, the Patriots again jumped out to an early lead, but Blake fought back, showing signs that set one was an anomaly. The Bengals are a good defensive team and were able to dig some of Wootton's hard hit balls and force errors on Wootton's side of the net. Though the Patriots pulled away at the end to go up 2-0, the Bengals were warming up to the competition.

BONG! You can almost hear the bell that rings when Rocky Balboa takes Apollo Creed beyond the third round and the realization sets in that this was going to be a heck of a boxing match.  Set three was a serve against serve, point to point matchup that was deadlocked at 18 all when the Patriots had to dig deeper to deliver the final punches to secure the match victory.

So, the important thing about in this match was how both teams finished, with Blake showing the athleticism and competitive spirit that has put them near the top of MCPS volleyball this spring, and with Wootton showing it's strength through adversity. And in the end, it was a battle between two of the three remaining unbeaten teams. And at the final whistle, Wootton took the upper hand for the division crown; but a possible meeting in the playoffs should be an interesting rematch.

Wootton takes on a talented team when perennial powerhouse Sherwood visits on Wednesday, April 18. The first serve is scheduled to take place 30 minutes after the end of the 5:15 pm coed match.

Key Win at Walter Johnson Positions Wootton In Thick of Race for Division Crown

Patriots tame Wildcats 25-7, 25-12, 25-16 to remain unbeaten; To face unbeaten Blake at home on Monday, April 16.
It was a good night for high school sports in Montgomery County. The baseball, track, softball and lacrosse teams are now well into their spring seasons and critical matchups are determining who will play for the division, county and state championships. At Walter Johnson High School, the talented Wootton lacrosse team was playing against formidable Wildcats outside on the turf while the Patriot volleyball teams took to the hardwood inside the gymnasium in a division match against traditionally strong rival.

Wootton had the upper hand in this match with experience. Walter Johnson played tough defense throughout the match. For the Patriots, Paul Malinauskas, Jeffrey Qiu, Justin Fowler, Henry Zhou, Benjamin Wang, Charles Wang, and do-everything Michael Ip provided a well-balanced attack and defensive effort for the win. Freshmen Richard Hum and Mark Pang, along with sophomore Cary Chin and senior Alan Nguyen, kept the pressure on the Wildcats with key plays coming off the bench.

Too bad the local papers don't cover volleyball.  There are many compelling stories to tell about boys volleyball in Montgomery County. The world's #2 participation sport draws from fan base that is extensive, engaged, committed and knowledgeable about the athleticism to compete at a high level. Inside Walter Johnson's gymnasium were two high school communities that represent that fan base well.  You won't be able to read about what happened in the Gazette.  We'll just have to keep it a secret among the estimated 240 boys playing at Montgomery County's 26 high schools, and the 800 million players worldwide who love their sport.

Wootton faces unbeaten Blak at home on Monday, April 16. The first serve is 30 minutes after the completion of the 5:15 pm coed match.

Wootton Earns Road Win at Paint Branch

Patriots improve season record to 4-0 with 25-7, 25-9, 25-7 win.


The Patriots traveled across county to face Paint Branch on their home court in a division match. While satisfied with a win, the scores did not indicate the level play necessary to hold off the young, athletic Paint Branch squad.

The Patriots travel to play the Walter Johnson Wildcats on Friday, April, 13 at 5:15 pm.... and hope for little luck on an unlucky day.

Wootton Claims Win in Cross-City Clash

Patriots top Rams 25-12, 25-6, 25-13; Season record improves to 3-0.

Wootton alum and current Rockville High School coach Sean Pang brought his team from east Rockville to his alma mater's gymnasium in western Rockville to face the team whose roster included his younger brother, Mark, a freshman outside hitter at Wootton. The Pang brothers, Sen, Sam Paul and Mark, have made their mark on the volleyball community, as former championship and all-county players at Wootton, and now as coaches.  And, for the match against Rockville, Mark made his mark.

The obviously well-coached Rams featured young, athletic players determined to keep the ball off the floor.  Mark Pang entered the match in the second set and had a stellar performance hitting outside for the Patriots, and finished the match with an undefeated record in head-to-head matchups against his legendary brothers.

The Patriots were led by setter Justin Fowler, and outside hitters Paul Malinauskas, Jeffrey Qiu and Henry Zhou. Senior do-everything Michael Ip stepped in at middle and proved to be one of the most productive players on Wootton's side of the court. Charles Wang blocked well in the middle. Coming off the bench were Richard Hum and Cary Chin, who played their best matches this season at left side and right side, respectively. Also, emerging as one of the county's top liberos, Benjamin Wang steadied Wootton's passing and digging.

The Patriots take a two week layoff for Spring break before returning to action on the road agains Paint Branch at 5:15 on April 11.

Wootton Wins Home Opener Versus Poolesville

Patriots clip Falcons 25-13, 25-14, 25-19

The 2012 MCPS boys volleyball season is off to a fresh start, and Wootton was riding high, fresh off its big road win over defending champion Blair as the Patriot Spikers returned home on Friday, March 23 to face the Poolesville Falcons.

Fittingly, Wootton turned to its freshmen so they could begin to write their chapter to Wootton's rich volleyball history. Richard Hum and Mark Pang took to the court with a strong supporting cast of veteran players, and showed a glimpse into the bright days ahead in their athletic careers.

The Patriots won the first set with junior Justin Fowler directing the offense and sophomore Paul Malinauskas, juniors Henry Zhou and Jeffrey Qiu leading the outside attack. Junior Charles Wang and Senior Alan Nyugen controlled the middle of the net while sophomores Benjamin Wang and Cary Chin passed and dug balls to create opportunities for Wootton's attack. Four year veteran and senior captain Michael Ip asserted his steadying force with outstanding all-around play and key contributions to the Wootton transition game.

With Ip quietly providing the veteran leadership, freshmen Hum and Pang launched their Wootton volleyball careers with a solid performances. Hum's experience and skill as point guard on the Wootton basketball team translated well to his volleyball game as a swing hitter with consistent passing and key kills from the left side. Pang, part of the Pang dynasty of outstanding brothers to have played volleyball for Wootton, distinguished himself with a strong serving game and flashes of explosiveness with his attack. Stay tuned for more from the Class of 2015.

Fowler and Malinauskas directed a 5-1 offense in sets 2 and 3, respectively. The pair are playing at a level to be the latest in Wootton's line of all-county setters/hitters. So, with a fresh outlook on the 2012 season, the young Patriots are showing the qualities of a team that is willing to work hard to bring honor to those who have played before them.

The Patriots meet Rockville in the Wootton gym on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. First serve is at 5:15 pm.

Wootton - Blair Matchup Sets 2012 High School Season on Fire

Patriots squeak past talented Blazers in hard-fought battle 21-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 19-17.

Referees for MCPS high school boys' volleyball matches do not have an easy task. There is just one referee--the R1 on the stand "up top"--with no help from a "down" ref to watch for net, line, and rotation violations. The MCPS athletic budget does not cover the cost for a second referee for the boys' matches as it does for the girls' matches.

So what?

Two evenly-matched teams opened the 2012 high school boys season at Montgomery Blair High School gymnasium on Wednesday evening. Wootton won the toss and served the first ball of the first set at 5:08 pm. TWO HOURS LATER a ball landed out-of-bounds to give the Patriots an extended fifth game victory, and a 1-0 season record. Two points separated the winner and loser. Along with the even draw of talent and play, mix in the emotion and intensity of a friendly but fierce rivalry, a close five-set match and.... so what?

Every point counts. The teams know that. The coaches know that. The spectators know that. Every spin of the ball, every jump at the net, every sprawl to the floor, every hit off the block is going to be interpreted, analyzed and scrutinized. Everyone in the gym considers the play, but only one person regulates it objectively.

The referee has a very difficult task.

Blair pulled out in front of the Patriots to win the first two sets and took control of the match with serving, defense and the offensive power of their top players. Wootton rebounded in the third set, taking an early 8-2 lead, and again 22-18, but had to fight off a late Blair rally. Wootton took the fourth set behind the serving and hitting of Paul Malinauskas and Jeffrey Qiu, and the serving and setting of Justin Fowler.

Key blocking by Malinauskas, Qui Fowler and Charles Wang yielded important points for Wootton in set 5. Benjamin Wang, Michael Ip and Cary Chin steadied the Patriot passing and digging game. Henry Zhou and Alan Nyugen joined Malinauskas and Qui on the offensive attack. After coming back from a 2-5 deficit, the Patriots had match point at 14-11 and held back a surging Blazer effort to win set 5, 19-17, and the match as the final ball dropped out of bounds in Wootton's favor.

And the referee signalled the end of the match. And handshakes were delivered with mutual respect among friendly rivals, spectators, and with the objective regulator of the difficult task.

The Patriot's next match is at home against Poolesville on Friday, March 23. First serve is scheduled for 5:15 pm.

Spring 2012 Tryouts on March 1-2

Currently, volleyball tryouts are scheduled for 3:00-5:00 on Thursday, March 1, and 1:00-4:00 on Friday, March 2 (This could change depending on basketball playoff).  ALL students trying out for volleyball are expected to attend all tryout sessions. Please plan accordingly.

All MCPS and Wootton required forms are available at woottonathletics.com (or click here to go directly to the page). Be sure to make copies of your completed Health Inventory.  The Athletic Department does not physically keep them on file. The forms include:

•  Health Inventory - Physical Form  Required from each athlete prior to trying out. Must be completed and signed by a M.D. and parent. Optimal completion period during the summer prior to school starting.
•  Parent Permission - Residency Form Required of each athlete at tryouts.
•  Wootton Athletic Guidelines Form Required of all athletes for each sport
•  ECA Fee Mail In Form Fee is required of all participants prior to the start of the season. You can either fill in the form and mail to ECA or pay online through the link provided under the LINKS Tab in the laft menu.
•  Health card - Emergency Contact Info Required form for each athlete for each sport.

Continue to check this website or woottonathletics.com for information.