GILROY—It’s been a busy summer for the Cougar and Mustangs volleyball teams. They’ve logged countless practice hours to prep for the upcoming season, and on Sept. 1 they’ll show each other what they’ve learned.
The teams will kick off their seasons against one another at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 for the Central Coast Section Sportsmanship match at Gilroy High. It’s the on time the squads will meet this season.
At Gilroy, coach Paolo Palao—who was an assistant last season—has officially taken over the program. He said he has seen a healthy turnout over the summer, which has led to solid 11-man rosters at both the JV and varsity levels. He’s hoping the roster additions will help the team rebound from its 3-13 overall record last year.
“It’s exciting,” Palao said of his new role. “I get to kind of revamp and work in facets that I think weren’t present last year.”
The Cougars utilized their offseason by participating in a summer league and open gym workouts. All of that, senior setter Christa Arroyo said, has brought the Cougars’ team closer together.
“There seems to be more chemistry, more bonding and we’re much stronger than we were before,” the senior setter said. “(Our) biggest strengths is the movement and communication…I know some of us the past few years haven’t been there mentally, so I’m really looking forward to (this season).”
Arroyo is one of several upperclassmen returning to Christopher’s line-up. She’ll be joined by seniors Marielle Gomez, the libero, and outside hitter Samantha Dolan. Junior Kaitlyn Viray is also returning and Brian Calimpong said she’ll add power and a higher volleyball IQ to the roster.
This year’s Cougars squad will be smaller than in previous years, with its three tallest players all coming in at 5-10. Of those three is the team’s lone freshman, Grace Gundy.
“I was jumping with joy (when I found out I made varsity) and I gave my friend a huge hug,” she said, noting she’s eager to learn from her teammates.
Though the team will be smaller and not “as proven” in terms of returning All-League players, Calimpong said he remains confident.
“They’re very, very volleyball savvy…they want to work for one another,” he said. “The challenges are there, but at the same time they turn very quickly into opportunities for growth and I’m excited.”
The Mustangs will look to seniors Jenna Clonts and Sarah Weiby this year for leadership on the court. Both have developed significantly since last year, Palao said, thanks to working with the Gavilan volleyball team this summer.
“It’s been a positive thing because they both show leadership qualities that were there last year but have now fully bloomed this season,” Palao said. “I’m very excited for them to work with their teammates and help…our program grow.”
Two freshmen additions, Alyssa Harden and Margo Clonts, also have Palao excited. Though they’ve yet to see high school competition, the Mustangs coaching staff believes they have “more than enough potential” to face prep level opponents.
The Mustangs are still working to understand their specific positions. As they prep for the season, Palao said the biggest thing they’re working on is their in-game rotations.
While Gilroy still has some work to do, Palao said the future is bright.
“None of them are at their plateau,” he said. “They show that willingness and eagerness to play well and to play hard and to learn something new each night.”
