Volleyball

Photos by Natasha Keck/Special to the Town Crier
Defensive specialist Audrey Moir, left, and setter Logan Winn have played integral roles in Mountain View’s fast start this season.

Coach Dave Winn described himself as an optimistic person, yet even he didn’t expect his Mountain View High girls volleyball team to start the season this well. Not even close.

“I figured we’d go through some growing pains,” said Winn, whose Spartans improved to 18-4 overall with last week’s sweep of Los Gatos. “I would have been happy with a .500 season.”

Town Crier File Photo

Claire Kwok, blocking at left, and Katie Kishton, right, have been selected as team captains of this year’s Los Altos High girls volleyball team. Both seniors played integral roles on last season’s squad, which advanced to the state final for the first time in school history.

This may not only be the tallest girls volleyball team Peter Kim has coached in his nine years at Los Altos High, but also the one with the highest expectations.

The Eagles last year reached the state final for the first time in school history, and with four starters back – and the addition of two talented freshmen and a pair of 6-foot sophomores – they’re shooting for similar success this year.

John Kozak/Special to the Town Crier
Players on the Mountain View Volleyball Club’s 18 Red team, above, pose with their gold medals, plaques and trophy at the USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships. Seated, from left: Christian Menchaha and Chris Varsveld. Standing: Cole Gillis, Raymon Chen, Thomas Lawler, Jeffrey Kwan, Kevin Mathew, Ryan Sun, Gautham Dasari, Rajas Habbu and Jarrett Anderson. Not pictured: Ben Airola and coaches Jonah Carson, Tyler Hinz, Tyler Rigg, Todd Hollenbeck and Paul Leon.

When the season began last fall, coach Jonah Carson impressed upon his players that every one of them would be critical to the success of the Mountain View Volleyball Club’s 18 Red boys team.

That proved to be the case, as the squad won the 18 Open Division of the USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships last month by getting contributions from every player.

Megan V. Winslow/Town Crier
The Los Altos High girls volleyball team celebrates its NorCal final win over Cosumnes Oaks.

Although the Los Altos High girls volleyball team’s unexpected journey to the state championships didn’t end with a win, just getting there was a victory for the program. Los Altos had never made it this far before.

The Eagles won four Northern California playoff matches to reach Saturday’s Division II state final at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, where it took a Village to beat them – Village Christian of Sun Valley. The Crusaders prevailed 25-16, 25-23, 25-20.