Community college men’s volleyball: Pirates eye state final again
Steve Virgen
COSTA MESA - What does the Orange Coast College men’s volleyball
team do for an encore after its state runner-up finish last year? Well,
so far the Pirates are undefeated at 7-0, 3-0 in the Orange Empire
Conference, as all signs point to another state final appearance for
Coach Chuck Cutenese’s squad.
The Bucs, the defending OEC champions who finished 21-2 last year,
have also somewhat avenged their 2001 state final loss to Los Angeles
Pierce. OCC defeated L.A. Pierce in a one-game format, 30-26, in the Long
Beach Tournament, which gave the Pirates the tourney title, Feb. 2.
“My goals for this team has been to win the Long Beach Tournament, win
(the OEC title) and win (the state title),” Cutenese said. “In order for
for us to do that, the first responsibility for all of us is to work on
improving individually. Then the other three goals will fall into place.
Our goal every day is to get better individually. Our long term goals are
the three goals.”
After reaching their first goal, the Pirates are the favorite to win
the OEC, thanks in part to key returners Jeff Taylor, Soeren Schneider
and R.J. King.
Taylor, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter, is a consistent force for the
Pirates, while twin towers Schneider and King stand at 6-6 with Schneider
an outside hitter and King a middle blocker. Schneider earned Most
Valuable Player laurels at the Long Beach Tournament. John Campbell is
also a key returner who is in the middle, yet is capable of playing all
positions.
In addition, Cutenese collected three transfers from Irvine Valley
College, who have been contributing greatly this season. Sophomores Scott
Winant, the team’s starting setter, Greg Ford, the starting libero and
6-6 middle blocker Arash Yari caught on to OCC while watching the Pirates
play in the state final against L.A. Pierce. After the Bucs lost to
Pierce, April 28 2001, the trio introduced themselves to Cutenese and
inquired about transferring the very next day.
Another transfer, 6-6 Kyle Martin, from UC Irvine, has been
contributing, as well.
The Pirates feature a balanced attack because of a talented freshman
class which is led by Irvine High standout Zach Jardine, who has NCAA
Division I talent, Cutenese said. Jardine, the 6-8 head opposite, has
been the Pirates’ kill leader in three matches thus far.
OCC’s focus on individual improvement intensifies as the OEC season
continues and the postseason approaches. Last year, the Pirates suffered
a setback when their kill leader, B.J. Lightvoet, injured his hitting
hand. If such an injury occurs this year, Cutenese is expecting his
talented group of players to step up.
Rival Golden West will be much improved this year and should be a
formidable opponent for the Pirates, Cutenese said. Irvine Valley will
also contend for the OEC title.
OCC plays at Golden West, March 1, and host the Rustlers, April 17.
ORANGE COAST COLLEGE MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
1 Kione Scott 5-9 Lib Fr.
2 Kyle Martin 6-6 U So.
3 John Campbell 6-4 U So.
4 R.J. King 6-6 MB So.
6 Greg Ford 6-1 Lib So.
8 Miguel Galeana 6-6 U Fr.
9 Paul Pomroy 6-4 Op Fr.
10 Jeff Taylor 6-3 OH So.
11 Soeren Schneider 6-6 OH So.
12 Scott Winant 6-3 S So.
13 Arash Yari 6-6 MB So.
14 Nick Yeager 6-2 OH Fr.
15 Zach Jardine 6-8 Opp Fr.
16 Jesse Klotz 6-1 OH Fr.
18 David Doxey 6-1 S Fr.
Coach: Chuck Cutenese
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