Coasters: UNDEFEATED

Steve Virgen

Though Coach Chuck Cutenese would disagree, it’s time to talk about

an undefeated season for the Orange Coast College men’s volleyball team.

Actually, talk of an undefeated season has been overdue.

If you are one of those types who follow superstition stop reading

this article. The Pirates will finish their 2002 season undefeated as

Orange Empire Conference title winners and state champions.

There are three reasons this will happen.

With three conference matches remaining, the Bucs (14-0 in the OEC) will grab more momentum because they are one win away from clinching

their second straight OEC title.

In addition, this year, OCC has the luxury of hosting the state

championships April 26-27.

Reason No. 3: The Pirates have a strong set of sophomores, including

Soeren Schneider, Jeff Taylor and R.J. King, who are focused to redeem

themselves from last year’s loss in the state title match.

“Our sophomore leadership has been the difference,” Cutenese said

after the Pirates defeated host San Diego Mesa Friday. “Early in the

year, I didn’t think the leadership was there. But Soeren, Jeff Taylor,

and R.J. have really stepped up and have been pushing the others in

practice and in games. I think that’s really important. They’re really

focused.”

The undefeated Pirates found some more momentum March 15 when they

defeated visiting interconference foe Moorpark. OCC also attained

confidence and purpose from that victory in which the Pirates were

realistically challenged for the first time in the season. Coast had to

answer double-digit deficits to win the first two games, and responded to

beat Moorpark in four.

“There was a comment made by Soeren after that match,” Cutenese said.

“He said that was the first time we were down by double figures and had

to come back. For him to realize that and tell the team really gave

everyone confidence.”

Schneider, a 6-foot-6 outside hitter from Germany, has also been one

of the team’s kill leaders. Yet that hardly matters in his book.

Statistics are also of little concern for Taylor (6-3), King (6-6), or

freshman star Zach Jardine (6-8).

“This is the strangest thing: There has been no talk of being

undefeated or of a state championship,” Cutenese said. “None of the guys

are concerned with, ‘How many kills do I have.’ They’re just concerned

with the next match. They come out and play. They don’t ask how the other

teams are doing. It really shows their maturity and focus.”

OCC sophomore setter Scott Winant, who transferred from Irvine Valley

for the sole purpose of winning a state title, has also been instrumental

in the Pirates’ quest for a state title. Sophomores Greg Ford and 6-6

Arash Yari, who both are also IVC transfers, are just as anxious to win

the state crown.

The Pirates’ time will come soon.