Estancia featuring new cast

The forecast for the Estancia High boys’ volleyball team this season is rebuilding with a strong possibility of playoffs.

The Eagles are in the unique position of losing their entire roster — no players on this season’s team have varsity experience — but still have a realistic shot at the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

That would probably have remained the case had Estancia stayed in the Golden West League, with its three playoff spots and lack of a power volleyball school. But, this season, the Eagles could be the benefactor of being in the four-team Orange Coast League.

The move puts Estancia in the same league as Laguna Beach, a perennial playoff participant, which would likely rule out the league’s No. 1 spot. It also means the Eagles will compete in CIF Southern Section Division II.

But the league’s second guaranteed playoff spot is up for grabs and the Eagles will tangle with Calvary Chapel, which missed the Division III playoffs last season, and Costa Mesa for the No. 2 spot. Costa Mesa has only one returning player with varsity experience, as well.

“I think that it is a great possibility for us to make the playoffs,” second-year coach Mark Cygan said. “We have to keep a great attitude. We haven’t begun setting goals. We are measuring success from what we do in each match.”

For now, the focus is simple. Cygan wants the Eagles to work on their passing.

“We’re working on ball control,” Cygan said. “We are looking to hit our stride when we hit league. We have a long nonleague season. We want to be running smoothly by league.”

This season’s team is a near polar opposite of last season’s team in terms of experience. Estancia graduated 6-foot-6 middle blocker Dallas Kopp and outside hitter Scott Markley, who were third-team All-CIF Division III honorees the past two seasons.

Kopp boasted a .550 hitting percentage and is playing at Long Beach State and Markley, who led the team in kills and digs, is playing for three-time defending NAIA champion Cal Baptist.

The pair helped lead the Eagles to the second round of playoffs last season and were a part of the Eagles’ CIF Division III crown as sophomores.

“It’s much more of a learning experience this season,” Cygan said. “It’s a different camaraderie. They were already a cohesive unit last year. It’s a different mentality.”

Cygan said this season’s team will have the same luxury, with only one senior, to build chemistry for the long term.

“I’m pleased with the athletes we have,” Cygan said. “They are young, eager and ready to go.”

Junior setter Barry Fryslie should be a factor in the team’s progress.

“Obviously the setter position is crucial,” Cygan said. “Barry is a guy who can jump and attack. He has the most potential.”

Sophomore Bradley Reitler and freshman Kyle Prevel will be the Eagles’ middle blockers.

“They’re quick and they’re tall,” Cygan said. “Kyle has played club before and Bradley, he’s grown and can be real successful.”

Senior outside hitter Brian Sankey figures to play a key role in the Eagles’ offense.

“He hits the hardest on the team and makes good contact,” Cygan said.

Cygan said Estancia has two strong defensive specialists in juniors Adriel Robles and Cory Longshore.

“They’re both real solid,” Cygan said. “It’s about having that nose for the ball, an inherent ability go for it.”

THE EAGLES

4 Brian Sankey Sr.

5 Jacob Wachman So.

6 Cory Longshore Jr.

7 Adriel Robles Jr.

8 Kohl Jones Fr.

10 Shane Lyons So.

11 Bradley Reitler So.

12 Scott Essen Jr.

13 Ly Nguyen Jr.

14 Kyle Prevel Fr.

15 Barry Fryslie Jr.

n/a Adam Knott Jr.

Coach: Mark Cygan

(second year)