OCC goes broom on Rustlers

COSTA MESA — Travis Turner went into Best Buy in search of electronics and came out with an All-CIF outside hitter.

In September, Turner bumped into Kevin Welch, who he coached on the Balboa Bay Volleyball Club team.

Welch, who helped Corona del Mar High to a CIF Southern Section Division II title in 2005, was in town to begin his return to volleyball after leaving Indiana University where he was a walk-on football player.

Turner mentioned he was taking over the Orange Coast College men’s volleyball team for 14-year Pirates Coach Chuck Cutenese and he would be happy to have the 6-foot-2 outside hitter. A month later, Turner received a call from Welch telling him he wanted to be a Pirate.

“That was my best trip to Best Buy ever,” Turner said. “[Welch] just understands how to compete.”

Turner said Welch is one of the many reasons for the Pirates’ turnaround this season. Orange Coast picked up its 11th consecutive victory Wednesday with a 32-30, 30-16, 30-16 shellacking of rival Golden West.

Sophomore opposite hitter Neil Bell had a match-high 11 kills followed by sophomore outside hitter Matt Knutson, who had nine. Sophomore libero Alika De Rego had 11 digs and three aces, while sophomore Brett Lessman had six blocks. The setting combination of sophomores Trevor Holmes, an Estancia product, and Keith Thornton had 24 and 16 assists respectively.

The Pirates (11-1, 6-0 in the Orange Empire Conference) were a combined 21-20 the past two seasons and have not won a conference title since 2002.

One thing Turner knows is Orange Coast championships. As a setter, he helped the Pirates to state volleyball titles in 1989 and 1990.

“This was a natural fit for me,” said Turner, who is the program’s third coach in 26 years. “I’m very excited. I’ve thought about it since I left here.”

Turner speaks daily to Cutenese.

“He’s been extremely supportive,” Turner said. “He’s helped me with recruiting. Without Chuck I don’t think we’d be doing this well.”

Turner also inherited a bounty of talent, most of which played on his club team. Holmes, who helped Estancia to a Division III section title in 2004, played club for Turner and said he is excited about the fast-paced offense Turner installed and the talent on the team.

“It’s amazing having this many hitters, you can set it to anyone,” Holmes said. “The guys are working together. We’ve got a shot to take it all the way.”

Welch is doing his best to fit in.

“We did pretty well, competitive-wise it wasn’t like our last two games, but we got the second string in,” said Welch, who would like to play volleyball for Pepperdine in the future. “I’m just trying to come in and set a good example. I’m having a good time.”