Mar Vista Boys Volleyball Team Remains Undefeated Against South Bay League Teams

The Mar Vista boys volleyball team defeated Southwest High on Wednesday 3-0. With the win on the road, the Mariners remain undefeated, 10-0, in the South Bay League.

After defeating Southwest 25-20, 25-10, 25-17, the Mariners are on a four-game win streak. But with just a few games left in the season, the pressure isn’t letting up any time soon. 

“The level of play from the other teams is of higher energy because everybody would like to give us a loss,” said Head Coach Joe Penolio. “With that being said, we are still undefeated with two league games to go.” 

Penolio said the key factor in Wednesday's win was focus. He said the team focused on the little things in order to prepare for their weekend tournament at Valhalla-Grossmont.

“As we get to the latter part of the season, one of the challenges is to keep the team focused,” he said.

The concentration was evident as setter Jeremy Echeverria had 30 assists, libero Luis Alvarez recorded six digs and outside hitter Valtri Holland had 14 kills.

Penolio couldn’t pinpoint one standout player. He gave all of his athletes praise.

“All the players have improved considerably from the beginning of the season,” Penolio said. “Jeremy Echeverria, our senior setter, has developed a great rhythm with all of our hitters. Senior outside hitter Deandre Cretain continues to improve, particularly his passing and hitting. Max Uribe, our senior right side hitter, takes the pressure off our outsides because of his play. Our middles, senior Trevor Barr and junior Scott Shaffer, are big blocks in the middle and can hit the quick any time we run the play.

“Senior libero Luis Alvarez takes 70 percent of the serves and is playing great defense with digs, and junior outside hitter Valtri Holland continues to be one of the most dominant players in the county.”

All the hard work looks to be paying off for the Mariners as they steam through their last few games eager to capture another league title.

“Being undefeated is a matter of pride now,” Penolio said. “We are going on five consecutive seasons without a league loss and these guys do not want to be ‘that’ team that gives us that first league loss.”

The next game is May 2 at Castle Park at 3:00 p.m. The last game of the season is May 4 at home against San Ysidro. The team is also participating in Senior Night. All five of the seniors will be honored before the game. The ceremony will begin immediately after the 3:00 junior varsity game.