There were no big surprises in the Wilcox Chargers versus Santa Clara Bruins boys volleyball match on May 7, as the 13-7 Chargers were expected to beat a struggling 2-17 Bruins team.
The Chargers clearly outplayed its opponent, easily winning in three games by scores of 25-9, 25-17 and 25-14. Wilcox simply dominated each game, scoring unanswered point after unanswered point against rival Santa Clara. The consistent Chargers’ offense was on fire, as juniors Harsh Singh and Kenny Pham gave senior Kenny Dipko the assists he needed to rack up kills.
Although the scores showed dominant wins by Wilcox, Santa Clara played fiercely throughout, with sophomore Tyler Katzman, junior Dominic Tengson and senior Brandon DeVera continuously blocking shots and seniors Erwin Vergonio and Jesse Garcia attempting kills whenever possible. As with Dipko, Vergonio spent most of the game going for kills, as the pair of players was on top of the offensive leader board.
Santa Clara was able to keep the score tight in the second game, maintaining the lead twice early on, and keeping the score close through the first 21 points. The Bruins tied it up at 9-9, but the Chargers turned it up, scoring 12 unanswered points and increasing the lead to 21-9. Santa Clara fought back, scoring an additional eight points before the Chargers were able to close it out with a 25-17 win.
The No. 12 Chargers play the No. 5 Bellarmine College Preparatory Bells at home on May 13 (after press time) in CCS Boys Volleyball Division 1 playoffs. If victorious, Wilcox will play the No. 4 Monta Vista Matadors on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m.