Rachel Roth
Pierce College’s men’s volleyball team is, once again, starting the season on a hot-streak by going 7-0 in inter-conference play.
Hopefully, this isn’t a case of déjà vu.
Last year, the team got off to a similar start winning six of the first seven games. The streak came to an abrupt halt when the starting setter quit.
“It’s like having your quarterback quit midseason,” Head Coach Eddie Stanislawski said. “It was tough.”
This year, with Freshman Jackson Metichecchia as the starting setter and co-captain, as well as a handful of returning players, Stanislawski is “hoping for the best.”
“We don’t have that unknown anymore,” he said. “We know what it takes to win (and) we know what we have to do to prepare.”
Pierce was prepared for Golden West College last night, beating the Rustlers in four games.
After loosing the first game of the night 26-30, the Brahmas rallied to win the last three 30-11, 30-23 and 31-29.
It was the second match of the season to go to four games.
“We started slow the first game, (but) in the second and third game we played some of the best volleyball of the season,” said Stanislawski.
“We had four hitters hitting over .400. Usually you kind of attack one guy, but with that many guys hitting that well it’s gonna be tough to beat (us),” he added.
The Brahmas crushed the Rustlers in game two by recording 19 kills and going on a 16-0 scoring run.
“Jackson (Metichecchia) played really well,” Stanislawski said of his setter.
Metichecchia, who had 52 assists, 2 aces and served during the 16-0 run, attributed his success to his teammates and “doing what we do in practice.”
“We don’t have a complicated offense but (it’s) a very unique offense,” he said. “Everyone has to do their jobs to be successful. If I do my job it makes it easier on everyone else.”
Before the match, Stanislawski expressed his desire for his team to commit fewer errors — a feat that was accomplished in game two when they made only two.
Jon Gurr led the Brahmas in kills with 17 and Josh Marbach had 15. Carlos De Artola and Mike Sofley added nine.
The bench also contributed to the victory by cheering louder than anyone.
“The guys on the bench are just as important as the guys on the court,” Metichecchia said. ” They fire us up whenever we’re down. When we’re up they put us on that extra level. They keep us going no matter what.”
Co-Captain Alex Cottier, who often leads the chants, explained that the roar coming from the bench is not only in support of the team but also meant to “get into the opponent’s head.”
Scott Lane, assistant coach for Golden West, wasn’t too concerned about the loss.
“It’s a matter of where we end up, not what we win right now,” he said.
Looking to April
Stanislawski, in his third year as head coach, feels good about his team’s strong start, but recognizes that there is still a lot of volleyball left to be played.
“We’re preparing to play our best volleyball in April when the state finals and playoffs come around,” he said.
There is a lot of “trash talking” between coach and players, with the coach regularly reminding his team that he has something they don’t — a state championship ring.
Stanislawski played for Pierce in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 and won a championship in 2000.
“On game days I wear it and show them that this is what they have to work for,” Stanislawski said.
Next up, the Brahmas face Santa Monica College, their conference rivals, at home. Game time is 7 p.m.
Outside Hitter Terry Galabreath, of Pierce College, prepares to spike the ball during the third game against Golden West College Feb. 25, 2009 in the South Gym at Pierce. Pierce won the third game 30-11 and went on to win the match 3 games to 1. (Gerard Walsh / Roundup)
