The varsity boys’ volleyball team clashed against local rival Daegu Middle High School (DMHS) at the Jetnasium on Sept. 16. Although major roster changes and limited practice raised concerns about team cohesion, the Jets shut down the Warriors 3-0.
Due to the shortage of players on the Warriors’ squad, only one team made it to the Jetnasium. As a result, some junior varsity athletes failed to earn a spot on the roster. “I didn’t feel really bad about the fact that I couldn’t play, but I wished I could have played in the game. Seeing my friends play, I was motivated to practice even more,” said freshman Joseph Yoon.
Following the dominant victory against the Warriors last year, the boys set foot on the court with confidence. “I feel like last year we had very talented and athletic players and with them gone the players now are going through a rebuilding process. We notice the gaps and errors we are making, and the DMHS game helped us realize those mistakes. And for now, we are going to have a successful season, and we are rapidly improving,” said varsity setter Bryan Lee (9).
Following the girls’ intense match that went all the way to set five, the boys flared up with heat. Outside hitter Evan Rossmeisl (2) and Brandon Hyun (11), middle blockers Chris Ryu (7) and Alex Seo (12), setter Lee (9), right side Justin Son (25), and libero Noah Don (33) landed on the starting roster.
Contrary to the energy, set one quickly shifted into a lopsided match. Lee (9) delivered 11 consecutive jump float serves, as the Jets’ offense penetrated the Warriors’ defense. Despite shaky receives and lapses in communication, DIS pulled ahead (25:18).
“I honestly don’t think I played that well, and I made lots of mistakes. I hope to fix these mistakes I made early in the season before the next friendly match and the big tournaments that are upcoming,” said Don (33).
Varsity carried on their momentum to set two. Outside hitter Rossmeisl (2) and Lee (9) showcased their new tempo hits straight down the line. At the same time, co-captains Chris Ryu (7) and Brandon Hyun (11) kept the crew alive from losing their focus. (25:14)
Switching strategies for set three, Coach Willette and co-coach Marchan subbed in bench alternates. Sophomore setter Hans Park (15) substituted in for Lee, alongside sophomore outside hitter Jason Kim (42), freshman outside hitter Alvin Park (43), and freshman right side Kevin Ahn (27).
Despite their lack of experience, controlled passes from libero Noah Don allowed Park to precisely set the ball to all spots. Veteran Ryu set the pace of the match, allowing the newcomers to adapt into the court. With ease, they concluded the game with a set score of 25:17.
Despite the loss, the Warriors maintained their determination and highlighted the opportunity to face DIS as a positive experience. “It was fun playing against DIS for the first time this season. DIS had some strong receivers which was a different play style from the teams we used to play with. Although DIS is such a great team, things will be different when the team comes to DMHS next month,” said Alex Cruz, varsity setter and captain of the DMHS Warriors.
Both teams await for a re-match at the base on Tuesday, Oct. 21. For the Jets, the upcoming friendly will serve as their last crosstown meetup before the Korean International Schools Activities Conference (KISAC) tournament from Oct. 23 to 25.
