Piedmont High School boys volleyball coach Mariah Cardenas is proud of last year's senior class for leading the return of the sport. She will miss them all too. Gone are Wilson Wong and Braden Day, along with several others who formed the core of the team.
“This year I’m going to focus on having fun,” Cardenas said. “I think we’re starting off as if we didn’t have a program.”
The only two returning players are Shunji Higashi and John Champion. Azuma is a senior setter and the only setter on the roster.
“He's going to run the court pretty much the entire time,” Cardenas said.
John Champion is another returning senior. According to Cardenas, he can play all over the court.
“He's going to be a playmaker for the team,” she said. “We expect him to score as many points as possible.”
Cardenas said they don't have enough talent on the junior varsity team this year. The girls program welcomed two new students, including Lucas Kim, the younger brother of Kalindi Kim.
The length of the basketball season affected the volleyball team's time in the gym. However, the Highlanders prevailed, winning two of their first three games. The opening game at Mount Eden on February 27th was a 25-10, 25-15, 25-9 win.
The next night, Piedmont lost in four sets to Saint-Joseph and Notre Dame (score unknown). And on February 29, the Highlanders defeated San Lorenzo 25-16, 25-22, 25-18 at Binks Gymnasium.
When asked about his outlook for the season, Cardenas said, “If we can make it (to the North Coast Section playoffs) again, God will really bless us.'' I just hope we can win the game.”
