Long Beach Poly junior middle blocker KJ Hill had 15 kills in a 25-19, 30-28, 25-27, 25-21 win over Warren in the opening round of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs on Thursday, April 25. and recorded 3 blocks. (Photo courtesy of Tracy McDonald)
DOWNEY — The Long Beach Poly boys volleyball team looked poised to end a dominating run Thursday in the CIF Southern Section playoffs against Warren, taking a commanding two-set lead.
Instead, the Jackrabbits squandered four consecutive match point opportunities and the Bears rallied to take the fourth set.
Poly coach Sid Davidson wanted to see a different mindset from his players before they returned to the floor for their fourth start.
“I think we compromised a little too much,” Davidson said.
The score was tied in the 10th inning, and they led 13-13 in the fourth, but the Jackrabbits' size gradually overwhelmed the Bears, and junior middle blocker KJ Hill was able to win until the end.
Hill had 15 kills and three blocks in a 25-19, 30-28, 25-27, 25-21 win over Warren in the opening round of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 playoffs, giving Poly a swing to close out the match. was unveiled.
Hill continued to pick up kills late in the second set, but the Bears' offensive errors in the second set gave them a decisive chance at 30-28.
“It was just us coming together and really settling in,” Hill said.
The Jackrabbits (21-12) will host Trabuco Hills in the second round Saturday at 6 p.m.
Warren (16-6) rallied from a 24-20 deficit in the third set thanks to a valiant effort from junior attacker Madden Imaleaba, who finished with three kills and a set-clinching block to make it 27-25. Ta.
“I wanted more in the third set,” Imareaba said after recording a match-high 27 kills and three blocks. “I didn't want to be swept away.”
However, the first two sets were a combination of Poli's balance, Warren's poor passing, and erratic swings.
Warren made 8 of 15 attack errors and 9 of 12 service errors in the first two sets.
The Bears tried for set point four times in the second set, including a 28-27 advantage, but were unable to tie the match.
Warren's only lead in the first set started with a kill from Imareaba.
“I didn't think we connected very well,” Bears coach Scottie Lane said. “We weren't playing as smoothly as we wanted to, but that had a lot to do with (Poly). At least in the first two games, the problems we had all night were serving and passing. .
“I served well in the third set and was able to turn things around.”
The Jackrabbits got off to a fast start thanks to senior outside hitter Lucky Isoa, who had nine of her team-high 18 kills in the first two sets. I also added two aces.
Davidson said both Iosua and Hill showed “leadership” throughout the game.
“We've been looking for an identity for our team,” Davidson said. “Luck is one of our leaders and is in his fourth year as a starter. We're happy to have him out tonight.”