The beach volleyball season is in full swing as teams around the city prepare for the upcoming league season, with Moore League kicking off this afternoon with three games at LBCC.
In the Moorish League, Wilson and Poli were last year's joint league champions and are both aiming to earn sole status, with their sights set on the top spot in the Moorish League.
wilson
At Wilson, senior Kate Eckenrode returns to the Bruins and looks to repeat as league pairs champions with new partner Simryn Adams.
Coach Jeremy Cook, who co-leads the program with Charlie Pangborn, will focus on building a schedule against strong non-league opponents in preparation for the Moore League, which is expected to have tough competition from Poly, Millikan and Lakewood. is placed.
The Bruins have 29 players in the program, 23 of whom are freshmen or sophomores.
Coach Cook said Sadie Calderone/Dani Doby, Kate Vanderwaal/Keelin Adams, Peyton Uggla/Audrey Kovacs, Ira Alvarado/Jan Morrison and Courtney Johnson/Emiya Green are the Bruins' top pairings. I look forward to joining you.
Wilson will also be adding Milan Ruiz, who was acquired from Millikan in the second round, and the Bruins expect her to have a big impact if she is available.
long beach poly
At Poly, the Jackrabbits have all-league honoree Cynthia Hinojosa back, and coach Gerald Akiningoku is excited about this year's team, which also includes several indoor players and an experienced beach player.
“We are aiming to compete for the Moore League title again,” Aginingok said. “As we continue to evolve our culture, we are strengthening our bonds and setting higher standards for women’s indoor volleyball and beach volleyball at Poly.”
Akiningoku predicts that the top pairs will be Sedra Talaga and Emma Holder, Larissa Foster and Simone Milsap, and Cynthia Hinojosa and Hannah Barungay.
millikan
With several starters returning, Millikan is looking forward to seeing what the Rams accomplish after switching practice locations from Rosie's Beach to Long Beach City College.
Coach Kyla Cox is hoping a more ideal practice environment will give the team some momentum after the returning group's first season.
The Rams are undefeated in their first three non-league games and look forward to building momentum heading into Moore League play.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how they compete this year,” Cox said. “They have a lot of passion for the game and a lot of potential. I think they can accomplish big things this season if they want to.”
Fourth-year Olivia Smith and sophomore Sophia Olviso are returning players who played for the club and appear in games regularly, so Millikan hopes to take advantage of that experience.
Bethany Arnold, Laila Walters, Kari Tirado and Sofia Nygard are also expected to play for the Rams, and Millikan also welcomes Elle Landal, who will join the team after playing indoors.
lakewood
At Lakewood, the Lancers aim to compete for one of three playoff spots, and coach Jessica Kaeka is looking forward to both levels and watching them learn more each year. I'm looking forward to that.
Jordan
At Jordan, coach Lara Stone has seen returning players become leaders on the team and has seen young players begin to understand and enjoy beach volleyball.
“I'm really looking forward to spending time with the team this year and watching them grow as players and as Long Beach locals with good sportsmanship,” Stone said.
The Panthers will rely on Julieta Vidal Cárdenas' leadership and growth after competing with the team last season. Jordan will also seek leadership from Ashley Urschel Adriano, who joins Cardenas as the team's leader.
The team has multiple two-sport athletes, including aces Acevedo and Paola Guevara, who competed on the wrestling and basketball teams, respectively.
cabrillo is also leading the team and will aim to compete with the rest of the teams in the league.
st anthony
In the Del Rey League, St. Anthony is looking forward to the start of the league season.
Coach Mary Amdo is looking forward to the increased passion and IQ on her team, which features five freshmen.
“We are teaching them our system,” Amado said. “And the way they change their game from indoor to sun is always fun. We have a very competitive preseason schedule and are showing improvement game by game.”
The Saints are led by junior Ashley Whittenberry and freshman Brooke Jondle. Sophomore Kailyn Nguyen also continues her journey back from injury, but expects to form a talented team in fourth place with her pairs partner Briana Mbire.
Sign up for the562 on GiveButter and make a recurring donation to keep Long Beach sports coverage free!
