The562's coverage of 2023-2024 high school volleyball is brought to you by MLP's Bay Area Breakers.
The562's coverage of Avalon Athletics is sponsored by Curtain Maritime.
The Avalon boys volleyball team advanced to its first-ever CIF championship game with an easy win over Downey Calvary Chapel in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals.
Avalon will visit Ontario Christian for the championship Saturday at 1 p.m.
In the semifinal victory, Jacob Melo led the Lancers with 16 kills and 12 digs. Eric Madris had 11 kills and Nathan Jones had four blocks. David Murugado finished with eight kills and 10 digs, and Chris Gonzalez chipped in with six kills and eight digs. Setter Aaron Meza had 38 assists with four aces and two blocks. Libero Uriel Gonzalez had a great passing game with 32 digs.
“Avalon's rise to the boys volleyball playoffs embodies the spirit, dedication and never-give-up that are most beloved in high school athletics,” Avalon coach Carlos Martinez said. “Character is a big influence, and this group of boys always has a lot of that.”
The semifinal victory was also revenge after losing to Calvary Chapel in the first game of the season. Coach Martinez said the large home crowd had a big role to play.
“You can see the community support tonight… It’s really special to have the whole community supporting us,” Martinez said. “That's a moment none of them will ever forget. They're always here cheering us on. Knowing that there's this level of incredible community support is what makes this program so successful.” They're a big part of what made it so successful, as are all the players and everyone involved. They really love the Lancers and these guys.”
