moving on up
ADAMS TWP — Time will tell if the Mars men's volleyball team can extend its acquired prowess into postseason play, but the Planets are poised for a very special year.
Coming into this week's game, the undefeated Planets (10-0, 5-0) sit atop Class 2A in the WPIAL and are rated fourth in the state.
The Planets haven't dropped a set all season. They won first sectional honors last year before taking third place in the WPIAL.
“We lost just one really strong key player on our team, and we had high expectations going into this season,” Mars veteran coach Michael Nipaver said. “That being said, being as dominant as we have been has exceeded expectations so far. But we have a long way to go.”
The return of starting setter Kyler Robinson gives the team a solid foundation for his teammates to stand up in their own right.
“Kyler has done a phenomenal job of running the offense,” Nipaver said. “He was very good last year too, but he's even better now. He keeps the team focused.
“He opens up opportunities for hitters and they take advantage of it.”
Kyler is averaging 32 assists per game, a high number considering all of his team's games ended in sweeps.
“I’m seeing the court a lot better this year and connecting with hitters more,” Kyler, a junior, said. “I was able to get a job with some of them over the summer.”
Kyler is one of four team captains, joining middle hitter Kayden Gratton, outside hitter Derek Piatek and right-side hitter Liam Quinn.
“I was impressed with the team’s ability to continue to improve despite the hype from an undefeated record and high rankings,” Naipaver said. “Kayden has contributed a lot to that and continues to work with his teammates. He's a strong, vocal leader. He captained the soccer team last fall, which was a good experience for him. did.”
Kaden, a first-year starter and a fourth-year starter, is enjoying his role.
“My father has great leadership skills, so I try to emulate his style,” he said. “I enjoy lifting up the players.”
“Everything Kayden does, he does for the team,” Kyler said. “He embodies the role of a captain.”
Ryan Choi led a diverse attack at the net, racking up 12.6 kills per game and adding a team-leading 20 blocks. Libero Colton Liska leads the way in digs (84) and aces (18).
“Colton's energy has spilled over to the rest of the team, and (outside hitter) Tyler Raabe has grown tremendously,” Naipaver said, adding that there hasn't been much rhyme or reason to the rest of the Class 2A field so far. He said there wasn't. .
“The results have been very unpredictable so far this season,” said Nypaver. “There were some surprising scores in the matchups that I didn’t expect. If the rankings mean anything, we’ve played a lot of top teams and there’s a good chance we’ll play them again in the playoffs.” There is.”
Coach Naipavaa said the defense needs work but is improving.
“Defense is the tough part of the game,” Caden said. “It comes down to court awareness and passing.”
The Planets have been impressive, but once the playoffs begin, they can be subpar in just one night and shatter their dreams of a long postseason run.
“We’re just trying to do what we need to do to continue our winning streak,” Kayden said. “If we stay focused game by game, we have a chance to have a great season.”