Coach Nick Lubacki was a fourth grader in 1993. Assistant coach Max Enriquez wasn't even born yet.
The parents of Christian Connell, a University of Southern California product who is a likely candidate for this year's CIF Player of the Year, have not yet met. He only had two divisions in San Diego men's volleyball that year.
This was the last time Torrey Pines won a CIF championship in boys volleyball.
No more drought. Time to party like it's 1993.
The Falcons put the finishing touches on a whirlwind season by defeating future rival Cathedral Catholic 27-25, 25-23, 25-19 in the Open Division Championship at Southwestern College on Saturday. went.
“I’m really happy for the boys, especially the seniors,” Lubacki said. “They've worked hard for four years, so they deserve all the credit. I'm really happy to be able to steer the ship in the right direction. These lads are a very special group and I'm glad to be a part of it. I'm just grateful to be able to become one.”
Sometimes players make tentative plays at key moments. That wasn't the case for the Falcons (30-3). They overcame the challenges of the top teams in the Southern region this season, lifting him to No. 6 in the MaxPreps.com rankings.
They have played against big teams and defeated most of them. This helped prepare them for their Delmar Heights Road rivals, who are seeking their third consecutive Open Division title.
“There's nothing we haven't seen before, whether it's in a game or training in our gym,” Lubacki said. “They're ready, so it's easy for them to stay in the moment and prepare for what they have to do.”
Torrey Pines' Declan Flanagan defeats Cathedral Catholic's Ryan Enos, center Brady Edwards.
(Dennis Poloy)
In preparing for Saturday, I came across many opportunities online. While most volleyball coaches say that ultimately the serve and passing game determines the outcome, it was the Falcons' physical play that was the difference against the Dons (22-7).
“We have a lot of athletic players,” Mohebi said. “That gives us a much bigger net presence than most teams in San Diego. We're very confident in ourselves and we're very mature. We stay disciplined and I practice a lot and when the pressure is on I rely on training.”
Connell led the way with a math-best 23 kills and an incredible .512. Fellow senior Kiamush Mohebi hit .600 with eight kills and four blocks. As a team, the Falcons had 19 blocks and hit .381.
A schedule that included a tie for third place in the Best of the West tournament allowed Torrey Pines to succeed when it mattered most.
After the game, Connell, who left for prom with his teammates, said, “Playing with players from Orange County gave me experience in those tough conditions.'' “The first set was 27-25. You need big plays to win, and we made them. That experience helped.”
He did the same with USC head coach Jeff Nygard, who would coach him in the stands a few months later.
“He's a steady player. A physical presence. He leads his team. He's done a lot of great things,” Nygard said after the game. “I love the iron that sharpens the iron mind. He's a guy who can come to our environment and compete in the toughest league in the country.”
Declan Flanagan had 10 kills for the Falcons, while Connell (10) and senior libero David Quinones also had double-digit dig totals, finishing with 15 digs.
The Dons were led by senior Ryan Enos, who totaled 17 kills. Fellow senior Charlie Sutton also contributed with eight kills. Although they did not reach the trophy, advancing to the finals of the Open Division for the third consecutive year is an accomplishment that cannot be overlooked.
“This has been a great journey for them,” said coach Pat Bonner, whose team lost to Eastlake in its season opener. “To get from there to the product we showed you tonight, I'm standing behind them. I've been telling them they won't be judged by wins or losses, but by their growth and attitude.”
This season, the Falcons believed the adage of big players being big players when it mattered was life or death. It took just 31 years for it to finally pay off.
“It's necessary,” Lubacki said. “Most teams that win championships need their best players to shine in the biggest moments. And thankfully, we have multiple guys who can do that. I couldn't be more proud of them. .”
