RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova boys’ volleyball 2023-24 season is shortly drawing to a close. In fact, by the time you read this article, the results will be in. Currently the team is 14-9 overall, 7-4 in league play and sitting in 4th place. With the possibility of making it to the post season depending on beating Florin in their last league match, 3rd-year Head Coach Joseph Smith is still optimistic. The kicker is, Cordova has to beat Florin in three straight sets and not allow them more than 65 points. Florin is in 3rd place. The top three teams make it to the playoffs.

 Senior Kyle Cook goes up high for a spike.

This year’s team is made up of nine seniors and seven juniors. The nine seniors are Davit Khachatryan, Kevin Rangel, Ruvim Kravchuk, Oscar Flores, Banrose Singh, Damian Martinez, Kevin McFarlane, Kyle Cook, and Edwin Ramirez. According to Coach Smith, senior setter Flores is one of his players that’s instrumental in leading the team to their 14 victories. Flores is surrounded by a variety of effects hitters that give the team a lot of options on how to attack. “Even with some key players missing time due to injuries and grades, the team has done a great job of banding together and putting in the work to compete hard”, said Coach Smith.

 Ali Aljanabi (left) and Edwin Ramirez make a successful block.

Last year, Coach Smith took on a lot of new players with the thought of building the program. Witnessing the performance of this squad, I believe that risk has paid off. The squad has found a balance of communication, fundamentals and raw talent that is imperative for a successful season. The team has definitely improved in a most favorable direction making the digs and setting the hitters.

 Junior Gio Martinez makes a big kill shot.

A very tough challenge in volleyball is being able to hit the ball to the open court and not where the opponent is playing. This might sound an easy task, but add the element of two opponents blocking at the net and placement becomes a challenge. Each hit, whether it is on offense or defense takes a split-second reaction along with perfect timing. This all has to be done without stepping across the centerline or hitting the net with any part of your body. This team has improved with each match and if not for some excellent digs by their opponents, their record would be a lot better. Six of their matches went five games.

 Junior Malachi Gorman makes a big kill shot.

The future of the program is looking very good. With the returning juniors, the squad is looking very strong in the power hitting and defensive blocking department. Some players to keep an eye on next year are Ali Aljanabi, Malachi Gorman, Gio Martinez and setter Tamim Babak. The JV team is 8-2 overall and 6-1 in league play. They are led by Jaimee Stevenson who is at the helm for a second season. Coach Smith said, “With only one loss in league play, we are really excited about the development of those players and what they are going to add to our team next year”. 

 Edwin Ramirez (left) and Oscar Flores go up for the block.

Speaking of next year, Cordova will certainly have its hands full, as they leave the Sacramento Valley League behind and head into the more competitive Metro league. “Moving from the GSL to the Metro league next year is going to drastically increase the difficulty of our league play next year, but we are excited for the opportunity to grow in that environment”, said Coach Smith.

Go Big Red!