Senior Ali Aljanabi makes a big hit for a point against Center.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers entered last week knowing the task at hand. 

Tied with Antelope for third-place and the final allotted playoff spot within the Metro League standings entering the week of April 21, the Lancers had to win their final two regular season games in order to advance to the postseason.

This included a home match on Tuesday, April 22 against the very Antelope team that had defeated them in their first meeting, meaning that an Antelope win would not only give them a one-game advantage in the league standings but the head-to-head tiebreaker as well, which would end the Lancers’ season. 

 

Senior William Wallace (No. 21) and junior Izaiah Hennis make a successful block on a McClatchey hitter. 

Unfortunately, the Titans (19-13 overall, 6-4 Metro League) bested the Lancers 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21, 15-12) in a thrilling five-set match, bringing the Lancers’ first season in the Metro League to a close. 

Cordova finished the season 14-11 overall, including a 4-6 mark in league play, good for fourth in the standings. The Lancers wrapped up their season with a 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-19) loss at home against West Park on April 24, with West Park finishing the regular season atop the league standings with an impressive 20-9 overall record, including 9-1 in league competition. 

Junior Izaiah Nennis makes a kill shot against Center.

Led by a senior trio of setter Grant Carr, middle blocker Malachi Gorman and outside hitter Ali Aljanabi, the Lancers began their first season in the Metro League with a 2-0 start before two separate three-game losing streaks ultimately ended their playoff hopes. Under head coach Joseph Smith, the Lancers battled until the very end to make the postseason but will now need to wait until next season to make their mark in the newest iteration of the Metro League. 

Next spring, the Lancers figure to return middle blocker Echun Portis, outside hitter Azarii Kolesnyk, and opposite Izaiah Hennis, who will all play in their senior seasons. Freshman setter Monbi Hobart will be relied upon to fill big shoes in the Lancers’ backcourt as well. 

Overall, the Lancers should be proud of the way they battled until the final week of the season. They will look to take that next step in spring 2026. 

 

Senior Malichi Gorman (No. 23) is winding up for a big hit on a perfect set from senior Grant Carr.