RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers varsity volleyball team will look much different this spring. 

After narrowly missing out on the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs last season, the Lancers saw the vast majority of the members of last season’s team graduate. Now, with just five returnees from a year ago, the Lancers will be looking to establish a new group of key contributors for this season and beyond. 

Four returning seniors - middle blocker Echun Portis, libero Renat Petrashishin, outside hitter Azarii Kolesnyk, and middle blocker Izaiah Hennis will all be looked at as leaders this season, along with returning sophomore setter Monbi Hobart. Additionally, a trio of juniors in setter Elijah Lee, outside hitter Ethan La and defensive specialist Rehan Salam will be looked upon to contribute in their first varsity seasons. Senior middle blocker Jonathan Kell will also be making his varsity debut. 

Head Coach Joseph Smith talks to his players during a time out against Rosemont. Photo by Rick Sloan

The Lancers opened up their spring season on Friday, Feb. 20 with a 3-0 (23-25, 28-30, 19-25) loss at Rosemont, but with a couple weeks until the start of Metro League competition, there is time for the young team to gel and get prepared.

This week the Lancers have three games on the road, at Ponderosa on Feb. 23, at El Dorado on Feb. 25, and at Center on Feb. 27, however final results were not yet available at press time. The Lancers’ home opener is Monday, March 2 against visiting Mesa Verde at 6 p.m. inside the auxiliary gym, with all welcome to come support. 

Senior Renat Petrashishin digs the ball on the serve against Rosemont. Photo by Rick Sloan