Downey volleyball expects solid competition

DOWNEY - The Downey High School boys' volleyball team currently has an overall record of 5-2.Downey opened league play last night by hosting cross-town rival Warren (score unavailable at press time). Downey will host Gahr next Tuesday and then travel to Paramount and face the Pirates on Thursday. Matt Lostetter and Joaquin Moreno are key returners from last year's team who now have more experience and skill under their belts. Key newcomer Jacob Garcia also adds more talent to Coach Rand's squad. Downey finished last season with an overall record of 14-3 and a league record of 8-2. Downey lost to North Torrance in the first round of the C.I.F. Division III playoffs. Coach Rand said he believes that Warren has proven themselves as the S.G.V.L. team to beat. Rand also believes that Gahr and Paramount have improved and will provide solid competition as well. The Vikings will compete for a league title this season and hope to make a deeper run in the Division III playoffs. Lostetter has been playing well for the Vikings and continues to improve each day in practice. Setters Marjan Abubu and Juan Regalado are gaining valuable game experience and continue to work hard and develop a good feel for what they are trying to accomplish. Downey will continue to experience success as these players gel together and get better each day. Coach Rand and his team are looking forward to the start of league play. The Vikings lost to La Serna, 3-1, on Feb. 25, defeated Cerritos, 3-0, the following day, beat El Rancho, 3-0, on Feb. 28, defeated Bolsa Grande, 3-0, on March 5, shut out Glendale, 3-0, on March 6, defeated Norwalk, 3-0, on March 7 and lost to Whittier Christian, 3-2, on March 13.

********** Published: March 21, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 49