The Malibu High School boys volleyball team finished its season with a win last week onThursday, defeating Grace Brethren on senior night.
Before the game, the Sharks honored their seven seniors (Martin Tolentino, Dennis Alvarado, Gabe Sloggy, Chris Peck, Johnny Constanza, Milton Alvarado, and Ryan Walczuk) who played the last game of their high school careers, followed by a special rendition of the national anthem by head coach Carlos Gray.
The Sharks started the game slowly, trading points back and forth with their opponents before winning the first game 25-18 and the second set 25-13. In the third game, the Sharks suffered a close loss before finishing the match with a decisive 25-18 victory in the last set.
It was a long season for the Sharks, but while failing to earn a playoff berth, the victory on senior night lifted their spirits.
“I had a fun season with these guys, and it feels really, really great to win,” team captain Milton Alvarado said.
Coach Gray said it meant a lot for the players to be able to finish off with a win.
“They worked hard all year, and to come out with the victory they put a bow on the season and their devotion and hard work,” Gray said.
With the loss of seven seniors, the Sharks still believe they have a strong future ahead of them. They will have a young team, but they are still optimistic of their chances. Alvarado said he is confident on the future of the program.
“There’s a lot of talent on the team, and we have great potential,” Alvarado said. “This team could get pretty far in the next couple of years.”
Gray added, “We’re going to keep building and try our best to put out a quality program. I lost seven seniors tonight, seven quality guys, so we have to continue to work and be positive.”