By BOB SNELL
The Progress
It’s not easy being the new kid on the block. The Virgin Valley High School boys volleyball team is finding out firsthand how that feels.
The Bulldogs are a first-year program playing as an independent this season. VVHS is competing against more established programs while going through the growing pains of being the new kids in the neighborhood.
“Right now, it’s about learning and getting experience,” VVHS head coach Kortney Tobler said following her team’s first two matches.
While most of the players have played volleyball in either school physical education classes or recreationally, they haven’t been exposed to the structured and disciplined systems of competing at the high school level. Until now.
“We’re keeping it pretty basic in practice,” Tobler said. “The knowledge will come. We’re keeping things simple for now.”
Tobler and her staff had 40 boys attend tryouts, which was more than she expected. Because of the high number, VVHS is able to field both junior varsity and freshmen teams to go along with the varsity squad.
“It’s good to have the numbers we have,” Tobler said. “This will give everyone a chance to gain experience.”
The players may be short on experience, but they have a passion and enthusiasm for the game.
“I’m really enjoying myself,” Tobler said. “Their excitement and passion is contagious. It’s been fun watching them learn and want to get better.”
While the wins may end up being few this season, Tobler is hoping to see success on the court soon.
“We want to have some success,” Tobler said. “We’ve got lots of work to do. We want to see the progress.”
The Bulldogs opened their season falling to Del Sol Academy of Las Vegas, 3-0, on Monday, March 6; and to Eldorado of Las Vegas, 3-0, on Wednesday. Both matches were played at home with large enthusiastic crowds cheering them on.
VVHS has yet to win a game, but they came close against the visiting Sundevils.
Trailing 23-21 in the third game, Nate Panjaitan and Destry Tobler had kills and Tobler served an ace to put the Bulldogs up 24-23. They had three chances to put the game away, but came up short falling 29-27.
Tobler had 15 digs and two aces to lead the Bulldogs while Panjaitan had four assists, two kills and two aces. Tyler Black added five kills and Alex Rivera recorded 13 digs.
Against Del Sol Academy, Panjaitan had five digs and two kills while Rivera had four kills and Tobler three.
Virgin Valley has only two seniors on their roster – Tyler Black and Sam Woods – so the bulk of the team will return next season when Virgin Valley is expected to participate the 3A South after this year’s trial run as an independent.
“We’re trying to build a program,” Tobler said. “But for now, it’s about growth. We’re taking things one step at a time.”
