A great year for boys’ volleyball in Long Beach isn’t over yet—Moore League champion Wilson and second-place Poly both advanced to this Saturday’s CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinals by virtue of Wednesday wins in the quarterfinals.
Wilson def. Westlake 26-24, 21-25, 21-25, 26-24, 15-12
The Bruins were on the road for their quarterfinal, and went into the match having never lost a set so far this season. Wilson found themselves down 2-1 in the match but battled back to win the fourth set, 26-24, and the fifth, 15-12.
Wilson was led by Payne Lounsbery, who had 20 kills, Leo Pravednikov (19 kills, five blocks), and Fletcher Garrett (12 kills).
The Bruins will host Foothill Saturday at 6 p.m. in the semifinals.
Poly def. Canyon 25-15, 22-25, 14-25, 25-18, 16-14
The Jackrabbits are the Cinderella of the Division 3 bracket, having knocked off another favored opponent on the road with a win over Anaheim Canyon.
Poly was led by Malcolm King (22 kills, 2 aces), Robert Jones (17 kills, 2 blocks), and Nathan Cheav (42 assists, 16 digs).
Poly will travel to St. Francis Saturday for the semifinals.
