The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
The Wilson beach volleyball team took another big step towards defending its Moore League championship on Thursday, as they once again defeated Long Beach Poly, their co-champions last season. The Bruins got another flawless performance from their top flight, as they picked up a 3-2 team win over the Jackrabbits.
Leading the way as always were the top flight of Simrin Adams and Kate Eckenrode, who defeated Poly’s Emma Holder and Cedra Talaga 21-11, 21-13. The Bruins stars are undefeated this season with wins in every Moore League match as well as over Los Alamitos and other nonleague opponents.
“Nothing hits the ground, they’re just unbelievably athletic,” said Wilson coach Jeremy Cook when asked what makes his top duo so dominant. “They’re great defensively and super scrappy. They’re both excellent setters, too, so they can use their hands on every ball in any situation. Kate’s a libero indoor but she can hit all the shots, she’s a surprisingly good attacker. I think they’re poised to make a long run in CIF.”
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The duo enjoyed their match against Poly and said that they feel comfortable with each other although it’s a relatively new partnership.
“We’re both defenders who are scrappy but we can hit,” said Eckenrode. “That’s kind of rare, especially in high school.”
Asked if she’s confident she and her partner can keep winning, Adams smiled. “Yes,” she said. “Very confident.”
The Bruins got two other wins, as they got victories in the fourth and fifth flights, where Iyla Alvarado/Kierin Adams defeated Simone Millsap/Lauren Foster, and Peyton Agura/Audrey Kovacs defeated Keyara Noel/Taimane Poe. The Jackrabbits got wins in the second and third flights where Kalia Teofilo/Cynthia Hinojosa defeated Sadie Calderone/Dani Dobie and Rissa Foster/Hannah Ballungay won against Kate VanderWal/Milan Lewis.
The Bruins can clinch their second league title next week with matches against Lakewood and Millikan on Tuesday and Thursday.
