The562’s coverage of high school volleyball in 2023-2024 is brought to you by the MLP’s Bay Area Breakers.
The562’s coverage of Avalon Athletics is sponsored by Curtain Maritime.
The Avalon boys’ volleyball team is going to its first CIF championship game in history after a convincing sweep of Downey Calvary Chapel in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals.
Avalon visits Ontario Christian on Saturday at 1 p.m. for the championship.
In the semifinal victory, Jacob Mello led the Lancers with 16 kills and 12 digs. Erick Madriz had 11 kills and Nathan Jones had four blocks. David Mulgado finished with eight kills and 10 digs while Chris Gonzalez chipped in six kills and eight digs. Setter Aaron Meza had 38 assists to go with four aces and two blocks. Libero Uriel Gonzales had 32 digs during an excellent passing game.
“The rise of the Avalon boys’ volleyball playoffs embodies what is best loved in high school athletics: heart, dedication and to never give up,” Avalon coach Carlos Martinez said. “Character goes a long way, and this group of boys have always had a lot of that.”
The semifinal win was also payback after losing to Calvary Chapel in the first game of the season. Coach Martinez said the huge home crowd had a big role to play.
“You can see the community support tonight… To have the whole community behind us was something truly special,” Martinez said. “ It’s a moment none of them will forget. They’re always here cheering us on. Knowing we have that level of incredible community support is a big part of what’s made this program successful. They’re just as much a part of this as the players and everyone involved. They truly love their Lancers and these boys.”
