Beach volleyball season is in full swing as teams in the city prepare for the upcoming league seasons, with the Moore League kicking off this afternoon at LBCC with a trio of matches.
In the Moore League, Wilson and Poly were co-league champs last year and both will look to win sole position and both look to have a shot at claiming the top spot out of the Moore League.
Wilson
At Wilson, senior Kate Eckenrode returns for the Bruins and is looking to repeat as the league pairs champion with new partner Simrin Adams.
Coach Jeremy Cook is leading the program with Charlie Pangborn and has made it a point to schedule some tough non-league opponents to prepare for the Moore League which he expects to see tough competition from Poly, Millikan and Lakewood.
The Bruins have 29 players in the program and 23 of them are either freshman or sophomores.
Cook expects Sadie Calderone/Dani Dobie, Kate VanderWal/Kierin Adams, Peyton Agura/Audrey Kovacs, Iyla Alvarado/Jan Morrison and Courtney Johnson/ Emiya Green to be part of the Bruins top pairs.
Wilson will also add Millikan-transfer Milan Lewis during the second round of league play and the Bruins expect her to make a big impact when she is able to compete.
Long Beach Poly
At Poly, the Jackrabbits return All-League honoree Cynthia Hinojosa, and coach Gerald Aquiningoc is excited about this year’s teams that includes multiple indoor players and experienced beach players as well.
“We’re looking to compete for another Moore League title,” Aguiningoc said. “While continuing to evolve our culture while strengthening our bond and setting a higher standard at Poly for girls indoor and beach volleyball.”
Aquiningoc expects his top pairs to be: Cedra Talaga and Emma Holder, Larissa Foster and Simone Milsap, and Cynthia Hinojosa and Hannah Ballungay.
Millikan
With several returning starters, Millikan is looking forward to what the Rams will accomplish after switching practice sites from Rosie’s Beach to Long Beach City College.
Coach Kyra Cox is hoping that the more ideal practice conditions will provide a lift for the team after the returners have a year under their belt after the inaugural season.
In their first three non-league matches the Rams are unbeaten and are looking forward to building some momentum heading into Moore League action.
“I look forward to seeing how they compete this year,” Cox said. “They have a lot of passion for the game and so much potential. If they want it, I think they’ll accomplish big things this season.”
Senior Olivia Smith and sophomore Sophia Orbiso are returners that play club and compete regularly so Millikan is looking to use that experience to lean on.
Bethany Arnold, Lila Walters, Cali Tirado and Sophia Nygaard are expected to make some noise for the Rams as well and Millikan will also welcome Elle Lundhahl who is joining the team after playing indoor.
Lakewood
At Lakewood, the Lancers are looking to compete for the one of the three playoff spots and coach Jessica Kaeka is looking forward to both levels and watching them learn more and more each year.
Jordan
At Jordan, coach Lara Stone has seen returning players become leaders for the team and watched young players who are starting to understand and enjoy beach volleyball.
“I am really looking forward to spending time with the teams this year and seeing them grow as players and Long Beach locals with sportsmanship,” Stone said.
The Panthers will rely on leadership from Julietta Vidal Cardenas and growth after competing with the team last season. Jordan also will look for the leadership of Ashley Arshel Adriano who has joined Cardenas as a leader for the team.
The team has multiple two-sport athletes including Ace Acevedo and Paola Guevara who competed for the wrestling and basketball teams, respectively.
Cabrillo is also fielding a team and will look to compete with the rest of the league.
St. Anthony
In the Del Rey League, St. Anthony is looking forward to the league season beginning.
Coach Mary Amdo is looking forward to growing the passion and IQ for the team that features five freshmen.
“We’re teaching them our system,” Amado said. “And how to change their game from indoor to san is always fun. We have a very competitive preseason schedule and are showing improvement every match.”
The Saints are led by junior Ashley Whittenbury and freshman Brooke Jondle. Sophomore Kailyn Nguyen is also battling back from an injury but is expecting to form a talented team at the four spot with her pairs partner Brianna Mbire.
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