Long Beach Poly and Jordan opened the pair’s first Moore League game of the season with a four-set battle, as the Jackrabbits came out on top, 25-15, 25-16, 18-25, 25-16.
With the majority of Poly’s team graduating last year, the Jackrabbits relied on their handful of returning players including juniors Nicky Frank and Paul Tsao, who made plays early in the first set to give Poly momentum. Seniors Wyatt Sheetz and Benjamin Jenkins each put down key swings in the set, while sophomore setter Josiah Walton mixed things up with multiple dumps.
The set started with early back-to-back kills from Poly senior Dalton McFarr, however, Jordan won many great rallies thanks to Maurice Gibbs earning over 10 points for Jordan’s offense. Poly stayed in control, though, and closed out the first set 25-15.
Jordan came out aggressive in the second set with an early lead, but Poly eventually settled its way back in. McFarr continued to be a major offensive factor, with help from the entire team to shift the momentum back in Poly’s favor. Once Poly found its rhythm, the Jackrabbits pulled away to take the second set 25-16.
The Panthers responded in the third set with strong blocking at the net, making it tougher for Poly to score. The Jackrabbits tried to rally with big kills from their seniors, but Jordan responded with kills from Maurice Gibbs and Chan Puthy. Jordan eventually kept control late, blocking its way to a 25-18 third-set win with Poly leading 2-1.
Poly regrouped in the fourth set as Frank led the charge with multiple kills while the rest of the team contributed across the court. Sheetz also stepped up in the set and said there was a big momentum shift coming out of the third.
“Our energy was not completely there in the beginning, but we pulled through in the fourth set,” said Sheetz.
Poly eventually closed out the set 25-16 to secure the four-set victory and open Moore League play with a win.
“First Moore League match, excited to get the win with the team,” Frank said. “Obviously we have a lot to improve on, and hopefully we can carry this momentum into the next game.”
After the match, McFarland reflected on stepping into a larger role this season.
“This is the first time I’ve gotten to show what I am, and I will continue to learn from games like this and continue to play better.” McFarland
Poly will look to keep its momentum in its next league game at home against Cabrillo next week, while Jordan will look ahead to a tough match at Millikan on Thursday.
