Dubs Down ‘Cats, Secure 2 Seed

By Brandon Petersen

The Westcliff men's volleyball team wrapped up the second seed in the California Pacific Conference Championships Sunday night at JLAW with a 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25) win over UC Merced.

The Warriors finished the Cal Pac campaign 10-2 and will now take on Simpson in the opening round of the tournament. 

A year ago, the Warriors fell in the program's first-ever playoff appearance. 

Now the Dubs re-enter the tournament with a bad taste in their mouths.

"We have been waiting for this moment all year," Westcliff head coach Alex Griffiths said. "It's our time to shine."

Griffiths says the Warriors are playing well heading into the postseason where inevitably, Benedictine Mesa awaits. 

Ben U has never — repeat, never — lost a Cal Pac men's volleyball match. The Redhawks are 42-0. 

That includes a three-point, Game 5 win over Westcliff the last time the two teams met at JLAW on Feb. 25th. 

If the Warriors make it past Simpson, they would likely meet the Redhawks in the conference championship. 

Ben U must make it past UC Merced in the opening round.

Griffiths says the Warriors didn't have their best match against the Bobcats on senior night.

"But we made it work," she said. "We secured our spot."

Pawel Tuz (nine digs) an Leonardo Garcia stood out for Griffiths, the former for establishing the Warriors' offense and the latter for holding down the line of passers. 

Garcia finished with 16 digs, and Tuz had 44 assists. 

Both Westcliff seniors, Garcia and Jordan Von Borstel (six kills, two block stuffs), were celebrated in a pregame ceremony. Both were awarded by their teammates walking canes, hearing aids and retirement balloons.

"Jordan is equipped with speed and range," Griffiths said. " He created a great atmosphere and always played with the will to be better.

"Leo has been solidifying our ball control. He creates consistency with our play."

Griffiths said that both of her seniors left lasting, positive impressions on the program. 

Ilias Lazaar led the way offensively, sending home 21 kills, while his national champion Beach teammate, Gabriel Pizza (nine digs), collected 12 of his own. 

Park-Gilbert will host the Cal Pac playoffs.

Westcliff takes on Simpson at 6 p.m. Friday.

The championship match is scheduled for Saturday.