For the first time in 17 years, the members CIHS boys’ volleyball are back-to-back Pacific View League Champions.

The Varsity team ended the regular season with an overall record of 20-3, having a League record of 8-0. They are currently ranked 67th in the state, and 124th in the nation. Many who attend their games find that they’re in and out of the gym fairly quickly, with the CIHS boys typically sweeping in the first three sets, leaving their opponents shut out.

The boys’ team is currently coached by Mr. George Hinckley, who is excited to see just what CIF will hold for them.

“The growth they have a team is really their strength. They have such a good chemistry, and any problems these boys have, the handle it maturely,” comments Mr. Hinckley. “They just don’t let obstacles get in their way.”

Mr. Hinckley coaches both boys’ and girls’ volleyball, and has been coaching for years.

“Coach Hinckley is a great person to talk to both on and off the court,” says Pedro Cruz, co-captain and setter of the varsity team. “His advice is extremely helpful.”

The boys went in this season with guns blazing, eager to fight for their title as Pacific View League Champions, and the end result shows just how much they have put into the team.

“It feels great knowing that we added another year to the banner hanging in the gym. Being part of this team, being able to say I’m part of this history, feels amazing,” says Cruz. “We’re a strong team making history, and just having fun. Hopefully, next year, there will be a 3peat.”

Boys’ volleyball has claimed a number of victories over Hueneme, Camarillo, Pacifica, Rio Mesa, and more.

This year, the boys were invited to a well-known tournament in Santa Barbara that only allows the best of the best to play, where they held their own.

“It’s all of our hard work and dedication that’s got us here. We’ve had exceptional growth as a team, and I’m excited for what’s to come,” remarks Frank Romero, an outside hitter.

The first round of CIF Divison 3 volleyball took place on Tuesday, May 9 in the Tom Pariso Gymnasium against the Santa Ana Saints.

“We have a lot of key players to keep an eye on,” adds Mr. Hinckley. “Joshua Carin, Patrick Manansala, Jaylen Valoaga, and FrankRomero.

“They are all consistently great players, and Cruz, too. He is one of the best setters in the county. I just have to keep him healthy!”

Following the Santa Barbara tournament, Cruz and Manansala were nursing injuries. Cruz is currently resting his back, and hopeful to move further this time around in CIF.

Joshua Carin leads in stats at the Islands with 256 kills, and 47 blocks. Carin is also No. 2 on the Raiders with 159 digs and 50 assists.

Trailing Carin is Romero with 215 kills, 17 digs, and 41 blocks. Cruz has accumulated 699 assists, 61 digs, and 26 aces.

“I have 9 starters,” remarks Hinckley. “It’s a great feeling knowing that I can put my trust in all of them.”

Another member of the team, Edgar Rios, a junior, was also thrilled to be moving on up with his team as it is his first year playing volleyball. Rios is one of three juniors on the varsity team,  including Patrick Manansala and Jim Carrasco, and he is eager to continue to play the sport.

“I think we do just fine,” says Rios. “The junior varsity players are also very talented, we’ll have some big shoes to fill, but they have what it takes for the upcoming year.”

This year, CIHS boys’ volleyball was extremely successful in an impressive three-level-sweep with Soph-Frosh tying for first, and JV and Varsity claiming their first place titles in the Pacific View League.

With these successful seasons, there is no doubt that people don’t know who the CIHS boys’ volleyball team is.