The Merced Bears hosted the McLane Highlanders Tuesday in a preseason volleyball matchup. Merced came in 3-3 after a rough loss, and McLane was 2-9, looking for their third win of the season. Both teams showed up ready to compete, and as the game transpired, it became clear the match was going to be full of back-and-forth points and strategic execution.
Set one started with McLane’s Richy Moua serving and putting the Highlanders on the board, but Merced quickly responded with a kill from Jacob Dickson, who later tapped the ball over for another point. Both teams traded points back and forth, with McLane using strong blocks and powerful spikes to keep the Bears from pulling ahead. Quinton Southworth kept the defense up for the Bears by contributing multiple blocks at the net, while Erick Nevarez pitched in with a few defensive saves that helped to keep the score close. Despite Merced’s efforts, McLane held control late and closed out the set 25-18.
Set two started with a kill from Richy Moua for McLane, followed by a Merced kill from Jacob Dickson. As the teams settled in, Mclane grabbed a firm lead. Merced started chipping into it, but McLane wasn’t making it easy, hitting intense spikes across the court. However, these hard hits eventually became attacking errors that allowed Merced to claw their way to a lead. Merced players Dickson and Santiago scored at the net, and Benny Xiong added an ace, yet the lead continued switching back and forth. As the tense set came to a close, Mclane blinked first, and Merced held on to achieve a close set win 25-23.
Set three started with Mclane scoring the first point off a Merced error, but Jacob Dickson quickly answered with back-to-back kills to put the Bears ahead. Merced’s defense started tightening, with momentous blocks keeping them in control. Pablo Santiago scored a kill for Merced, and the Bears kept taking advantage of Mclane errors to stay ahead. The teams traded points for a while, with Dickson getting another kill and a block that led to a Merced point. McLane continued to come back with spikes and tips over the net. Midway through the set, the game was tied 15-15. The Bears responded with strong kills and blocks to retake the lead for the final time as they were able to close out the set 25-20.
Set four started with Merced getting early points off McLane errors, but the Highlanders quickly responded, keeping the rallies competitive. Outside hitter Pablo Santiago and Jacob Dickson executed kills for Merced. However, Bears’ errors opened the door for McLane to catch up. The lead swung several times as both teams traded points, yet In the end, McLane pulled ahead during their final rally and took the set 25-18.
Set five started with McLane taking the first point, but Merced quickly answered with outside hitter Pablo Santiago scoring a kill. McLane fought back with spikes to the back of the court, but Merced’s defense was able to effectively block their attacks, including a big stop from Quinton Southworth. Benny Xiong added a sharp kill to extend the lead for the Bears, while Mclane’s errors allowed the Bears to take full control. Merced finished things off by taking the set 15-8 to win the game.
Merced captain Erick Nevarez reflected on the match, pointing to the team’s effort and defensive plays. “We had great teamwork, and the defense really stepped up at the end,” he said. When thinking about areas to improve, Nevarez admitted, “We just gotta talk more and be smarter. I think we’re playing a little sloppy right now, but when we get it together, I know we’ll be a great team.” On the season ahead, he said, “We’re on a rough start, but I know my teammates can play better. I’m going to play better, and we’re all going to do great.”
Looking ahead, Merced will face the Tracy Bulldogs at home on March 5. That same day, McLane High will travel to Clovis West High to take on the Golden Eagles at the same time.
- Photos by Grace Gallegos. ↩︎
