DOWNEY - The Downey High School boys' volleyball team currently has an 11-3 overall record and a 4-3 record in league play.The Vikings are in second place in the S.G.V.L. and currently ranked 5th in C.I.F. Division III. Both of the Viking defeats have come at the hands of cross-town rival Warren. The first match at Warren on March 22 ended in three sets. The Vikings played the Bears in a much anticipated rematch on Tuesday, April 17, at Downey to start the second round of league play. The Vikings were defeated in three, more competitive sets, 25-17, 25-16, and 25-21. Former East Knight Garrett Neilan had nine kills for the Vikings and had a solid game. Coach Rand believes his team has learned a lot in these two losses and hopes it prepares his team well for the rest of the season and C.I.F. Warren is currently ranked 3rd in C.I.F. Division III and has an overall record of 18-1 and league record of 6-0. The Vikings swept both Lynwood and Dominguez the week of April 2 in straight sets and participated in the Kennedy Tournament over spring break (April 9-13), where they placed fourth. Coach Rand is very pleased with the consistent play of senior Juan Vasquez, junior Matt Lostetter as well as the steady improvement of sophomore defensive specialist Marjan Abubo. With both teams playing the way they are, it is very possible that they meet again in the C.I.F. Division III playoffs.

********** Published: April 19, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 01