January 29, 2024

Warriors go 3-1 at the Pirate Invitational

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By: Chase Dodge

Westcliff Warriors opened up their Season Opener with a (RV) recieving votes rank in the NAIA Coaches Top 15 Preseason Poll.

Warriors were going to have 4 matches in two days against (RV) Ottawa, #3 Park, Viterbo and Morningside.

The Warriors were challeged early in the 1st match quickly going up 2 sets to none. But Ottawa were able to respond and force a 5th set.

This is were the Warriors dug deep and were able to come away with the first win of the season behind some stellar hitting from Gabriel Pizza, Tom Dempsey and Thomas Taufetee.

The next match was a tough one against #3 Park. Warriors were swept by the Pirates to finish that Friday 1-1.

Saturday was a great day for the Warriors going 2-0 on the day against Morningside and Viterbo.

 Morningside match was a back and forth affair with both teams taking 2 sets. Another 5 set thriller in two days! 

 Warriors opened the final set on a hot streak quickly grabbing 4 points and never looked back. The buffer in the 5th never went past 2 points for the Warriors.

Score at 11-8 Warriors went on a 4-0 run to win the match against the Mustangs 3-2.

The last match of the Pirate Invitational was against Viterbo.

Warriors swept that match 3-0 with greating hitting from Ilias Lazaar, Lukas Pusvaskis and Gabriel Pizza.

Westcliff head home with an impressive start to the season at 3-1.

Standout Performances at the Pirate Inviational

Tom Dempsey - 15 Kills, 16 Digs, 5 Blocks

Thomas Taufetee - 18 Kills, 4 Assists,  12 Digs, 2 Blocks

Ilias Lazaar - 48 Kills, 2 Assists, 23 Digs, 2 Blocks

Gabriel Pizza - 43 Kills, 2 Assists, 29 Digs,  5  Blocks, 11 Service Aces

Michael Schoffstall - 4 Kills, 93 Assists, 21 Digs, 4 Block

Pawel Tuz - 3 Kills, 53 Assists, 11 Digs, 1 Blocks

Coaches Notes

"This season we have more depth of competition, so it was great to see multiple players get the opportunity of court time while still winning & competing.
 
Not only that, but it also showed us what we need to work on more. "Overall the main focus is connection.
 
As you know most of our players were in the beach season, so there was not a whole lot of availability for indoor reps.
 
"We are definitely stronger than last year, but need to create more consistency if we plan on executing our main goal: National Title. 
 
"Gabriel Pizza's serving was definitely a great asset to the team this weekend. His service pressure really alleviated defensive stress. 
 
Leo Garcia's overall performance showed he is a top defender in the NAIA. "Ilias Lazaar's overall attacking from both pins showed his IQ & seasoned experience. 
 
Warriors continue next week as they take on (RV) Hope, #4 OUAZ and (RV) Arizona Christian.