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Taking On the Challenge From Every Angle

SPOTLIGHT ON VOLLEYBALL: Lady Titans Have A Unique Blend of Strength, Experience and Youth At Every Position

Once among the more consistent positions at San Marino High School, the job of girls’ varsity volleyball coach has been a carousel of sorts for the past decade-and-a-half. Here to hopefully put a stop to the merry go round – and hopefully grab the elusive brass ring of a Rio Hondo League championship while he’s at it – is Joseph Rios, himself a former player at Salesian who cut his coaching teeth at St. Paul High School.
If enthusiasm counts for anything, the Lady Titans are in good hands, as Rios is ready to roll.
“We were really excited to get this win,” Rios exclaimed after San Marino’s straight-set victory over Arcadia, a 20-win team last season. “The girls played really well and it’s nice to see so many things come together for us.”
Rios arrived on campus to find a team mixed with equal parts youth and experience. Earlier in the summer, the Lady Titans won the Gabrielino Summer League tournament. August has brought greater challenges, but the pieces are falling into place as the league campaign approaches.
When it arrives, junior middle blocker and defensive specialist Steviana Perry will be ready.
“Steviana has filled in well for us since we have had a lot of injuries,” said Rios. “She has come in and done very well. I can definitely trust her to do the right thing on the court.”
Junior all-league outside hitter and co-captain Keila Barra, who has been a starter since her first day on campus.
‘Keila is not the tallest player on the court but she is very quick and very smart,” said Rios. “She does a lot of off-season work that makes her a really special player.”
Senior Sera Thaichereon adds savvy to the passing lineup and is also a fine setter, when needed.
“Sera is a great passer and she really contributes to our offense with her excellent passing,’ said Rios.
Senior outside hitter and co-captain Nicole Doerges is a solid offensive weapon.
“Nicole is the firestarter of our team one of the strongest hitters around,” said Rios. “She is showing what an alpha female can do and is contributing in all aspects of the game.”
Junior Hanna Wang has locked up the starting setter position.
“Hanna has really good hands and is also a very smart player,” Rios said. “I coached her many years ago in club volleyball and I have seen her really grow up on the court. She makes excellent decisions.”
Senior middle blocker Jackie Brougham returns to the front line for the Lady Titans.
“Jackie adds a lot of defensive presence to the team, primarily through her great blocking ability,” Rios said. “She has been very busy and we are getting her caught up, but Jackie adds a lot to this team.”
Junior defensive specialist Emily Boutin is the team’s sparkplug.
“Emily is the peppy on eon the team,” said Rios. “She is very good at the defensive right back position and has done very well when we have needed her.”
Sophomore Lauren Eriksen is a force at the middle blocker position.
“She has been a big presence for us,” said Rios. “Lauren really contributed to our solid performance at the Gabrielino Tournament and we expect good things out of her.”
Sophomore Caitlyn Nguyen has provided solid defense for the Lady Titans.
“Caitlyn came in and played very well when our starting libero was injured,” said Rios. “She is very attentive and gets a lot of digs I don’t expect her to get.”
Junior libero Arabella Woods has been bitten by the injury bug and hopes to return soon.
“Arabella has a very good defensive presence,” said Rios. “We hope to get her back on the court very soon.”
Sophomore middle blocker Morgan Woodward is one to watch.
“Morgan is very athletic,” said Rios. “Some say that the stereotypical middle blocker can only play in the front row and that is not true of Morgan. She is a very good defensive player and an excellent server. Morgan is a very valuable asset to this team.”
Freshman middle blocker Erin Hill walked onto the high school campus and directly into the starting lineup. Expect to see her there for quite a while.
“Erin has impressed me because we have played her in every position and she has done very well,” Rios exclaimed. “She has already exceeded my expectations of her as a varsity player.”
Freshman Kira Glasse will get some reps at middle blocker.
“She has stepped up and played well,” said Rios. “Unfortunately, she is injured but has continued to be a great presence on the bench. It’s impressive how much she has supported her teammates.”
Junior opposite Morgan Wong suffered an ankle injury but should be returning to the lineup soon.
“Morgan was a big part of why we won the Gabrielino Tournament and she played hard until she got injured,” said Rios. “We are really looking forward to getting her back in te lineup.”
The Lady Titans are also looking forward to sinking their teeth into the Rio Hondo League schedule, which is right around the corner.
“I think we have a really good shot,” Rios said. “There are other teams who have had a coach switch at varsity. I hope I can assimilate into my team quicker. This is a great group of girls. I really appreciate the intelligence factor. They are all very bright. When you have an edge in strategy, you can do things better and I am hoping that is the case this season.”

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