After clinching PCL title, Beckman boys volleyball team eyes solid CIF playoff run

Beckman’s boys volleyball team huddles during a meet this season. (Photo courtesy Beckman volleyball)

With about a week left in the regular season, Beckman High’s boys volleyball team, with a perfect 10-0 record, has clinched the Pacific Coast League title.

The Patriots hold the tie-breaker over second place Woodbridge which they defeated twice in three sets this year.

‘At 10-0, we have clinched the league title once again,” said Beckman Coach Darin McBain.

Beckman won its first PCL title in 2019, but did not get a chance to defend it last year when the coronavirus pandemic cancelled most of the spring sport season.

This year, the Patriots have made the most of the opportunity.

“The league title was goal number one, but an undefeated run through league would be a nice way to wrap it up, McBain said. “The main goal, obviously, is a CIF championship and we believe that is possible in Division 2.

This week’s CIF Division 1-2 poll has Beckman ranked 14th. At the end of the regular season, teams will be divided into Division 1 and Division 2 brackets for the CIF playoffs. Woodbridge is ranked third in this week’s CIF Division 3 poll.

“As of now, however, we are ranked number 14 in Division 1, just about the worst spot to be in,” McBain said. “If this were to hold up, we would play the number three seed in the playoffs, likely Mira Costa or CdM. If we were to get into D2, I like our chances against anyone. All we can do is finish our season on a strong note and hope the committee places us in D2.

“Either way, we have had a great season with a phenomenal group of kids. We have an excellent mix of senior leadership and talented underclassmen. Our main rotation includes three seniors, two juniors and we start four sophomores. The seniors are talented and bring stability and accountability to the team, led by our three-sport athlete, Jake Morrison (also a standout on the boys basketball team) while the juniors and sophomores bring a ton of energy and athletic ability.”

The four sophomores are also talented, McBain said.

“The four sophomores all play on the same club team and are ranked in the top five nationally, I believe,” McBain said. “Brothers Jack and Ryan Graves, along with Noah Huang and Noah Lee play together all year round, making them very connected on the floor. Practices are incredibly intense, to say the least. We are excited about the remainder of the season, regardless of who they put us up against in the playoffs. We will not be an easy out for anyone.”

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com