No. 4-ranked Beckman boys volleyball team captures third consecutive PCL title

Beckman’s boys volleyball team captured the PCL title Tuesday night. (Photo courtesy Beckman athletics).

Beckman High School’s boys volleyball team wrapped up its third consecutive Pacific Coast League title defeating Irvine in three sets Tuesday night.

The scores were 25-16, 25-18, 25-23.

“It’s our third in a row (would be four if not for the 2020 cancellation),” said Beckman Coach Darin McBain.

The Patriots are 11-0 in league play with one more match Thursday at home vs. Northwood.

“That will also be our senior night where we celebrate the 11 varsity players that will graduate this year,” McBain said.

Beckman, ranked No. 4 in the CIF Division 1 poll, also hosts No. 2 Mater Dei Wednesday night.

Beckman is 29-2 overall with its only losses coming to Mater Dei.

“First loss was in the quarterfinals at Best of the West tourney, then again in the semifinals of the Tesoro tournament a few weeks ago,” McBain said. “The latter was a very tight match from start to finish, so we expect tonight to be the same, probably a four or five-set battle.

“Not only do we have Mater Dei tonight and Northwood tomorrow, but we head up to the Redondo tourney on Friday and Saturday and expect to face some really good teams in preparation for playoffs starting next week. “

McBain’s team has been led by a number of players.

“Our strength lies in the fact that we are very deep in talent and spread the ball around very well,” McBain said. “It’s not often that we have to rely on just one or two guys to carry us. We have five guys on the floor at all times that we trust in big situations.

“The guys that stand out when you come watch our matches are junior middle blocker Noah Huang, junior outside hitter Jack Graves and senior outside hitter Eli Lee because of their athleticism.

“But Ryan Graves, our junior setter, is the guy that runs the show and puts those three in the best spots to be successful. Our senior middle blocker Kamran Vakilian and freshman opposite Luke Morrison have really improved and have been very solid options for us offensively as well.

“Our libero, junior Noah Lee, is probably our most underrated player. He doesn’t get a lot of recognition when it comes to all-tournament selections, but he is the glue that holds our serve receive and defense together. We would not be where we are right now without his play so far this season. 

“Senior Jared Irwin has had his best couple of weeks in practice all season and is ready to step in at outside or opposite whenever we need him.”

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