![Senior setter Evan Li sets a ball for an aggressive play by McLean. “We were more aggressive,” said John Tamashiro, head coach for boys' volleyball. “Everything is constant attack, nothing should come easy, we don't want to give our [opponents] any breathing room.”](https://thehighlandernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/eGWp3VtgAf3itQz98WI82Hnt3Z53WptFz0FCpM2E-1200x800.jpg)
On Nov. 3, the defending district champion Highlanders played the Marshall Statesmen in the district finals. McLean had walked over their past two district games, going 3-0 in both and growing the spirits of the team and coaches.
The first set started with spike after spike from McLean, taking an early 7-3 lead and causing the Statesmen to take an early timeout. It didn’t stop the Highlander’s spirit, and McLean continued the lead to 17-11 with aggressive plays set up by the district player of the year senior setter Evan Li.
“We were hitting pretty well because we were excited,” sophomore libero Jose Eslinger said. “We just weren’t as focused on the defense. We’re going to use some new defensive strategies for the next game.”
Marshall took another timeout at 21-14, but it proved too late. McLean ended the first set 25-14.
“We are more aggressive [now],” said John Tamashiro, head coach of the boys’ volleyball team. “That’s a big factor in winning at the playoff level.”
The second set started rough for McLean, with Marshall scoring five straight aces on the Highlanders. The spirits dwindled a bit during the stretch, with the Statesmen pulling an early 4-10 lead. The Highlanders didn’t give up and fought their way to 17-20, forcing Marshall to take another timeout at 22-22. Both teams had a tense atmosphere, but with many coordinated attacks, McLean cleaned up the set at 25-22.
“We had a small lapse at the beginning of the second set,” said Li. “Our strength is how well we work together as a team and push through.”
During the third set, McLean took an early 8-1 lead, and the Statesmen took a timeout. This doesn’t stop the Highlanders from snowballing into a huge lead. The Highlanders were able to end the set at 25-14 and take the match 3-0.
“We played well, but the takeaway is that we can still play better and we’re going to have to when competition gets strong as we move,” said Tamashiro.”I just want to see everyone playing at their full potential and enjoy the moment.”
The Highlanders won the district championship two times in a row, and now they’re looking past the region to compete in the playoffs.
“We’re just hoping to win states, “ Li said. “Our hits were solid, but we need to play at our full potential [next time].”
