Brooklyn Center boys volleyball lost a close 3-1 match to Champlin Park on May 2 with both teams battling for a first North Conference win this season.
Champlin Park head coach Josh Nutter said the Rebels have shown growth this season, moving through setbacks while competing in a conference packed with strong teams.
“I was really excited that the boys were able to stay focused, play together, and have fun as we won our first conference match,” he said. “I continue to tell the guys that they are so much better than the match results so far this season. We need to build on the win and strive for more consistent play moving forward.”
Nutter also noted that he’s enjoyed working with the program’s experienced and newer players this year, pursuing a mix that can help the entire squad grow as a unit.
“I have really enjoyed working with and getting to know these boys this year,” he said. “While we don’t have many players with competitive volleyball experience, we do have highly skilled players that are committed to working on their individual skills and learning how those skills can translate to highly competitive team play. My hope is that they continue to embrace the roles we are asking them to play on the court, trust and encourage their teammates, and build some confidence as we battle through the conference.”
Champlin Park took set one 25-12, but only after surviving a difficult start that saw an early Brooklyn Center lead. The Rebels mounted the comeback through good serving by the likes of Anthony Phothirath and Chance Lee, while Nathaniel Lo, Alex Vang, and Titus Yang all grew into their roles as the tip of the spear for the Rebels attack. Brooklyn Center, for their part, saw good moments from Nun Santamaria Hong, libero Chris Yang and Ayden Khang to pick up 12 points.
The Rebels kept their momentum flowing with a 25-17 set two win, withstanding a more pronounced performance from the Centaurs. Phothirath provided a strong physical presence through the second set, always ready to give his all to a hit or rise high to block.
Champlin Park libero Chance Lee continued to provide leadership to the Rebels as they navigated the highs and lows of the game, particularly the bright moments of Brooklyn Center’s Hong, Jacky Yang, and David Thao. Ryu T. Vang and Nathan Tang did the work at the attack line late in the set to confirm the win and make it 2-0.
Under the pressure of the Rebels victory on the horizon, Brooklyn Center rose to the occasion with a 25-23 win in set three to make it 2-1 and keep the game alive. The Centaurs were off to their best start of the night almost immediately, managing to stay ahead on the scoreboard well into the teens. Thao started Brooklyn Center off with great serves, while Khang, Chris Yang, and Jacky Yang all put in intelligent and physical performances to rack up points. Champlin Park almost cut off the upset, tying the hosts up at 21-21 after trailing by five points, but the Centaurs figured it out and found heroic work from Hong and Evan Yang to get the win over the line.
Set four saw Champlin Park lock in and show its ability to rise above the approaching upset. The Rebels took set four 25-18, correcting previous errors to take and hold the lead early. Phothirath was at it again with strong play through the set as Champlin Park finally downed a gritty Brooklyn Center to win 3-1 overall.
Other results
Champlin Park opened last week with a 3-0 loss on the road to Andover, its first non-tournament loss with zero set wins this season. Champlin Park ended last week with a 1-3 North Conference record, 4-6 overall.
The Centaurs lost a conference match up with Irondale 3-0 earlier last week. Brooklyn Center ended last week with a 0-3 North Conference record, 0-9 overall.
Champlin Park will play two games the following week, hosting Spring Lake Park on Tuesday, May 7, before traveling to Centennial on Thursday, May 9.
Brooklyn Center will play two games the following week, hosting Blaine and Patrick Henry on May 6 (after this edition went to press) and Thursday, May 9.
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