For the first time in the last few years, the Culver City girls’ volleyball team is struggling in Ocean League play. The two-time defending league champions are trying to navigate through unfamiliar territory. The Centaurs have an overall record of 8-7-1 and are 2-2 in the Ocean League. They host Beverly Hills today at 4 p.m. inside the Del Goodyear gym on the Culver City high school campus.
They are currently in fourth place in league play but if they beat Beverly Hills today they will be tied with the Normans for third place behind Santa Monica and El Segundo.
“Right now the team is still trying to figure out their identity,” said head coach Joe Manzo last week. “We are in tough battles in close games and right now we are losing close games. We are getting leads but we are not finishing well. All and all I feel like we are one step away from where we need to be and where we need to go. We just need to keep moving in the right direction and finish the first half of league play strong.”
Coach Manzo hopes to be able get back on the winning track and carry that momentum into the second half of Ocean league play and into the playoffs. During the second half of league competition the Centaurs will play the top two teams at home. If they beat those teams they will be right back in contention for the Ocean league title.
“We are young but we have some senior leadership,” said Manzo. “Right now it’s a matter of putting all the pieces together and believing in each other. I know the players are going to step up and play hard. I have a strong feeling about this team. They will find a way to turn that corner and take a step in the right direction.”
Helping the Centaurs move in the right direction is senior middle blocker and captain, Adili Rikondja. She has returned from the injury list and is coming off the bench to give them the leadership and a positive attitude. “She is the spark we need right now, said Manzo.
