When Poly coach Leland McGrath took over at Poly last season, he looked at his talent pool and decided to start mostly sophomores.  That move is always accompanied by growing pains, and Poly certainly had theirs (they were swept twice by league rivals Wilson)—but they managed to win while learning, going 21-8 and making it into the second round of the CIF playoffs before being bumped in five sets.  Now, that core group of sophomores are juniors—a year older, a year wiser, and a full year more worked out, thanks to McGrath’s 12-month training program. 

The Jackrabbits are explosive on offense.  Their strength at the middles is incredible, with Litara Keil and Saitaua Iosia both just a hair under six-foot.  At the outside, Bria Russ and Felicia Clement both have deceptively powerful swings, and can jump out of the gym—all four are juniors.  The only senior likely to see significant court time as a starter is setter Rainette Uiato.  The ‘Rabbits are hoping to benefit in every way from having an enormously talented group that’s been together for a full year.  “Compared to where we were last year, we’re better,” says McGrath, “But we have a lot of getting better to do if we’re going to seriously contend for a CIF, or a Moore League title.”

And of course, like CIF no. 4 Wilson and CIF no. 9 Lakewood, the CIF no. 10 Jackrabbits do have their sights set on a long playoff run.  What Poly needs to get there is for a vocal leader to emerge among the developing group of juniors, and for the back line to step up.  They lost a vocal leader and a “back-stop” in Nailah Waterfield, the libero who graduated last year and is now playing or Duke. 

Fortunately, the ‘Rabbits will have some time to develop those personalities before they’re tested in league.  They play in the Durango Vegas tournament next weekend, and don’t face Lakewood until October 1st—the Lancers and Bruins will give each other their best shot this afternoon, without much time to settle their roster beforehand.  McGrath is grateful for the extra week, even with all the time he’s already gotten with his young squad.  If they can continue to win as they learn, he’ll likely be enjoying next season even more.

“I’m very happy with our progress,” he says.  “But that’s not going to make Lakewood easier to beat, or Wilson.  I think talent-wise, we’re there.  We just need to keep pushing.”