The second match of the day at the 5th Annual Steve Lewis Memorial Volleyfest was a chaotic, messy affair that showed how far the Jackrabbits have come in the young season, as they picked up a four-set win over Laguna Beach, 25-19, 25-22, 21-25, 25-14.  As for the frenetic style?  Poly coach Leland McGrath says that’s just how he likes it.  “If it’s a little chaotic, it’s good.  We’re a really good scramble team—any time it gets ugly, we have a chance to win.”

Poly’s biggest strength may be that almost all of their players can do a little bit of everything: passing, blocking, swinging, and digging.  “This year, we’re letting our athletes be athletes,” says McGrath.  “It’s not like an Orange County style where everyone plays their position, and stays in that mold.”

The athleticism and raw talent were obvious against Laguna Beach—after taking the first, they trailed for most of the second set, until finally taking the lead off of three consecutive blocks, from Bria Russ, Litara Kiel, and Felicia Clements.  They came back from down 19-16 to win 25-22. 

Russ finished with 18 kills, and Kiel with 14 kills and three blocks.  Setter Rainette Uiato had 43 assists.  Poly’s next match is Tuesday, against Wilson.