With a 4–3 record, the Mesa College men's volleyball team is competing well while continuing to find its rhythm. However, if the team hopes to make another strong playoff run at the end of the season, adjustments must begin now.
Despite the slow start, head coach David Proffitt is not overly concerned with the team's early results. He believes progress is being made each time the group takes the court.
"Whether it's practice or matches, we are improving each time we step on the floor," Proffitt said. "I really feel like the guys are starting to carve out their roles individually as we play our matches."
Although the team opened the season with losses to Long Beach City College (1-3) and Santa Monica College (0-3), Proffitt believes this squad has already grown significantly and is stronger than it was during those early matches.
One of the team's early Achilles' heels has been its serve-and-pass game. That area has received lots of attention in practice, and many of those issues are beginning to improve. Still, Proffitt points out that while the team is trending in the right direction, there is another level they are capable of reaching.
A major positive came in a hard-fought 3–2 victory over a solid Moorpark College team. Even in a 3–0 loss to Santa Barbara City College, a match played without several key contributors due to injury, lots of positives came from that match.
Like many teams early in the season, consistency remains the key. At times, the team plays cohesive, high-level Mesa volleyball, but those stretches have not yet lasted an entire match. To compete against stronger opponents, the team must play what they're capable of the entire match.
Several freshmen have made an immediate impact. Transfer Ryan Enos from Grand Canyon University and true freshman Dane Roblee have been outstanding. Freshman libero John Deinhardt, a 6-foot graduate of Westview High School, has also been great. Through eight matches, Deinhardt has recorded three assists, 89 total service attempts, 31 receptions, and 24 digs.
Next up for the Olympians will be against Fullerton College at FUllerton on Thursday, February 19.