Win keeps playoff hopes alive for Basic

Matt O'Brien

Thursday, April 29, 1999 | 11:39 a.m.

The jockeying for playoff position among Southern Zone boys volleyball teams is officially under way. Entering the second half of the season, many squads are fighting for a higher seed or simply fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Two teams that fall into the latter category squared off Wednesday night in an important Sunrise Division match. And in the end, Basic proved too deep for short-handed Valley, easily defeating the hosts 15-12, 15-2.

The win improved the Wolves to 7-5 in division play (10-5 overall) and kept them tied with Silverado for the fourth and final playoff berth. The Vikings fell to 4-7 (5-9 overall), making their path to the postseason a difficult one.

"Every game is big position-wise at this point in the season," said Basic coach Darrin Puana. "We have the talent on paper, but we haven't performed well on the floor. Now's the time we really need to start playing well."

With two players lost to grades and one attending a debate tournament, Valley only dressed out six players. Sans substitutes, the Vikings faded in the second game.

"We were outmanned tonight, but we hung in there," said Valley coach David Fish.

"It would've been nice to be at full strength. Not having our blockers really hurt us."

Basic was also missing a key player.

Senior Brant Stewart sat out the match with a foot injury, but his teammates compensated for his absence.

Brothers Nate and Derek Muaina served well and were strong at the net (three aces and 10 kills combined) and setter Jeremy Hartman finished with a match-high 12 assists.

"I practice hard and try to be mentally prepared," said senior Nate Muaina, who's a year ahead of his brother.

"Coming off that big win against Chaparral (Monday night), we were all ready to go."

Valley, who was led by Nick Valdez's seven kills and four blocks, plays at home against division-leading Chaparral on Monday. Basic hosts Silverado in a key match that same evening.