The Wilson Bruins may have added a new chapter to the book on Dominance with their sweep win of the San Marcos Royals Thursday evening to kick off the CIF Playoffs, a day early.  The last time these two teams met, back in mid-March, the Royals had a few big hitters on their team, who’ve since left the program; even with them, the Bruins didn’t give up a set, which is why perhaps their 25-13, 25-14, 25-14 win shouldn’t have been that surprising.  But the way they went about achieving it certainly was.

If you notice those scores, you’ll see that the Royals’ scores were right around the same spot.  That’s because, when you outmatch a team, you have to set your own goals to keep focused (as the Bruins had to do through the Moore League schedule, where they also didn’t give up a set).  So Bruins coach Susan Pescar gave her team a challenge.  “If the other team had gotten more than 15 in a set we would’ve lost that set,” she said.  “We have to try and set internal goals sometimes—it helps with the focus issue.  This team is very competitive.”

No kidding—the Bruins trailed only once, very early in the third when the Royals went up 3-0 (after a Wilson double-touch penalty and two wide shots from the Bruins).  Wilson caught back up after a wide hit by the Royals, a stuff block by Mike Wilder, and then an ace from Louie Frost.  It was that kind of an evening.  In the first set, the Royals only recorded four kills, as Wilson aced them three times (thirteen on the night).  Half of San Marcos’ points came off Wilson serve errors or hits into the net.  In the second, half their points came off Wilson errors.

Despite the ease with which they won, the Bruins’ energy seemed high throughout the match.  Mike Wilder nailed a couple straight-down kills off quick sets that seemed to ignite the team, including Wilder himself.  Pescar said the energy was the result of some new plays finding success, as well as the elevated atmosphere for the playoffs, regardless of the level of competition.

“We have to play hard and well,” said Wilder, who led the way with 14 kills and 2 blocks.  “Anyone can get upset by anyone.” 

The next round gets exponentially harder—and in the talent-rich Southern Section, it will continue to get harder.  The Bruins will face either Foothill (favored to win) or Harvard-Westlake in the second round on Tuesday.  We’ll keep you up to date after that match is completed on Friday.