Over the Net: Boys volleyball looks to make deep playoff run
By GAGE SMITH
The Tower
Manteca High’s Rob Hevener displays his athleticism preparing to spike over the block. (Raclif Figueroa/The Tower)
MANTECA – For the Manteca High boys’ volleyball team, the plan is clear. The Buffaloes varsity squad posted an impressive 21-9 overall record for the 2025 season but found themselves losing in the first round of playoffs to the Antelope Titans. Volleyball season may be a couple of months away, but the buffaloes are confident that their team is ready to exceed expectations and make a run to secure a banner for Manteca High.
Their roster boasts an impressive amount of talent, including first team All-League players Jesus Gomez and Rob Hevener Jr, who will undoubtedly be difference-makers on the court. The Buffaloes are ambitious and hungry, with aspirations to continue and surpass their success of the previous season.
“Beat every other team and win every game,” Junior Donovan Morse talks about the team’s objectives for the season. “That’s our main goal is to improve.”
In 2025, Gomez posted a VOL-leading 365 kills. Hevener also recorded 105 total blocks in the season, second in the Valley Oak League. The team also accrued two second team All-League acknowledgements in Alex Khizeran and Logan Romriell.
“We had a lot of people that stayed,” Gomez spoke on the new players that can make an immediate impact on the team. “Going to be really nice to see how our freshmen come in and play at setter because our setter left. A sophomore stepping up from JV into varsity is going to be really important to see.”
“I’m personally proud of my attitude from last season and how I’ve developed since my freshman year in volleyball.” Hevener discusses what has been the most personally fulfilling for him last season.
Despite their accomplishments, a few key moments linger in their minds from the last season.
“The overall performance last season was good. Definitely could have done a lot better than VOLs, had sometimes where we broke down but we kept it going and made an impact.” Hevener spoke on the team’s performance last season. “I wish the playoffs went differently. We lost in the first round and didn’t go far.”
“I wish we improved quicker. It hurt to lose those games in five,” Gomez spoke about the shortcomings of the team’s playoffs. “But it’s a process and now we’re better.”
With a strong core of new and returning players, the Buffaloes are excited to translate their hunger for success into wins. The emphasis on growth and team chemistry is going to be one of the deciding factors for their performance on the court.
“Win the VOLs, build a little chemistry, have some fun.” Gomez touches on the atmosphere surrounding the team's upcoming goals.
In addition, the buffs are also excited for a few upcoming matches. Players were quick to name some teams they wanted to play again.
“Sierra,” Morse said without hesitation, “East Union, too.”
“Mountain House,” Gomez chimed in, “I think that team’s going to be the most competition.”
“Definitely excited to play Mountain House,” Hevener added, agreeing with his teammate, “East Union and Sierra too just as rivals.”
This team is mentally and physically prepared to finish what they started. Their desire to test themselves up against crosstown rivals and top competitors proves that this team is embracing the pressure upfront. This squad is focused and determined that the path towards success runs directly through their toughest competition.