The Dos Pueblos Invitational got off to a rough start for the Bishop Diego boys volleyball team, as senior leader Robert Connolly went down with a sprained ankle just moments after tournament action began. The short-handed Cardinals fought through, however, and managed a 3-5 showing on the day including wins against Simi Valley and Arroyo Grande.
Senior Johnny Brand shook off a shaky showing against DP to lead the way the rest of the way before going down with a sprained ankle of his own in the final set of pool play. The Cardinals pulled out the victory nonetheless, and Brand is expected to be okay.
Coach Jason Donnelly said that mental errors were what kept his team from advancing out of pool play.
“There was some good energy later in the day, but we had to absorb way too many service errors,” he said. “We have yet to be at full strength this season, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish now that league play is coming up.”
Michael Winnewisser took big strides at the middle blocker position, according to Donnelly, and Brandon Gonzalez continued to make fine hustle plays. The Cardinals play at St. Joseph on Tuesday.
