The Tamalpais High School boys varsity volleyball team reigned victorious at the NorCal Invitational Boys Volleyball Tournament, claiming the title of Gold League Tournament Champions. The tournament took place on March 26 and was hosted by Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park. It brought high-performing volleyball teams from high schools across Northern California. 

The Hawks previous record for the season, 15-1, shows their strong team chemistry and high level of playing. “We have great leadership from our juniors and seniors and a commitment to excellence from all 15 guys,” coach Jason Souza said. 

In past years, the team has not been as strong, but has greatly improved through the four years captain and setter Lourenco Pereira has been on the team. “Now [the team] is definitely really advanced. You have to play club and you have to play in the off-season to do really well,” Pereira said. 

In order to come out on top, the team faced a number of high-level opponents, most of whom they had not played before. “Four to five of the teams [at the tournament] were significantly strong,” Souza said. The team first defeated Burton 2-0, followed shortly by a victory over American Canyon, 2-1. The Hawks continued on to beat St. Mary’s 2-0, leading them back to their rival team, Archie Williams. Archie Williams is the only team thus far to beat Tam this season. Despite their past record, Tam was able to emerge on top, 25-23, 25-17. The team finished with an important win against Liberty to clinch the victory in the tournament. “This win is huge,” Souza said, “Tam Boys Volleyball is on the rise. This pennant motivates us to continue our training and push ahead.” 

“[The win] set the tone for the rest of the season,” Pereira said, “It makes us feel a lot more confident going into future games.”