Timberwolves overpower Golden Eagles in three-straight sets

Timberwolves’ Mason Huynh prepares for a serve during their 3-0 win over Clovis West. NUGESSE GHEBRENDRIAS/ CLOVIS ROUNDUP

After opening Tri-River Athletic Conference play with back-to-back defeats to Clovis North and Clovis, the Timberwolves rebounded with a dominant show against visitors Clovis West.

The Timberwolves recaptured their spark to win three-straight sets 25-15, 25-21 and 25-14.

With a team consisting of 13 players and 10 of them seniors, the Timberwolves had experience on their side, compared to Clovis West who came into the matchup with four freshman and two sophomores among its seniors.

Behind a strong performance from Lang Thao and Clovis East’s libero Mason Huynh, the Timberwolves pounced on Clovis West early 25-15, giving them an injection of confidence moving forward to win set two 25-21 and set three 25-14.

The Timberwolves greatest strength on the night was their ability to work together on the court. With Drew Peters and Timmy Keaobupha  facing off with the Golden Eagles net defense, Clovis East was afforded the ability to be more aggressive at the net.

Peters came up big in the final set, where his athletic presence upfront forced Clovis West into difficult kill opportunities. His biggest contribution coming with the score line at 17-9 in favor of the Timberwolves.

Clovis West began to make a run in the third and final set, before a kill by Peters sent the Clovis East faithful into hysteria. He leaped off the ground and rose up in the air with two hands, before sending a punishing kill into the Golden Eagles court.

Thao also came up clutch in the final set with five-straight serves to increase the Timberwolves advantage.

From the first set, to the last, Clovis East relied on a full team effort to get their first TRAC win of the season.

Although Clovis East celebrated a league win, they have to go right back to work as they have two matches against Buchanan and Central coming up.

For the past three years, Nugesse has been a vital part of the Madera Tribune covering sports, news, entertainment and feature writing. Nugesse’s ability to interact with the community allows him to promote students, athletes and community members with fairness and objectivity. We are happy to have Nugesse join our team here at the Clovis Roundup.