The boys’ volleyball team lost almost its entire starting lineup to graduation, but this year’s squad features a strong base of juniors and sophomores who hope to be a strong force in the Mission League routinely.

Loyola, who routinley has one of the best boys’ volleyball programs in the nation, is expected to earn another league title. However, a second place finish and a playoff bid is certainly in the grasp of the young Wolverines.

“Although we have lost many seniors who graduated last year, we still have high expectations coming into this season,” outside hitter Hudson Ling ’15 said. “Losing some of the important leaders from last year, the upperclassmen on the team this year will have to step up. Loyola and Notre Dame will have excellent teams this season, but with continual hard work, so will we. Because our team consists mostly of juniors, our team strives for strong teamwork and communication that will be vital not only this upcoming season, but also the season following.”

The team is led by lone senior Elliot Sassouni ’14, who is expected to be starting libero. An underclassmen trio comprised of Ling, setter Brad Comisar ’15 and outside hitter Scott Nussbaum ’15 are expected to be in the starting rotation as well.

The team will play its first match against Mission League rival Loyola March 3.

During the middle of the season, the club will battle in the Santa Barbara High School tournament and will play in non league matches against Oaks Christian and Simi Valley. With the departure of eight seniors, the underclassmen will have the opportunity to take over more responsibility and leadership roles this year.

“The future this program lies in the hands of the players,” Ling said. “We have many freshman and sophomore junior varsity players who have proved talented and fast learners, as well junior and senior team leaders.”