The National Volleyball Association is now bigger than ever before, moving into the upcoming 2022 season, bringing you: more games, larger events, new teams, a new league structure, and even greater volleyball action! The American and National Conferences have each split into two divisions during the off-season. You will now see a Coastal and Central division within each conference. In addition, each conference has inducted a new franchise, bringing the league to a total of 12 teams, which has opened the door to a full regular-season schedule. From April to July, fans will be able to watch 60 matches with teams grinding their way through the rankings to solidify a spot in the 2022 NVA Championships! Here is the release for this year’s NVA Regular Season Event Schedule without further ado.

2022 NVA Regular Season Schedule

Event 1: April 8th – 10th

Event 2: May 6th – 8th

Event 3: May 28th – 30th

Event 4: June 17th – 19th

Event 5: July 8th – 10th

NVA Championship: August 5th-7th

Each event will feature twelve matches over three days with four games a day. Each team competes in two matches per event weekend, totaling ten matches throughout the season. The teams will be fighting each game to bolster their overall record and rack up NVA Points to win their respective division. Winning your division will automatically advance you to the playoffs.

Some of the highlight matches include…

– Saturday 04/09 @ 12:00 PM PST: Dallas Tornadoes vs. Colorado Kraken, the Tornadoes grudge match against their previous head coach and his new team, the Colorado Kraken.

– Friday 05/06 @ 9:00 AM PST: Las Vegas Ramblers vs. Utah Stingers, both of last year’s top regular-season teams who have both made the final podium two years running, will face off in this newly-formed rivalry.

– Friday 05/06 @ 12:00 PM PST: OC Stunners vs. Texas Tyrants, a rematch of their five-set, quarterfinals thriller, which is regarded as the best match of the 2021 playoffs.

– Sunday 05/30 @ 9 AM PST: Chicago Untouchables vs. Southern Exposure, a rematch of a highly gritty quarterfinal matchup from last season that ended in a five-set Exposure win.

– Sunday 06/19 @ 6 PM PST: LA Blaze vs. Inland Empire Matadors, as they battle for dominance in this cross-town rivalry.

– Sunday 06/30 @ 9 AM PST: New Jersey Freedom vs. Seattle Sasquatch, the first matchup between the Northwest and Northeast Coast teams.

Next week, be sure to check back in to delve into the ranking system that includes divisional and cross-conference play. Also, stay tuned for more information on the league’s two new teams, the Colorado Kraken and the Seattle Sasquatch! Follow the NVA on Instagram and Facebook to get weekly media updates on league developments and player stories if you haven’t already. Fans can also jump back in and watch all of last year’s matches on YouTube and get a taste of what is to come!

Follow the link below to get a breakdown of the 2022 season and conference divisions!

https://www.nvausa.com/news/detail?id=158

-NVA Staff Writer

Last season’s Libero, and primary starter from the Inland Empire Matadors, Jose Mulero, has begun his next professional contract in the Puerto Rican League de Voleibol Superior Masculino with the Changos de Naranjito. Now, in his 13th season in the league, the veteran is still as effective as ever. He has continued to produce the same numbers as he did in the NVA last season, where he finished 10th overall in the league for total digs.

The Changos de Naranjitos are the 6th team in the LVSM that Mulero has played for in his career, and they are by far the most decorated team! Since their conception in 1940, they’ve taken home a total of 36 medals, including; two bronze, 11 silver, and 26 gold, leading other LVSM teams with championship titles by 14. On top of the Changos being a powerhouse program, the move to Naranjito has also brought Mulero closer to his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Being with the Naranjito Changos is an incredible experience! This club has an unbeatable trajectory and is even mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records for most volleyball championships. So from the start, the shirt has a lot of weight. It is an enriching experience.” – Jose Mulero.

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-national-volleyball-championships

Mulero is joined by Tornadoes middle blocker Angel “Chomo” Rivera (@angelrivber), who has been having a notable season of his own! The team has already maintained 2nd place in the league standings and now has the best chance of disrupting the Guaynabo Mets’ four-year reign as league champions. The Mets have familiar faces from the NVA as well. They have the OC Stunners’ setter Randy Ramirez and Utah Stingers’ pin hitters Inovel Romero and Jorge Mencia leading the team.

There is still plenty of time left in the season to catch Mulero in action as he holds his team’s positioning for playoffs. Fans can follow the LVSM (@lvsm.pr) and the Changos de Naranjitos (@changosvoleibol) to get weekly updates on their upcoming games and match scores. Live stream coverage of all their matches can be found at https://regieventos.com/.

Make sure to follow Jose Mulero (@josemulero11) on Instagram to get an inside look at his time with the Changos and the Matadors! There you can find more information about his coaching program, JB11VBCLINICS, which operates locally with the San Juan Volleyball Club. Starting during the pandemic, they’ve run different forms of training, including face-to-face, individual, virtual, or group sessions. “We also provide photo and video services so that athletes can get exposed to universities and get scholarships so that they can fulfill their dreams,” shared Mulero. https://www.josemulero11.com/

You can even request a personalized video message for friends and family or your business on Mulero’s Cameo and Celevideos profiles! https://heylink.me/josemulero11/

The Matadors and the NVA wish the best of luck to Mulero and the Changos de Naranjito!

“Volley On With the NVA!”

-NVA Staff Writer

Last month, following their 3rd place finish at the NORCECA Championships, Mauro Isaac and team Mexico took 1st place at the Pan American Cup! Mexico was able to pull off a clean sweep over Canada for the final, saving their best for last after two earlier losses in the preliminary rounds against Canada and the United States.

This is the first time that the Mexican Men’s National Team has won gold in the Pan-Am Cup since their victory over Puerto Rico in four sets in 2007. The two medals have helped push his volleyball career onto the international stage and break new records for his following as an internet volleyball personality.

Last week, Mauro reached over 100,000 followers on his YouTube page, outdoing even the NVA’s and Out of System’s page by 90,000 followers. His continued growth on his media sites is another sign of his growing impact on the next generation of players.

With these two championship experiences under his belt, the door is wide open for new contract opportunities abroad as the new hot talent. With already so much great content from his first seasons in Mexico, Brazil, and the United States, Mauro will indeed have more exciting and in-depth videos of his career for years to come!

The IE Matadors and the NVA are both eager to see what Mauro’s future holds as he has become one of the most notable players to compete in the league. Give him a follow-on Instagram (@mauroisaac22) to be the first to hear about Mauro’s next moves. Then make sure to check out his latest video thanking all his fans for their support! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAuXPnzz_uY

“Volley On With the NVA!”

• NVA Staff Writer

Concluding their 2021 season in the quarter-finals of the NVA Championship event, the Matadors fought tooth and nail to try and keep their dreams alive of taking a podium finish. The team has been the grittiest in the league all season long, always putting up a fight when the odds were against them, giving even the best teams in the league a run for their money. Still, the Matadors struggled to stay consistent, having blowout performances only to stumble and fall before they could secure the win.

In their final match against the Ramblers, the Matadors entered the event missing some key pieces, with star outside hitter Mauro Isaac unable to make the first day of the event. Additionally, not even halfway through the first set of the match, the Matadors lost the glue that held them together as libero Jose Mulero was subbed off with an injury. Down 13-5, Mulero made a sprawling dig to save a roll shot from Ramblers Ryan Mather, landing on his knee hard. Sitting off the rest of the match, Mulero watched from afar and had this to say about the team.

“Obviously, we entered the finals with the significant loss of Mauro Isac. However, as a team with many ups and downs throughout the season, we weren’t able to all excel at the same time as a team when it mattered most. Without a doubt, to have a chance of beating the powerful Ramblers team, we had to compete and play at our absolute best” – Jose Mulero.

Without Mauro, the team was led by opposite Jacob Vander Beek with 13 kills and 2 blocks. While Alvaro Ascues finally got his chance to shine, getting down 12 kills himself. Then Jesus Serano had some great sets with middle blocker Gabriel Cruz while Mario Meza stepped up big, taking over for Jose. The Matadors squad came back and took a set after weathering the brutal storm of swings from Brandon Rattray and were close to taking the match to a 5th set.  Sadly, they weren’t able to pull off a miracle and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, tieing for 5th.

“To win this tournament or be in the final four, you have to play consistently from the first point of the match. My experience with the NVA going up against such impressive competition has been brutal…and I love it. I think that is the attractiveness of the league. You have to play hard every single game or go home!” – Jose Mulero.

Make sure to go and watch the Matadors final match of the 2021 season by going onto the NVA USA page of Youtube!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWV2uxAPw8k&t=2s 

Be sure to also follow the Matadors (@matadorsnvausa), the NVA (@nvausa), and Jose Mulero (@josemulero11) on Instagram to get updates on your favorite team as they get ready come back again next year for the 2022 season. It’s sure to be the best one yet! 

• NVA Staff Writer

Match Statistics

#17 Jacob Vander Beek – 15 Points (13 Kills, 2 Blocks)

#4 Alvaro Ascues – 12 Points (12 Kills) 

#9 Jorge Cabrera – 8 Points (8 Kills)

#18 Gabriel Cruz – 7 Points (5 Kills, 2 Blocks)

# 15 Martin Petris – 5 Points (4 Kills, 1 Block) 

The Ramblers finished with the best record in the NVA at 7-2. Despite their two losses, one of which was against the Dallas Tornadoes’ who were last place, this team is full of talent. The team is currently lead by Brandon Rattray, who has been the best transition player in the NVA, leading the league in kills since the beginning of the season. Now, at 143 kills averaging 6.5 a set, Brandon has almost a 40 point lead over the kill leader, Tyrant’s Gianluca Grasso. Ryan Manoogian and Ryan Mather have played a significant role in scoring points when Ramblers are out of the system by extending rallies in the back.

While the Ramblers rely on Rattray to score points, their setters have plenty of other hitters to feed. Having Kevin Lopez and Kyle Radecki on the pins and a deep middle roster with Antwain Aguillard, Sean Dennis, Mark Lane, and Josh Duarte, the Ramblers are favored to win the championship. This team also has a unique lineup that juggles three different setters in Michael Keegan, Tanner Maxwell, and Steven Duhoux, which has worked surprisingly well.

An example of the Ramblers’ potent offense was a match against Team Freedom, in which the Ramblers scored a total of 67 points compared to Team Freedom’s 42 points. 

After the Ramblers defeated the Stingers 3-2 in May, they established themselves as a front runner to win the 2021 NVA Championship. Yes, they lost the next two against the Stunners and Tornadoes. However, the Ramblers could still bounce back to defeat Team Freedom and the Matadors to finish the regular season. 

The Ramblers have also been injury-free all year, which is a plus because they don’t have a full bench like the Stunners or Stingers.

The Matadors had a disappointing season but managed to fill the last spot in the playoffs. All season the Matadors struggled to find a consistent lineup and never got into a rhythm on offense. They’re also one of the smaller team rosters in the league. Other NVA teams took advantage of them by matching their big guns with the undersized Matadors’ blockers.  

Much of the Matadors scoring came from Mauro Issac and Carlos Serrano on the outside, plus Jacob Vander Beek and Jorge Cabrera, who shared time at Opposite. 

The Matadors played good defense all year, but they struggled to score points in transition. Because they are not a good blocking team, they had to rely on their defense to create opportunities to score points. Three of the Matadors’ losses ended in 5-sets to Southern Exposure, Tyrants, and The Untouchables, getting as close as possible to having a winning record. But in all three matches Matadors’ hitting and service errors contributed to the losses. 

Although the Matadors only won two matches all season, they did have a big win against Team Freedom 3-0, which showed that they could catch any team off guard if they’re aren’t ready. 

Prediction: While the Matadors are lucky to be in the playoffs, their luck has run out by the very fact that they’re up against the Ramblers. The only saving grace for the Matadors is that this matchup is a repeat of the last match of the NVA season. Despite losing in three sets, the scores were close at 25-21, 25-21, and 25-22. Therefore, this is an opportunity for the Matadors to avenge that loss. To win this match, the Matadors will need to play almost perfect volleyball. They’ll also need to hope the Ramblers take them lightly and also surrender some free points from hitting errors. But the latter is not likely to happen, and the Ramblers should sweep the Matadors again. Ramblers – 3, Matadors – 0. 

To find more articles about the Matadors’ and the Ramblers’ regular season, check out their news section at the bottom of their team websites. 

https://matadors.nvausa.com/ 

https://ramblers.nvausa.com/ 

“Volley On With the NVA!”

NVA Staff Writer

Libero Mario Meza has been the guiding voice for the Ontario Matadors this season, especially when coaches Mark Mina and Osvaldo Vogel couldn’t make some matches. Mario has had an impressive track record with leading teams to victory as the head coach at Diamond Ranch high school and assistant coach at La Verne University. His biggest accomplishment was when Diamond Ranch went to win the 2018 Division V CIF southern section Championship. 

Diamond Ranch sweeps Garden Grove to win Division 5 volleyball title – San Gabriel Valley Tribune (sgvtribune.com) 

With a trained eye for finding solutions for the team’s problems, Mario has identified what his team will need as they prepare for their first match of the postseason. With LA Blaze and the Dallas Tornadoes out of the competition, the Matadors are ranked last in the conference. They will have much work to do if they hope to pull off and upset make it past the first round of playoffs. 

“The team goal moving forward should be to fine-tune our ability to have consistent energy, so we have more mitigating our errors. Our team has many ups and downs with emotional waves that we have ridden very well in the past, such as our 3-0 win over Team Freedom. Other times however it works against us as we start the match flat and are unable to mitigate our errors.” – Mario Meza 

Compared to other adult leagues, such as the North American Gay Volleyball Association, Mario has been very excited for the chance to train every week with his team. As Mario said, “we need to use this opportunity to continue developing our team chemistry leading up to the championships.” But aside from his excitement for his team’s chances, Mario has looked fondly at the NVA giving Mario and other LGBTQ+ players a home this season. 

“I like that our teammates have been super accepting and have made us feel comfortable by always staying lighthearted with us. That’s a big thing to have that sense of comradery across all the teams in the league. As NAGVA hasn’t been able to function under COVID, it has been great to see how the NVA has found a way through to operate once again.” – Mario Meza.

Mario is currently ranked 20th in the league for his 91% perfect passing reception on 51 attempts and has racked up 29 digs this season. Fans can catch Mario and Matadors make their push in the playoffs as they take on the first place Vegas Ramblers July 9th-11th. Make sure to give Mario (@marihoeee_), the Ontario Matadors (@matadorsnvausa), and the NVA (@nvausa) a follow-on Instagram to stay up with the team and catch highlight clips from Event 3.

Happy PRIDE Month, Everyone!

Tyrants Outkill the Matadors 64 to 50 to Win In 5 Sets

In the first set the Tyrants took the early lead 8-2 on kills by MB # 2 Pasha Zakhir, two blocks by #1 Anthony Robinson, bic by #9 Gianluca Grasso, line kill by #17 Tim Johnson and MB #15 Ryan Maune. Matadors scored their two points from #12 Issac Mauro. Tyrants kept their lead up until the media timeout at 16-12. But the Matadors launched a comeback that began with points from a dump by #1 Jesus Serrano and service ace by Issac. After Tyrants countered with a Grasso kill off the block, the Matadors started another run with a double block by #6 Diego Bustos and #2 Brett Massetti, kill by #17 Jacob Vander Been and service ace by J. Serrano; and then a Bustos one-handed block tied the set at 18-18. Tyrants took the lead again and kept it until 20-20. Matadors took their first lead of the set on a kill by Mauro after a Tyrants’ overpass 21-20. Then at 23-23 the Tyrants committed a service and hitting error that gave the Matadors the 25-23 win. 

The second set resulted in the same score but with the Tyrants coming out on top. Like the first set the Tyrants took the early lead 4-1 thanks to a Matadors’ net violations and kill and service ace by Grasso. The Matadors rallied back and took the lead 9-8 after a couple of short runs with a combination of Tyrants’ errors, service ace by Bustos, two kills, block and service ace by Issac. Tyrants rallied back and took the lead at 10-9 after a  Matador service error and Grasso kill. Before the media timeout the Tyrants increased their lead to 19-14 with a scoring run from a sharp angle kill by Johnson, two kills by #16 Daniel Jacobs and kill by MB Maune. The Matadors attempted a rally with kills by Vander Beek, Issac and J. Serrano. But the Tyrants held on to their lead and closed the set with a sharp angle kill by Johnson and service ace by Pasha. 

The Matadors dominated set number three with an early lead and never relinquished it. In the early going Matadors scored on two kills and block by Issac, kill by #18 Gabriel Cruz and block by #15 Matrin Petris. The Tyrants scored points from kills by Grasso and Maune but fell into a defensive rut and had trouble scoring points. This gave the Matadors more opportunities to score points and a 16-11 lead at the media timeout. The Matadors increased their lead to 23-13 from Tyrants’ errors and kills by #18 Gabriel Cruz, #9 Jorge Cabrera and blocks by Cruz and Petris. And then won the set after a Petris kill and Tyrants’ service error 25-16. 

Set number four ended in the same score 25-16 but different result with the Tyrants taking the early lead and never relinquishing it. A combination of Matadors’ errors, better Tyrants’ defense and kills gave them an 11-4 lead. Grasso and Johnson lit up the court with series of kills and blocks. Matadors traded points with the Tyrants for the rest of the set until 23-15. Then a Jacobs’ kill off the block and Grasso cross court kill won the set for the Tyrants. 

In set number five the Tyrants took the early lead 7-2 on kill and block by #22 Austen Lovett and two kills and block by Johnson. Tyrants kept their five-point lead until 12-7. At 13-8 the Matadors rallied back with better defense. Their scoring run began with a Tyrants’ service followed by a Petris block, Vander Been line kill and Tyrants’ hitting error that tied the score at 13-13. The Tyrants won the set from a Matador’s service error and double block by Lovett and Robinson 15-13. 

Gianluca Grasso led all players with 22 kills followed byTim Johnson with 16 kills. For the Matadors Mauro Issac had a team high 14 kills followed by Jacob Vander Beek with 9 kills. 

Tornadoes Defeat Matadors in 3 Sets and Keep Their Playoff Berth Alive

Matadors started the set well with kills by #17 Jacob Vander Been and #12 Mauro Issac and service ace by Issac for a 4-1 lead. Tornadoes scored their first clean point from #20 Felix Chapman. A kill by #13 MB Chike Opurum and Matadors’ hitting error tied the score at 4-4. Matadors built a 2 point lead on back-to-back kills by #15 MB Martin Petris and kill by #1 setter Jesus Serrano after a Tornadoes’ overpass to 9-7. Matadors kept their lead until 21-21. Tornadoes took their first lead of the set from a Chapman kill 22-21. Both teams side-out to 24-24. Tornadoes won the set from two consecutive Matadors’ hitting errors 26-24. 

In set number two the Matadors again took the early lead from a Vander Beek kill and increased it to 4-points thanks to Matadors’ service and hitting error and kill by #6 Diego Bustos to 7-3. Tornadoes scored from an Opurum kill and block and Matadors’ service error. Matadors kept their lead until 7-7. Tornadoes took the lead on the next point on a #19 setter Michael Quinones kill after a Matadors’ overpass. After the Matadors tied the score at 17-17 from a J. Serrano ace, Chapman caught fire and scored five of the next seven Tornadoes’ points and created a 4-point lead at 24-20. The Matadors scored only three more points from a Tornadoes’ hitting error and kill by #13 Carlos Serrano. Tornadoes won the match on a kill by #5 Sean Smith 25-21. 

Set number three started differently than the first two sets. It was the Tornadoes who scored the first point on an Opurum kill and the lead, which they never relinquished throughout the set. Tornadoes scored on one kill by #69 Steven Roschitz, 4 kills by Chapman and a Quinones’ dump. Matadors scored on points from Issac, Vander Beek and two blocks by #2 MB Brett Massetti. At 11-8 back-to-back kills by Chapman increased the lead to 13-8. Most of the points scored by the Matadors for the rest of the set came from Tornadoes’ error. The only clean points Matadors scored were from C. Serrano kill, Petris block and Massetti kill. Tornadoes’ setter Quinones turned to Chapman again who added 5 more kills. King and Smith added one kill each and the had a double block to make it 24-20. Tornadoes won the set and match on a Matadors’ hitting error 25-20. 

Felix Chapman led all hitters with 18 kills and the only player with double digit kills. Sean Smith had 5 kills, Aaron King 4 kills and Chike Opurum 3 kills. Matadors were led by Mauro Issac with 8 kills, Jacob Vander Beek with 6 kills and Carlos Serrano and Martin Petris with 3 kills each. Tornadoes also scored on 2 service aces and 6 blocks. And Matadors on 4 service aces and 6 blocks. 

Ramblers Sweep Matadors in Last Match of the 2021 NVA Regular Season

Ramblers scored the first two points in the first set from a Matador service error and kill by #20 Brandon Rattray 2-0. Matadors scored their first clean point on a kill by # 9 Jorge Cabrera 3-2. Both teams traded points but Southern Exposure scored most of their points from Ramblers’ service and hitting errors. Meanwhile the Ramblers scored on kills by #2 Sean Dennis, #15 Kevin Lopez, #14 Ryan Mather and service ace by #8 setter Michael Keegan for a 9-8 lead. After a Lopez kill that gave the Ramblers a 13-11 lead, the Ramblers relinquished the lead to the Matadors 14-13 with a net call and two hitting errors. But the Ramblers took the lead back 19-18 after a Matadors’ hitting error. #12 Mauro Issac tied the score on a cross court kill. Ramblers scored the next three points on kills by Lopez and Rattray and Matadors hitting error to 23-20. Ramblers committed a service error to 23-21. And then won the set on back-to-back kills by Rattray 25-21.

Set number two was a mirror image of set number one with the Ramblers again taking an early lead on kills by Rattray, Mather and Lopez for a 6-5 lead. Matadors scored on two Ramblers’ service errors and kills by Cabrera and Issac. After a Rattray kill at 9-9, Matadors took the lead on a kill by #13 Carlos Serrano 11-10 and then increased their lead to 15-12 after a kill by Cabrera and block by Issac and #2 MB Brett Massetti. After the media timeout at 16-14, a Dennis block cut the lead to 16-15. Matadors answered with a kill by Cabrera. Then the Ramblers tied the score 17-17 on kills by Mather and Rattray. Ramblers tied the set again at 19-19 on another Rattray kill and then took a three point lead on a block by Lopez, Matadors’ hitting error and Rattray kill 22-19. Matadors scored their last point on a kill by Issac to 24-21. And the Ramblers won the set on a kill by Dennis 25-21. 

In set number three the Matadors scored the first point from #6 Diego Bustos. Ramblers countered with their first point from a Rattray kill for a 1-1 score. Matadors hung on to a 1 point lead on a block by #17 Jacob Vander Beek, kills by Vanderbeek and Issac. At 6-6 Ramblers took the lead on a dump kill by setter Keegan 7-6. Ramblers increased their lead to 15-12 on consecutive kills by Lopez, Dennis and Rattray. Then added to their lead on another mini run with kills by Mather, Dennis and Rattray to 18-13. Matadors cut the lead to 23-21 with a run of points that started with a Vander Beek kill, two C. Serrano service aces and an Issac kill. Matadors surrendered the next point to the Ramblers on a service error. On the next point Matadors scored on a block by #18 Gabriel Cruz to 24-22. Ramblers won the set and match on the next point from a Mather kill 25-22. 

Brandon Rattray led all players with 18 kills, followed by Ryan Mather 10 kills and Kevin Lopez 9 kills. Ontario Matadors were led by Mauro Issac with 8 kills, Jorge Cabrera 6 kills, Carlos Serrano 5 kills and Jesus Serrano, Brett Massetti, Jacob Vander Beek and Gabriel Cruz with 2 kills each. Ramblers also scored on 2 service aces and 2 blocks. And Matadors on 4 service aces and 5 blocks. 

Game 4, Orange County Stunners V.S Ontario Matadors

Set 1

The OC Stunners, coming off a 0-3 start in the first tournament face off against the 2-1 Ontario Matadors. The Stunners started off with an ace from ST43, which was then followed up by an error from Joey Jarvis starting the game off 1-1. The Matadors and Stunners go point for point until a kill by Joey Jarvis takes the teams into the technical timeout, 8-7 Stunners. Joey Jarvis then gets an ace and back to back blocks by Corey Chavers sends the Matadors into another timeout with a score of 12-7. A kill by Alvarao Ascues and Jesus Serrano, followed by a block by Gabriel Cruz allowed the Matadors to close the gap to a score of 12-13, until Corey Chavers answered back with a sideout. The Stunners then create a significant gap led by a block and a kill by Nick Amado, 18-13. The Stunners then maintained their lead until a couple of defensive stops, ending with a kill from Mauro Isaac brought the score up to 23-20. Nick West and then Nick Amado both had kills to end the game 25-21.

Set2

Set 2 started off similar to set 1, where both teams were trading points until the technical timeout where the Stunners led 8-7. Jair Santiago then committed a block error, which was followed up by a service ace from Gabriel Cruz which tied the game up at 9-9. Three errors from the Matadors and a block from Nick West gave the Stunners a 14-9 advantage. The Matadors responded with two kills from Mauro Isaac and one from Martin Petris, but the momentum was halted after a massive block by Corey Chavers to go into the technical timeout, 16-12 Stunners. After the timeout, the Stunners picked up momentum with two aces by Joey Jarvis, and two blocks by Nick West to secure a 20-13 lead. The Stunners then cruise to an easy win with two kills by Nick Amado and three kills by Jair Santiago.

Set3

Set 3 also started off similar as the first two sets, where both teams traded points into and past the technical timeout. It wasn’t until 9-9 with the Matadors leading that the Stunners started making some plays, with a block by Nick West to grab a 10-9 lead. The Stunners then created some separation again with kills from middle blockers Nick Amado and Nick West, partnered with kills from Jair Santiago to create a five point lead at 18-13. Mauro Isaac and Martin Petris fought hard though, both notching kills to try and rally the team, but it wasn’t enough to catch up to the Stunners offense, final score 25-19.

Game 2: Ontario Matadors v.s Chicago Untouchables

Set 1

Set one begins with The Untouchables starting off hot, with a kill from Paul Bilanzic and Jake Milnizak, the Untouchables form an early 4-1 lead. The Matadors responded with a block and a kill from O12 and a kill from 018, they were able to snag the lead going into the technical timeout, Matadors up 8-7. Coming out of the timeout, the Matadors started to get on a roll, thanks to kills and plays from Jacob Vander Beek, they were able to push their lead up to 11-15. The Untouchables were not done fighting, as multiple kills from Paul Bilanzik and Jake Milnizak allowed the Untouchables to close the gap at 18-18. Both teams sided out consistently and took the game into extra points until a hitting error and a service error from Mauro Isaac gave the Untouchables the win. 27-25.

Set 2

Set two begins with the score consistently within one point, as the Matadors are able to consistently side out due to the efficiency of Alvaro Hildago Ascues, but were keeping the Untouchables in the game by six serves. The Untouchables lead going into the technical timeout 8-7. Coming out of the timeout, both teams were matched up very evenly, as the spread stayed within one point until the twenties. This was due to the middles of both the Matadors and Untouchables, who were going at each other. After 20-20 Mauro Isaac had two blocks, and followed by a service error from Ian Kapp, the Matadors were able to squeeze out a win. Final score 25-23 Matadors. 

Set 3

Set three started off similar to set two, with both teams trading blows until the Matadors went on a little run thanks to kills from Jacob Vander Beel and Alvaro Hildago Ascues and blocks from Gabriel Cruz and Mauro Isaac, giving them a solid 9-5 lead. The Matadors were able to maintain this lead, although Kyle Schwede tried to will the Untouchables back into the game with three kills, the blocking from the Matadors was relentless as they created some solid separation as big as 17-11. The Untouchables continued to battle back as Ian Kapp, and Jake Milnizak both notched aces and Kyle Schwede got a hot hand offensively, they brought the score within two points at 19-17. The Untouchables then began to make unforced errors with an over call and a double call, while Jacob Vander Beek went three for four in the last points of the game, ending the game at 25-22 Matadors win.

Set 4

Set four started off with both teams siding out very efficiently, with the Untouchables really riding Kyle Schwede as he notches three kills in the first eight points as they lead going into the technical timeout, score 8-6 Chicago. The Untouchables were able to maintain a two point lead, riding the offensive capabilities of Kyle Schwede and Paul Bilanzic. Ontario was able to slowly close the point spread with blocks from Jacob Vander Beek and Isaac Mauro, but numerous aces from Ian Kapp drove the separation to a five point spread of 15-20. Jacob Vander Beek also started to heat up, as he had two kills late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to slow down the Untouchables. Chicago wins 25-23.

Set 5

Set five started off with the Matadors gaining a small lead due to two missed serves from Jake Milnizak and Ian Kapp, while Alvaro Hildago Ascues had an ace and a kill. The lead didn’t last long as Chicago started to get in an offensive rhythm as Kyle Schwede and Paul Bilanzik counted for five kills total going into the side switch, score 8-5 Chicago is in the lead. It could be seen as smooth sailing from there as Paul Bilanzik snagged two blocks and Jake Milnizak got two kills as the Untouchables won 15-9.

Game 4: New Jersey Team Freedom V.S Ontario Matadors

Set 1

Set one begins with consistent sideouts from both teams, with Joe Norman producing three kills for Team Freedom and Jacob Vander Beek putting in most of the work for Ontario, unfortunately the Matadors have been consistently missing serves but a net from Mikhel Hoyte give the Matadors the lead going into the technical timeout, score 6-8. The Matadors were able to maintain a three point lead through most of the middle of the match, but two kills from Mikhel Hoyte and an ace from Ronald Dunn tied the game up at 16-16. Both teams continued to sideout at a high rate, taking the game into extra points until a kill from Martin Petris, an ace from Jesus Serrano and a block from Diego Bustas gave the Matadors the win. Final score 27-25.

Set 2

Set two begins with Team Freedom missing multiple serves, while kills and an ace from Jesus Serrano were able to help give the Matadors a demanding lead going into the Technical timeout, score is 8-3. The Matadors were able to hold a lead as high as 12-7, but Team Freedom started to respond with multiple kills from Joe Norman and Chris Nugent, which complimented the hitting errors performed by the Matadors, score is 16-15 Matadors in the lead. Two blocks from O18 then allowed the Matadors some separation, but relentless sideouts and kills from Mikhel Hoyte and Joe Norman were able to bring it back for Team Freedom as they tied it up at 20-20. The Matadors then had enough with kills from Jesus Serrano and Matt Siefert, and two blocks from O18 ended the game, 20-25 Matadors win.

Set 3

Set three started off a little more even keel, and forced Team Freedom to put in their starts with Matt Seifert coming back in the middle and Matt Elias coming in to set. Although Team Freedom made these changes the Matadors were able to keep the point spread close as they went up one point into the technical timeout, 8-7. A block from Gilberto Sanchez starts the run for the Matadors, as Team Freedom can’t seem to get out of their own way, making numerous hitting and service errors, the Matadors go up 18-13. The three blocks from Gabriel Cruz and two aces from Jesus Serrano drove the momentum home as the Matadors beat Team Freedom 25-15.

Southern California is home to some of the longest-standing sports rivalries with the Dodgers vs. Angels, Lakers vs. Clippers, and UCLA vs. USC. But even further than just within Los Angeles, many teams see Los Angeles as their rivals after taking the limelight for years. The same goes for surrounding so-cal counties like San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego, who would all love to knock any team from the City of Angels off their pedestals. At the first event of the 2021 season, the Inland Empire Matadors did just that, taking down the LA Blaze in dramatic fashion as they put down their claim to the Kings of So-Cal title.

The two teams were evenly matched in attack and passing percentages, with the Matadors having 41% kill percentage and 87% perfect pass. In contrast, the LA Blaze had 43% and 92%, respectively. Blaze led the way in total points, kills, and aces, with their high flyers Charles Belvin and Travis O’gorman and Puerto Rican national middle Pedro Nieves leading the offensive charge. But as the LA team went for flashy kills and powerful serves, the team began to rack up an impressive amount of mistakes, with a collective 38 errors at the end of the match.

However, the Matadors stayed calm and efficient under pressure, letting their opponents make all the errors while their big hitters cleaned up. Making his first appearance in the league after playing a season in Brazil, outside hitter Mauro Isaac Fuentes scoring an impressive 17 kills. Opposite Jacob Vander Beek mirrored Mauro with 12 kills and secured the backcourt with double-digit digs. Jacobs and Libero Jose Mulero’s efforts helped the team weather the storm of LA Blaze’s 128 attack attempts.

The match was indeed a nail-biter, but in the end, the Inland Empire Matadors pulled through to take the win and have shown the strength of men’s volleyball in the Inland Empire. All the team needs to do now to take the So-Cal throne is take down last year’s runner up the OC Stunners. After a dismal performance at the first event, going 0-3 on the weekend, the Stunner might be prime to take out of the running during their next match-up. The Matadors will take on the Stunners on day one of the NVA’s second event in Atlantic City, May 28th.Follow the following link to read more about all three of the Matadors matches this weekend!

https://matadors.nvausa.com/2021/05/05/full-recap-of-matadors-showing-in-their-home-turf-of-san-bernadino/ 

And be sure to catch the match live on YouTube to catch all the action with live sports commentary!

https://www.youtube.com/c/NVAUSA/featured