Prep Boys Volleyball: Rancho Bernardo High tops Poway for first time since 2011

By Michael Bower

The Rancho Bernardo High boys volleyball team started Palomar League play with just one win in its first four attempts. But there is nothing like a victory over a rival to turn things around.

Bryan Zhu had 14 kills, Brandon Rattray registered 13 kills and the Broncos defeated Poway for the first time since April of 2011, 3-1, Wednesday at Rancho Bernardo High School.

Rancho Bernardo (9-7, 2-3 Palomar League) controlled the play at the net behind a solid defensive effort by Cameron McKirdy, who also delivered 10 kills. The Broncos took Game 1 25-15 and then the Titans made a match of it by winning Game 2, 25-22.

The Broncos and Titans (6-13, 1-4) played a closely contested Game 3. The game was tied at 11-11, 12-12 and 17-17 before Rancho Bernardo closed the game on an 8-4 run to go up 2-1 in the match. The Broncos then rolled to an easy 25-16 win in Game 4 to claim the match.

The Titans were led by Andrew Shermani, who posted 10 kills. Hunter Lane chipped in with nine kills and seven blocks, while setter Scott Hering had 37 assists.