Alameda High School (AHS) men’s volleyball team defeated rival Encinal High School (EHS), 3-0, on March 22 on their home gym.

The match was much closer than the final score indicates. The Hornets won the first set 26-24. The Jets once again fought gallantly in the second set, but again lost 25-20. The Hornets secured their biggest margin of victory in the third set. They outpointed the Jets 25-15.

The victory was much needed for the Hornets. They had lost two in a row, and seven of their last eight leading up to the contest against the Jets. It was the Jets’ third loss in a row.

“I’m not mad about the loss because we couldn’t execute till the end,” said EHS senior Mark Gelico. “We were right there but couldn’t secure the win and it was a close game, neck and neck. Excited for our rematch, though, to show our improvements.”

Both the Hornets and Jets lost their next game after the rivalry match.

The Hornets lost to San Leandro High School, 3-1 (25-21, 15-25, 21-25, 17-25), on March 24, while the Jets lost to Castro Valley High School, 3-0 (14-25, 14-25, 16-25), the same day.

AHS (4-10) will face Hayward in its next contest on Friday, April 1. EHS (1-8) play Tennyson High of Hayward on March 31.