April 5, 2012

Junior Carlos Gutierrez had five kills and five digs for Harrison in the victory. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

McNair at Harrison Boys Volleyball Photo Gallery

HARRISON – Victor Narvaez understands why he may be overlooked both literally and figuratively on the court. On a Harrison team with an array of 6-foot-2 and taller options, it is Narvaez who is self-confessed "5-foot-4 at most," who is the guy who makes the Blue Tide offense run.

It may not have been flashy, but Narvaez, a three-year starter at setter had 24 assists and six digs to help lead Harrison to a 25-15, 25-17 victory over McNair.

"Usually (opponents) take me for granted and they'll try to hit the ball harder at me," Narvaez explained. "But I'm not that easy (to beat)."

Trying to thrive in a game where nearly everyone else is 8-to-12 inches taller hasn't been the only challenge for the senior, he's also had to adapt to a new set of teammates to work with as the Blue Tide (2-0) aim to replace the production of Rahim Douelfakar and Chris Osiecki from a season ago.

In their place has been a deep, albeit inexperienced collection of hitters such as first-year starters Tijani Rezki and Carlos Gutierrez, along with seniors Andreas Economou and Matthew Muchowski, who are in more prominent roles than before.

"They know how to hit," Narvaez said. "I just have to adjust to the way they hit because they hit different than I'm used to. I have to adjust it a little bit, not put it up so high where it can get blocked, but high enough for them to get on top of it. But they're starting to get used it."

"It really helps (having Victor)," said Muchowski. "Bad setters tend to leave the ball up too high and it gets blocked. to have a good setter that can set the ball really nice is a good advantage."

Muchowski would take full advantage of his 6-foot-5 frame in the opening game. With Narvaez on serve and the scored tied at 10-10, Harrison scored seven unanswered points with the towering middle blocker responsible for two kills and two blocks during the stretch.

"Matt has gotten much better," coach Nick Landy said. "He's a big, imposing force."

"You got to try as hard as you can to put that pressure on the other team," added Muchowski, a two-year starter. "I got to take as much of an advantage as I can because of that size I have."

Muchowski finished with five kills, four blocks and three digs for a balanced Blue Tide attack. The 6-foot-0 Rezki led the way with seven kills and two digs. Gutierrez (who is 6-foot-3) overcame some early struggles to add five kills and five digs.

"It makes it really easy because I have nothing to worry about," said Narvaez about the offensive depth. "I just have to put the ball up and they'll put it down.

"I'm just surprised (Carlos and Tijani) weren't on varsity last year because they definitely have the potential. They could have played last year if we didn't have (Chris) or Rahim."

Matthew Oliveira added three kills, including the one the clinch the opening game for Harrison. Lucas Nogueira and Luann Oliveira had eight and four digs respectively. Freshman David Penaherrera chipped in with three digs and two aces.

Steven Oh led the visiting Cougars (0-2) with 27 digs, seven kills and four blocks. John Pangilinan had 24 digs and two blocks. Senior Tim Ngoge added 11 digs, two kills, two blocks and two aces. David Prilutsky had four digs and Muditha Suaris chipped in with three kills.

McNair senior Tim Ngoge had 11 digs, two kills, two blocks and two aces in defeat. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

McNair at Harrison Boys Volleyball Photo Gallery