Historic debut: Packer boys volleyball team falls short in first ever home match
Published 9:17 pm Tuesday, April 8, 2025
The Austin Packers boys volleyball team line up for opening introductions before their home match Tuesday night against Rochester John Marshall in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austn’s Lucas Myers attacks at the net in game two against Rochester John Marshall Tuesday night in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Pedro Martins attacks against Rochester John Marshall Tuesday night in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Josue Ruiz Alvarado hits during game one against Rochester John Marshall Tuesday night in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Pedro Martins with the attack in game one against Rochester John Marshall Tuesday night in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Ulang Diang (0) celebrates a kill against Rochester John Marshall Tuesday night in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Devonte Zavala saves the ball in game one against Rochester John Marshall Tuesday night in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Hea Kuh moves to serve during game one against Rochester John Marshall Tuesday night in Packer Gym. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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History was made in Packer Gym Tuesday night as the Austin boys volleyball team hosted their first official match in school history.
Austin lost the match to Rochester Mayo, which also includes players from Century and John Marshall, by scores of 25-15, 25-21, 25-22, but the energy in the gym and the opportunity for competition are both positives that will continue with the program as the season goes on.
Austin head coach Nate Thaw was pleased with his team’s effort against a tough opponent.
“It was definitely exciting and it was a very nerve racking thing for me,” Thaw said. “We were up against a really big team, but I think it was a good experience.”
Austin had put out a club team in years past, but this is the first year that boys volleyball is a sanctioned Minnesota State High School League sport, meaning it is now directly affiliated with AHS.
Austin senior player Lucas Myers is tied to the origin of boys volleyball in Austin as his older brother Trey and his mother Aleta helped get the club team started in 2016.
“It means a lot to have a team. We’re in the gym practicing every day, we have more guys on the team and we have more people coming to the games,” Myers said. “The energy was great tonight. I’m very excited for the rest of the season. We’re a newer group and we have some players where it’s their first or second year playing, and we have a lot of room for improvement.”
Austin battled back in all three games, even after falling behind.
“I love it,” Thaw said. “I love it that they don’t give up, they stay ready and they play to the end. I think we still have a lot we can improve on with our chemistry and our communication.”
Mayo scored the first ten points of the third game, but Austin was able to claw back within 22-19 after a block kill by Ruiz Alvarado. Austin used that momentum to tie it up at 22, but it wasn’t able to complete the comeback.
The second game saw the Packers (1-1 overall) take an early 4-1 lead on a kill by Ulang Diang. Mayo surged back, but Austin closed strong, pulling to within 24-21 before falling short.
Mayo held an early 9-4 lead in the first game, but Austin sophomore Josue Ruiz Alvarado punched down a kill to bring Austin within 11-7 and the Packers crept within 11-8 on a side out. Mayo responded with a six-point run to take control.
Austin opened its season with a five-game win in Farmington last week.
