Ella (l) and Zoey (r) Mao By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor Poly has a shot at winning a share of the Prep League girls volleyball title Tuesday night when they host undefeated (in league) Westridge at 5. And even if the Panthers fall short Tuesday night against the Tigers or if their CIF-SS Division 4 […]
Ella (l) and Zoey (r) Mao
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
Poly has a shot at winning a share of the Prep League girls volleyball title Tuesday night when they host undefeated (in league) Westridge at 5.
And even if the Panthers fall short Tuesday night against the Tigers or if their CIF-SS Division 4 playoff run isn’t what they had hoped, the future is very bright for coach Steve Beerman’s program, and with thanks to a pair of hard-working, humble, athletic and most importantly, selfless young ladies.
Unlike some high-profile athletes, neither Zoey or Ella Mao are fixated on postseason awards or individual accolades.
Neither’s happiness depends on a set number of touches and they make no demands of their teammates or program other than that each girl work as hard as themselves.
Ella and Zoey are happy doing any and everything they can, including the dirty work if that gives the Panthers their best shot at winning matches.
And so far it has.
Poly (21-3 overall) has already won 8 more matches than all of last year, and its their best winning percentage (86%) since 2011.
Beerman’s Panthers are ranked No. 8 in the most recent CIF-SS poll among Division 4 schools, but they have the second least amount of losses among those 10 teams in the rankings.
The sophomore duo have different responsibilities, and yet both have starring roles for the Panthers being 10-1 in Prep League action.
Along with the Mao sisters, Halston Harper, Natalie Clark, Alex Pappachan, Debbie Hong, Lauren Kidman, Kate Salembier and the entire roster are responsible for such a quality season.
Make no mistake about it, though.
As strong as Poly looks, the Panthers understand and accept that they head into Tuesday’s showdown with Westridge as significant underdogs, even at home.
Westridge (20-6 overall, 11-0 in league) is ranked No. 6 in the most current CIF-SS Division 3 polls, and the Tigers have already locked up at least its second-consecutive share of the Prep League title, but this season, they’d like to win it outright.
Poly will have to find a way to counter arguably the area’s most dynamic player and duo, as they look to avenge a September 12 sweep at Westridge.
People can make respectable arguments for some area athletes, but most would agree that the Tigers’ Allison Martinez is the area’s most dominant player, and Martinez and fellow senior Makana Meyer make up what we consider the area’s best 1-2 punch.
But what Beerman and the Mao’s and their teammates understand and believe, is this isn’t just about the last regular season or even the playoff games in 2017, this is about raising the bar for at least the next two seasons at Poly, and hopefully thereafter.
If there was one thing Poly has going for them Tuesday night, it’s that they are playing their best volleyball of the season, and the Tigers have lost their first two games in consecutive Prep League matches in wins over Mayfield and Flintridge Prep.
To be completely fair, though, Westridge has shuffled its lineup lately to see which setter and rotation gives them the best shot at making a deep playoff run in the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs.
Many believe Westridge and No. 1 ranked La Salle could meet somewhere in the playoffs, which would make for a compelling area match up.
But back to Poly and the Mao sisters.
We were talking about their unselfishness and willingness to do whatever Beerman needed of them.
Case in point: Zoey was not a setter when she came in, but the Panthers’ needed her there last season, and in her sophomore year, she’s not only embraced her role, she’s flourishing.
It isn’t just assists, though, Zoey is also in on her share of kills as well.
Zoey is almost always the Poly leader in kills each night.
But there have been several times where Halston Harper and Alexis Pappachan finished a match with a team-high in kills, which makes the Panthers so versatile.
While stats don’t really concern them, nor do they really even pay attention to them, Ella had 154 kills, 50 aces and 13 blocks.
Zoey had 80 kills, 14 aces, 25 blocks and 455 assists so far.
But it should be pointed out that unlike some programs, the offense doesn’t just run through one or two players.
“Zoey is currently performing well. She will continue to grow and has a huge upside as she gets more experience,” coach Beerman said. “Ella’s growth has come on defense. She has worked hard on her serve-receive. Her level of all around excellence allows our team to perform at a high level.”
Both Ella and Zoey are tall and lean, athletic and always smiling.
Teammates say that while they obviously look so similar, they are very different girls in their personalities, but that both are funny and enjoyable to be around.
They are also serious when need be, and despite being so young, even the upper classmen look at them as leaders, which is a respect that has to be earned, not just given.
The Mao’s say their No. 1 fans, and those they get their guidance from are parents Eric and Janet, and they give credit to family, friends, teammates, coaches, club ball and even teachers at Poly for their advancement as young women.
Both made it clear that school comes before anything else in terms of their priorities.
As mentioned above, the sisters are all about team and couldn’t care less what their nightly stat line reads, which for some players is their be-all and end-all.
“We count on each other to try our best and trust that we will do our jobs, but these aren’t things that we just count on from each other. We expect these things from all of our team members,” Zoey Mao said. “Everyone is so close on our varsity team, and some of us have known each other for a very long time. We think that one of the best aspects of our team is trust and that we will all support each other on and off the court. We look up to our 3 upperclassmen, Natalie, Halston, and Alexis, and they are great role models. If we are down, they always try to pick the team back up, and we can always count on them to put a ball away.”
When asked what it’s like to play alongside their twin sister, both kind of said it was the only thing they’ve ever known, but when their prep days are over, or maybe even their college careers, both will likely look back and feel lucky they got to share these times with one another.
Both have the same expectations with one regular-season game left as they did before the season began.
“Going into the season, Zoey and I had high expectations for what our team would be able to accomplish this year. With the help of our new libero, Deborah Hong, we were not disappointed,” Ella said. “Although our team is particularly young, a lot of us have had experience on the court with volleyball for club. All the new assets to the team such as Julia Queen, Deborah Hong, Ella Kenny, and Lauren Kidman have contributed to this team in some way, and our team wouldn’t be the same without them.”
As with almost every player and regardless of sport that we interview at Poly, one of the things they all agree on is how lucky they are to be part of such a small community and the diversity of people and thought, but also the level of their education.
Something tells me by the time they get their diplomas in 2020, the school will be even more thankful to them, than they are being a member of the Poly campus and family.
Tonight’s match with Westridge is scheduled to start at 5.
Quotable:
Poly coach Steve Beerman: “The girls athleticism and unselfishness allows me to put them in spots that allows our team to excel. Zoey is setting, hitting, serve receiving, and while being an excellent blocker and server. Ella is a huge offensive weapon, both in the front and back row giving us an outlet in any system or situation. She is also an excellent blocker, server and I already mentioned her growth in serve receive.”
Westridge coach Otto Lacayo: “Ella and Zoe came into the Poly program and kept them right at the top. Those girls are multi-talented game changers. As an opponent, you always have to know where they are, and what they’re doing. Even after that, you still have to play to their level in order to complete.”
Flintridge Prep coach Sean Beattie: “The Mao sisters are both very talented volleyball players that bring different skills to the game, and each are very important to Poly’s success this year.”
Poly senior Halston Harper: “Ella and Zoey are outstanding players. When we first started playing together last year, even as freshmen, they both dominated the court and were great assets to the team. The thing that is different about them is that they are both very athletic and gifted all-around players. They are both one of the two best hitters and front row players on the team, but Zoey is also our main setter and great at that, and Ella is a key player in the back row as well. They both bring experience and athleticism to the court at such an early stage in their career, and I think that really speaks to both of them as players.”
Poly senior Natalie Clark: “Ella and Zoey are phenomenal athletes that have the incredible ability to not only adapt, but also excel at whatever position they are asked to play on the court. Even though they are sophomores, Ella and Zoey are leaders on our team. They are the loudest ones cheering on the court, but also the first to get the team in a huddle when things aren’t going well. They always know when to be focused and composed and when games get close, they can always be relied upon to come through. Off the court, they are some of the funniest people I know. Always cracking jokes, they are a constant source of entertainment for the whole team during practice. I have had a blast playing with Ella and Zoey for the past two years, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for them.”
Poly junior Alexis Pappachan: “Ella and Zoey are amazing competitors and athletes. You can tell they have years of experience and training. What puts them ahead of other great players I know is their adaptability and versatility. Throughout our high school career, they have played different positions with ease. One example is, Zoey joining our team as a hitter and becoming our starting setter. They also have played middle for us when needed. Off the court, Ella and Zoey are funny and energetic people. Although they both may look exactly the same, I have come to learn that they have very different personalities.”
Poly freshman Debbie Hong: “The twins are very competitive, focused and hard working players, who not only challenge themselves to be the best that they can be, but also their teammates. They make coming to practice or playing in general very fun and something to look forward to. Whenever you walk into the gym or just see them around the high school campus, they always seem to have a positive attitude and a smile on their faces that eventually spreads to the rest of us.”
Getting To Know Ella Mao:
Favorite Team: Dodgers
Favorite Athlete: Samantha Bricio
Favorite Movie: Parent Trap
Favorite Musical Artist: Bruno Mars
Musical Artist People Might Be Surprised I Like: Queen
Someone Famous (alive or dead) I’d Like A Conversation With: Leonardo Da Vinci
Getting To Know Zoey Mao:
Favorite Team: Dodgers
Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Favorite Movie: The Shining
Favorite Musical Artist: Beyonce
Musical Artist People Might Be Surprised I Like: New Order
Famous Person (alive or dead) I’d Like A Conversation With: Pablo Picasso
Prep League Standings Through October 22:
Westridge (20-6 overall, 11-0 in league)
Poly (21-3, 10-1)
Mayfield (10-11, 8-4)
Chadwick (12-10, 6-6)
Flintridge Prep (12-10, 4-8)
Rio Hondo Prep (9-9, 1-9)
Firebaugh (0-14, 0-11)
Recent Poly Season Records, Prep League Finish:
2016: 13-9, tied for second place w/Mayfield.
2015: 8-11-2, fourth.
2014: 24-7, tied for first w/Mayfield.
2013: 28-9, tied for second place w/Chadwick.
2012: 17-10, tied for third place w/The Webb Schools.
2011: 24-4, second place.
2010: 19-7, second place.
CIF-Southern Section Poll (Oct. 23) Division 4:
1- Culver City (24-1)
2- Alemany (26-4)
3- Santa Monica (13-6)
4- Oaks Christian (19-11)
5- Saugus (16-11)
6- Rio Mesa (19-12)
7- Oak Park (18-10)
8- Poly (21-3)
9- Mayfair (23-5)
10- Crean Lutheran (16-7)
