Music blasted in the Eva May Fleet Athletic Center on Thursday, March 18, as players on either side of the net served, passed, and spiked their way through warmups, fine-tuning their skills and coordination before the match began. The Bishop’s Boys’ Varsity Volleyball team, sporting all-black game day uniforms, took the court against the Pacific Ridge Firebirds in a league showdown.
David Beamer (‘28) explained the importance of the game, saying, “They’re the strongest opponents in our league, but we’re a good team, so I have a good feeling about tonight.” But the Knights are more than just “good.” With a 16-1 record and ranked seventh in the nation, the Bishop’s squad is one of the toughest teams in the country.
David’s brother and co-captain, Giles Beamer (‘26), further highlighted the importance of the game, even despite their league dominance. “Every game counts,” he said emphatically, “so we go into every one with the same mentality — we want to come out and win it no matter what.”
Fellow captain and middle blocker Logan Yockey (‘27) felt confident before the game, putting it simply: “If we lock in for 25 points for three sets and do what we need to do, we’ll be good.”
The Knights were “locked in” from the first serve, applying high pressure and exhibiting fluid communication, which allowed them to take an early lead.
The team controlled the first set, stringing together several points. Key saves from Hudson Yockey (‘27) and libero Ryan Guerrero (‘28) kept points alive, while powerful spikes from Giles, Logan, and Will Denning (‘27) turned those opportunities into points for the Knights.
David and Bex Keller-Carroll (‘29) delivered precise sets, sending teammates sprinting to the net and converging aggressively to attack, keeping the Firebirds on their heels. After each point won or lost, the Knights regrouped, exchanging high-fives and encouragement.
The scoreboard soon read 16-5 in favor of the home team. On the next point, David set the ball from center court as Logan and Henry Kim (‘29) rushed the net on either side of him. The defense was unable to defend both players, leaving an opening for Henry to hammer the ball down for a kill.
The Knights continued to play with that same level of intensity, bringing the score to 24-8. The first set concluded with a well-placed shot from Will, which the Firebirds were unable to return. The home team celebrated as they returned to the bench to drink water, receiving feedback from their coach.
Despite a dominant first set victory for the Knights, the Firebirds battled back in the second set, forcing errors from Bishop’s and staying organized to create more scoring opportunities. Midway through the set, the Knights led by a slim margin of 12-10.
The deadlock broke after Logan drilled a shot, untouched by the opponents, to go up 13-10.
The Knights then went on a scoring streak, going up 20-15, crowned by a chaotic point during which Ryan made a diving save on the sideline. Moments later, when the rally returned to the home team’s side, Will put the point away with a clean kill. On the next point, Bex delivered a sharp serve that landed for an ace, raising the Bishop’s lead to 21-15.
The set ended 25-19 in favor of Bishop’s, who won the final point off a cross-court spike from Henry. The Knights walked to the bench, motioning to spots on the court and talking through adjustments to make in the next set.
Bishop’s returned for the third and final set, ready to put the game to bed. Giles opened by firing a powerful shot to win the Knights their first point of the set and establish the tone for their final push.
(Nick Rechel)
Logan made his defensive presence felt with a well-timed block followed by a deceptive tip that dropped just over the defense. In sync with their defensive prowess, Bex orchestrated the offensive effort with smooth passing and setting.
The loudest moment of the whole match came early into the third set when Bex delivered a smooth set to Will, who subsequently crushed a forceful spike that echoed through the gym, receiving cheers and applause from the crowd.
The Knights began to pull away in a flurry of offensive sequences balanced with defensive security. Giles assumed control of the net, recording multiple blocks in quick succession and often teaming up with Will to crush the Firebirds’ attacking efforts.
Victory seemed all but confirmed after Hudson delivered an ace to put the Knights up 14-6, forcing a timeout and bringing the team together in a brief celebratory huddle.
(Nick Rechel)
As the lead stretched into double digits, the Knights’ sideline grew louder. Teammates celebrated each point, including another cross-court spike from Henry, drawing the chant “He’s a freshman!” from the bench.
Even with a rotating lineup, contributions from across the team helped maintain the pressure on Pacific Ridge. With the scoreboard briefly malfunctioning but the outcome no longer in doubt, Bishop’s reached match point. The game concluded with a Firebirds error, sealing a 25-13 third-set victory.
“You respect your opponents the best by beating them well,” Logan concluded with the powerful performance, a mantra consistent with the team’s season thus far, and one they hope to carry with them through the spring.
The Knights celebrated at center court with high-fives and a team picture, capping off a commanding season win and reinforcing their status as a force to be reckoned with both locally and nationally.
