NEWMAN – Orestimba High boys volleyball head coach Hugh Costa only had one player returning this season.

But that lone returner was able to encourage other boys to come out for this year’s team. Now the Warriors have 12 players on their roster.

“This season, we are rebuilding as almost all the players last year were seniors,” said Costa, whose Warriors are 0-1 in the Trans-Valley League and 1-6 overall.

Ethan Costa, a senior, is the only returning player. Ethan was able to get nine of the 12 players on the court after tryouts, according to Hugh Costa.

The Warriors’ season started on Feb. 21 at home against Waterford, which won 3-0.

“Because it was right after winter (sports) season ended, it was the first time that all the boys were on the court together at the same time,” said Hugh Costa. “(First match) against Waterford, they were shell shocked.”

Orestimba has only won a combined four sets this season. Three came against Denair in a non-league match on March 3, also inside the Warriors’ gym, 3-0.

Costa credits his spikers for getting in sync in recent matches. That shows growth.

“By the next game, they stared to find their rhythm lead by co-captains Ethan Costa and Cade Lobo,” said Hugh Costa. “Every game after the first was close and hard fought. Our trial by fire hardened our young Warriors and got them ready for the season to come.

“We are improving daily and are excited about our next (TVL) match Wednesday against Riverbank.”

Other members of this year’s squad are Bryant Badong, Rylan Ceja, Efron Gonzalez, Steven Aguilar, Romeo Gonzalez, Amado Cervantes, Edwin Gomez, Miguel Hernandez and Mikie Mora.

Upcoming matches

The Warriors are back in action on Monday, March 23 when they host Ripon in a TVL match, which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Mike Bush is a multimedia journalist who was born and raised in the Stanislaus and Merced County areas. Follow him on X/Twitter @MikeBMultimedia and Instagram @mikebushmedia.