The Granite Bay High boys volleyball team began its quest for another Sierra Foothill League title

Tuesday with a victory over Del Oro at the Granite Bay gym.

Solid ball control and clean passing were keys to the win over the much taller Del Oro team, with the Grizzlies taking three straight games by scores of 25-23, 25-22 and 25-22.

"We were very happy to to begin the league season with a win", said Granite Bay coach Bruce Honberger.

The Grizzlies jumped out to an early 6-1 lead in the first game with crisp back-row passing from libero Tyler Towery leading to kills by outside hitters Tommy Patterson and Scotty Santor. The teams played fairly evenly thereafter, until Del Oro began to use its height advantage to even the score at 20-20.

Middle blocker Luke Cochran, a 6-foot-8 presence combeind with 6-6 Clay Cosbie and 6-7 outside hitter Kyle Russell to lead the comeback with imposing blocks above the net.

The Grizzlies prevailed 25-23 with well-placed kills from Santor and David Bittner, and Granite Bay's strong back row passing.

In game two, Granite Bay received a significant boost from the return of 6-3 setter Mason Jaynes, who had missed the Grizzlies' first two preseason matches with an ankle injury.

Granite Bay led throughout the game, in winnning 25-22. The Del Oro team, who start five juniors ranging in height from 6-3 to 6-8, gained the early advantage in the third game and took a 14-7 lead, but the Grizzlies continued to chip away with service aces from Garrick Monaghan and a smart net dump by Jaynes, finally tying the score at 20.

Granite Bay's ball control dominated thereafter, leading to the game three and match win.

"While we are happy with the victory, I am excited about Del Oro's improvement", Honberger said. "Del Oro is big and tough at the net, they will be formidable as the season progresses."

Granite Bay's outside hitters Santor and Bittner had eight and six kills, respectively. Setter Tyler Menard had 12 assists.

The Grizzlies continue league play Wednesday in a 6 p.m. match at Roseville. Granite Bay then heads south this weekend to compete in the prestigious San Diego Invitational, where the Grizzlies, ranked 33rd in MaxPreps national preseason poll, open with national No. 3-ranked Punahou (Hawaii) High School.