The El Camino College men’s volleyball team wrapped up its season Friday, April 10, with a 3-0 home loss to Long Beach City College, closing out the year with a mix of progress and frustration.

The Warriors were swept in straight sets: 25-20, 25-22, and 25-16. Although the second set was close, errors at key moments hindered the team.

Still, Warriors’ coach Tyler Sompa stated that the team’s energy was a highlight.

“I think our energy was great, overall,” Sompa said. “It was one of our best matches, as we managed, in a way, to make everything click together. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but I’m proud of our grit.”

The match marked the team’s final game of the season, providing the players with one last opportunity to compete together on their home court.

Sompa said the season was defined by growth.

“It started with a lot of uncertainty,” Sompa said. “But as time went on, things got back to normal. The guys learned a lot about themselves, not just in volleyball, but in life.”

Warriors’ outside hitter Owen Loebs said the team played well at times, but struggled to maintain consistency.

“I thought we played really well as a team,” Loebs said, adding, “It was just small errors that kept popping up.”

Loebs said his biggest takeaway was resilience. He was sidelined early in the season due to an injury, but worked hard to return.

“Bouncing back from that situation meant a lot,” Loebs said. “I learned how to stay strong.”

The match was also emotional for Loebs, who played his final game for the college sports program.

“It was a lot of fun, this was my last season, and being with my teammates… it felt like family,” Loebs said.

Warriors’ outside hitter Jordan Jotie, a sophomore, said the night was special, even with the loss.

“We could have played a little better,” he said. “But… the energy was sky-high, I just wanted to cherish that final moment with the team.”

Jotie said the season helped him grow mentally.

“I learned a lot about myself,” Jotie said. “Mental health is very important to me. I try to maintain a positive mindset so I can help my teammates stay positive, too.”

Even without a win, the Warriors left the court for the last time this season with something more important: lessons, growth, and a stronger bond as a team.