Mira Costa, No. 1 in Nation, to Open Volleyball Season

Mira Costa High’s boys volleyball team, ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today, will open the season at 7:30 Friday night with a non-league match at Loyola High, west of downtown Los Angeles.

This marks the 11th consecutive season the Mustangs have opened against Loyola. Mira Costa leads the series, 6-4.

Coach Mike Cook’s squad returns three starters from last year’s team that came within one victory of a CIF title and a perfect season. The Mustangs lost to Corona del Mar in the Southern Section 4-A final to finish 21-1.

Mira Costa will center its attack around 6-foot-4 setter Canyon Ceman, 6-5 middle blocker Patrick Ivie and 6-4 outside hitter David Swatik, a first-team All-CIF choice last season.

The three seniors, along with 6-7 middle blocker Mike Ashenfelter, are all being heavily recruited by major colleges, Cook said.

Outside hitter Mark Shoptaw, a 6-3 junior, is the top varsity newcomer.

“I call them the Magnificent Five,” Cook said of his leading players. “We’re just trying to find another one to fill out a starting lineup.”

After Friday’s match, Mira Costa resumes play March 9 at Palisades, one of the top teams in the L.A. City Section.