BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL 1995: PREVIEW : Six Teams to Watch : Irvine

Coach: Mark Mednick (fifth year).

1994: 11-6, 10-4 in the Sea View League. Lost in Division I first round to Huntington Beach.

Key returners: Chad Brown, 6-0, outside hitter, Jr.; Luke Carlson, 6-6, middle blocker, Sr.; Grant Donaldson, 6-0, setter, Sr.; Blair Eldridge, 6-2, middle blocker, Sr.; Jeff Miller, 6-0, outside hitter, Sr.; David Pauls, 6-5, middle blocker, Jr.; Mark Ramirez, 6-4, outside hitter, Sr.

Key newcomers: Justin Konoske, 6-2, setter, Jr.; Ryan Miller, 5-9, back row, Sr.; Derych Pham, 5-9, back row, Sr.

Outlook: The Vaqueros are one of many teams that could win in a talented and balanced Sea View League. Eldridge, the team’s co-MVP last season, is an explosive attacker who is complemented by Carlson, giving Irvine two strong players in the middle. Miller and Ramirez are the two top outside hitters and Donaldson is a solid setter. “This group really cares for each other and they care about winning,” Mednick said. “They’re hungry. They want to win a league championship and put a banner on the ceiling.”