Pions Make All-League Volleyball Team

The Alpha League boys volleyball team has been selected and it is really no surprise that Pacific Palisades brothers Chase and Drew Pion of Windward School both made the squad.

Windward tied Brentwood for the league title this spring and the Pions played pivotal roles in the Wildcats' march to the CIF Southern Section Division 4 semifinals, where they fell to eventual champion Santa Monica.

Older brother Chase, Windward's junior setter and captain, racked up 449 assists, 61 kills, 73 digs, 17 aces and 32 blocks. He had a season-high 38 assists in a four-set win over Laguna Blanca on April 23 and added 37 assists three days later in the Wildcats' five-set loss at Alpha League rival Brentwood. 

Younger brother Drew, who made the second team, is the only freshman on the All-League squad. His inclusion was well deserved as he pounded 237 kills with 126 digs, 94 assists, 36 aces and 14 blocks. 

"Chase and Drew were vital to our success this season," said Windward Coach Michelle McGuire, who shared Coach of the Year honors with Jeff Porter of co-champion Brentwood. "The enthusiasm and positive attitude they bring to the court every day picks everyone up." 

The brothers played on opposite teams in last week's Westside Boys Volleyball All-Star Exhibition at Santa Monica High. Each has gone to Windward (in Mar Vista) since seventh grade. Both play for the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club, Chase on the U17s and Drew on the U16s squad. 

Their mother Suzy was the setter on Palisades High's 1979 state championship volleyball team and played one year at UCLA. Their father Jeff played tennis at UC Santa Barbara.

Windward junior outside hitter Ryan Manoogian was named the league's Most Valuable Player after recording 220 kills with 118 digs, 46 aces and 31 blocks. He played in last week's All-Star Exhibition with Chase's gold team, which rallied to win in five sets.