It was almost something out of magic, but it was more so of force of will.

The San Pedro High boys volleyball team would rely on their intestinal fortitude, undying belief in themselves, a motivational message from their captain, and a fiery home court advantage to get a share of their second straight Marine League championship with a rousing 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 sweep over rival Carson in front of a raucous audience at San Pedro High.

A daily text message from senior middle blocker Sean Zuvich, who signed with Springfield University earlier in the week seemed more than enough to motivate the Pirates (19-6 overall, 11-1 league), who avenged a bitter three-game sweep defeat at the hands of Carson (24-8, 11-1) back on April 9 at Carson High.

Carson also defeated San Pedro on April 13 in the San Pedro Tournament final.

Once the final point was earned, the Pirates would revel in their latest accomplishment of gaining their well-deserved retribution while their home fans voiced their appreciation with their infamous "PE-DRO" chant.

Unlike the first meeting at Carson, San Pedro would battle from behind and finish a comeback to win the first two sets, with the Colts holding a 24-22 lead in the second set just a point away from evening the match, but an ace from senior Kevin LoGrande would allow the Pirates to close the set on a 4-0 run, which ended with back-to-back aces from Zuvich that followed an attack error from Carson that tied the set at 24-24.

San Pedro never trailed in the third set but Zuvich, already with a yellow card, was issued a red card in a critical point that gave Carson a free point, and cutting the Pirates' lead to 20-19. 

From that point on, a key kill from senior Kosta Tzavaras, playing his first match since the first meeting with Carson where he suffered an early ankle injury, put the Pirates at match point with a 24-21 edge, and finally LoGrande's vicious stuff block set off a wild celebration and an unlikely sweep for San Pedro.

Zuvich finished with 17 kills, 11 digs, five blocks and three aces for San Pedro, who also got vital contributions from LoGrande, Tzavaras, junior Jacob Branch, and seniors Austin Freitas, Elijah Gaines and Nico Mandac.

San Pedro shared the league title last year in a three-way tie with both Carson and Narbonne of Harbor City.