Athlete of the Week: Benicia's Seeley engineering instant offense

May 12-Benicia High School senior volleyball player Duncan Seeley, a math and science enthusiast, wants to eventually be a mechanical engineer. One day, he hopes that passion will take him into the automotive field.

For now, he's settling for being one of the main motors engineering playoff wins.

The Panthers defeated San Rafael and Berean Christian last week in the North Coast Section Division III playoffs to reach the semifinals, which took place Tuesday night after the Times-Herald deadline. In the first two rounds, Seeley picked up a combined 28 kills, including 15 in the quarterfinals against Berean Christian, earning Times-Herald Athlete of the Week honors.

"What was working for me at the net in those wins was taking what the defense had to offer," Seeley said. "Our team was doing a good job of reading their defense. Of my 15 kills, I'd say around three or four of them were just rolls and tips to where their defense was out of position."

Benicia head coach Maynard Patacsil said that Seeley brings more than just power hitting to the Panthers. He brings leadership.

"He's very passionate and tries to lead by example," the coach said. "He tries to get everyone involved and brings a lot of intensity ever since he was named a captain."

Seeley said that playing on the varsity level for three years, along with his experience in club play, gives him a leadership edge.

"I've played for a lot of coaches and with a lot of players older than me, and what I have learned is that positivity is better than negativity," says Seeley. "I want to be that. I want to set a good example and be that person that when they're down, they can look up to me for guidance."

Seeley said he plans on going to Sacramento State in the fall and playing for the club team, but his main focus will be on his studies.

Although Seeley has played well, he insists that any win the team picks up is not all about him.

"What I really want to see roll into the next playoff rounds is the teamwork we have going right now," Seeley said. "We really trust each other right now. We trust each other to be in the right spot on the court. One person can't win alone. It's all about the six-on-six game. All glory to my team. I wouldn't be here without them. The blockers and the setters and everyone else are just as important. Whether I'm having a good game or a bad game, they are always there for me."

Honorable mention

Telesia Akauola, St. Pat's track and field. Akauola won the shot put and the discus at the Tri-County Athletic League championship on Saturday.

David Bernstine III, Vallejo High baseball. Bernstine collected three more hits and was a homer short of the cycle in a win over Richmond to raise his batting average above .700.

Aalanah Brown, American Canyon High track and field. Brown won the 100-meter dash, while taking second in the 200-meter dash at the Vine Valley Athletic League championships. She moves on to the section meet.

Jaden Dichoco, St. Pat's baseball. Dichoco earned the win on the mound against Vallejo, throwing six innings and giving up just one hit while striking out 10.

Jose Flores, Vallejo High baseball. Flores threw a five-inning no-hitter against Richmond. Flores struck out eight batters in the win and was also a force at the plate, collecting two hits and driving in a pair of runs.

Llogan Franklin, Vallejo High track and field. Franklin won the shot put and placed second in the discus at the Tri-County Athletic League championships on Saturday.

Jevonte Hines, Vallejo High track and field. Hines won the 110 hurdles at the Tri-County Athletic League championships on Saturday. He also finished in third place in the 300 hurdles.

Ellie Kunstman, Benicia High softball. Kunstman led the Panthers with a grand slam in a win over Acalanes.

Vy Phan, Bethel badminton. Phan placed second on the girls' side in the Tri-County Athletic League tournament, qualifying for the section tournament.

Kate Sosa, American Canyon High softball. Sosa led the Wolves with three hits and six RBI in a win against Justin-Siena. She had a homer, a double, a steal, and scored two runs. She also pitched three innings and struck out eight.

Adrian Tzintzun, Bethel High track and field. Tzintzun won the 300 hurdles at the Tri-County Athletic League championships on Saturday.

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