The CIF Southern California Regional tournament has been the second chance the Corona del Mar boys volleyball team was looking for.
After suffering a heartbreaking five-set loss in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals, the Sea Kings have responded with a pair of three-set sweeps, including a 25-18, 25-16, 25-20 victory over visiting South Pasadena on Thursday to advance to Saturday’s Division II final.
The match was played at Newport Harbor High because of a schedule conflict with an awards show at CdM.
After the loss to Loyola of Los Angeles, the Sea Kings (29-3) took a much-needed break.
“We didn’t practice that Thursday or Friday or Saturday (afterward) because we didn’t know if we were going to be in (the regionals),” CdM coach Steve Conti said. “And I think we all needed a few days away from volleyball after that.
“We practiced Monday, and I thought we came and had a pretty good practice. I told them that we’re going to have to beat three CIF champions to be a regional champ yourself.”
The Sea Kings will face CIF-SS Division 2 champion Esperanza in the final at 5 p.m. Saturday at Cerritos College.
“We definitely played a lot better tonight than we did Tuesday (in the first round),” Conti said. “I was really proud how our boys came in and played with a lot of poise and composure.”
The Sea Kings relied on a balanced attack against the Tigers, who won the CIF-SS Division 3 title. Ryan Moss and Joey Martino had nine kills apiece. Augie Miller had eight and Tommy Brooks six.
“We felt like their block was pretty good on the left side,” Conti said. “That’s the advantage that we have, is when we have different guys that can put the ball away, we will try to attack what we think is the weakest part of their block.”
Also in Division II:
Esperanza 3, La Costa Canyon of Carlsbad 1: Jake Arnitz led the Aztecs (30-6) with 21 kills and six blocks, and Ben Oxnard added 12 in the 24-26, 25-16, 25-20, 25-18 victory at home.
The Aztecs are the defending Division II champion.
In Division III:
Laguna Beach 3, Bishop Montgomery of Torrance 0: The Breakers advanced to the final with the 27-25, 25-13, 25-23 home victory. Laguna Beach will face Saddleback Valley Christian in the finals Saturday at 3 p.m.
Saddleback Valley Christian 3, Francis Parker of San Diego 0: The Warriors (35-3) swept their way to the final, winning 25-12, 25-23, 25-23.
In Division I:
Huntington Beach 3, Redondo 0: The Oilers (39-0) return to the regional final after sweeping the Sea Hawks, 25-17, 25-20, 25-22. The Oilers, the defending champion, will face Loyola.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
