Their second encounter played out much like the first: Corona del Mar’s singles dominating while its doubles lineup edged University’s tandems, making for a one-sided result.
In grabbing yet another 13-5 win over the second-ranked Trojans on Tuesday afternoon at University High, the top-ranked Sea Kings clinched at least a share of their second straight Pacific Coast League title, which they can wrap up for good with a win in one of their final two league contests.
“That’s definitely our first goal of the season,” CdM coach Jamie Gresh said of winning league. “After that, our next goal is getting to the (CIF) finals, one round further than where we made it last year.”
The Sea Kings – who are also ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 1 – improved to 16-0 overall and 8-0 in league. They will play host to No. 5 Northwood on Thursday before the regular-season finale with Irvine on Monday.
University dropped to 9-4, 6-2.
Junior Danielle Willson and senior Jasie Dunk continued to roll atop the CdM singles lineup, each sweeping with no set being closer than 6-3. Sophomore Roxy MacKenzie chipped in with two points as the Sea Kings went 8-1 in singles play.
Camellia Edalat and partner Brooke Kenerson became the first pair to defeat University’s Kayla Agustin and Ashlyn Wang this season, notching a 6-1 win in the first round which helped CdM grab a 4-2 edge early.
The Sea Kings won five sets in the second round to take a 9-3 lead into the third.
“I think our overall depth has been a key factor,” Gresh added. “Obviously we’ve got a great singles lineup, but all three doubles teams play differently and throw a lot of variety at you. So when we play an opponent, they have to adapt. And there’s not a big drop off from one to three with our doubles.”
Also in the Pacific Coast League:
No. 5 Northwood 15, Woodbridge 3: Sophomore Michelle Kroll won all three of her singles sets, Megan Mansonhing and Ashley Le notched a pair of points in doubles, and the Timberwolves (11-4, 5-3) cruised past the Warriors.
No. 9 Beckman 12, Irvine 6: The Patriots (11-6, 3-5) notched wins in seven of the final eight sets to fend off the Vaqueros (7-9, 1-7). Beckman junior Ashley Teng won all of her singles sets in 6-0 fashion, and the doubles team of Emily Lu and Alycia Adams also swept.
In the North Hills League:
Canyon 12, Esperanza 6: The Comanches collected five points in each of the first two rounds of play, clinching the league title with a dominant effort on the road.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@scng.com
