Corona del Mar up for challenge

Corona del Mar is back in the final, ready for another round with top-seeded Redlands East Valley.

The Wildcats swept the Sea Kings in last year’s championship match, but the components are different this year. Redlands lost seven seniors from its roster, while second-seeded Corona del Mar graduated four.

How much the gap has closed remains to be seen when the teams meet in the CIF-SS Division II-AA final Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cypress College in Gym 2.

“It was the match up we were hoping for,” Sea Kings coach Darryl Gan said. “We are ready to battle.”

The teams enter with gaudy numbers. The Wildcats are 33-3, with their losses to Sacred Heart and Assumption, both from Kentucky, and Elsinore. They are on a 19-game winning streak and haven’t lost since Oct. 3.

At 25-5, Corona del Mar isn’t far behind. The Sea Kings have won 17 of 19, with their only losses in that span to Archbishop Mitty and Newport Harbor. Their other losses this year are to Mira Costa, Los Alamitos and Laguna Beach.

Corona del Mar began the season strong, with a victory over Huntington Beach and a trip to the Dave Mohs final. The Sea Kings followed that up with a victory over San Clemente.

However, the Breakers swept Corona del Mar on Sept. 29 to end the good times.

“That was our wake up call,” Gan said. “From that point on we didn’t take anything for granted. Ever since the Santa Barbara tournament we have turned it up a little bit. We beat three really good teams and only lost to Mitty.”

Corona del Mar appears to be more balanced for this year’s final. With setter Madison Smith directing an offense that includes Morgan Boukather, Sydney Brombal, Claire Ham, Amanda Nickel and Hailey Senske, the Sea Kings have their share of options.

On the other hand, Redlands will rely on big-time outside hitter Krista Vansant.

“From our outside hitter to our libero, we have people who contribute all the way,” Gan said. “Most teams have one or two weapons, but if we pass well, we have five.

“If that stays consistent, we are well-balanced. That’s what it’s going to take against Redlands East Valley.”