ORANGE – When creating the schedule for this season, Andrew Mabry had one thing in mind: tough competition.
The third-year coach at Orange Lutheran knows all too well the tall task of taking on the Trinity League, even if his program is the defending league champion.
Mabry and his girls varsity volleyball team got what they were hoping for and squeezed out a 3-2 victory over visiting San Clemente on Thursday night in the season opener for both schools.
At one point, Orange Lutheran held a 2-0 match lead, but watched it slip away as San Clemente gained momentum.
However, the power of junior outside hitter Brooke Bastien helped the Lancers claim the deciding fifth set and the win, 25-22, 25-18, 22-25, 17-25, 15-12.
“We want to play as many good teams we can, I knew this was going to be a battle and that’s what I was looking for,” Mabry said. “We’re a little younger than they are, but I was just hoping we would battle. That San Clemente team is going to be really good.”
Bastien muscled four of her team-high 16 kills in the final set and Orange Lutheran came back after the Tritons jumped ahead, 3-0.
Defense led the way early for the Lancers. After taking a back-and-forth first set, the back line fought off San Clemente’s attack.
Julia Frederick led Orange Lutheran with 17 digs, Bastien added 16 and setter Mattea Zeinstra also chipped in with 11 for the home team.
However, the Tritons would not go away.
San Clemente gained momentum by taking the first four points in the third set and took a dominant fourth after racing to a 16-4 lead.
“We lost a little bit of rhythm, but that was because of what they did,” Mabry said. “They came out and buried the first four balls. They got some rhythm going in the third set.”
Outside hitter Cali Hoye led San Clemente with 19 kills, while middle blocker Cassie Stewart added nine.
Setter Marie Paris sat out most of the first set and it appeared to take a while for the Tritons to gain rhythm in the second set. Paris shined in the following two sets and finished with 29 assists.
Natalie Knauf caused problems on the front line with six blocks for San Clemente.
“That was such a good match, they played great defense,” said San Clemente coach Tom Beard. “When our girls come back after a bad start, I’ll take it this early in the season.”
The Tritons appeared poised to take the match after jumping ahead in the fifth set, but Bastien helped power Orange Lutheran to the win.
“Brooke’s going to be a special player, she’s one of three returners on our team,” Mabry said. “I’m proud of the way she played tonight.”
