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Esperanza's Ryan Heller, left, sets the ball for Conner Jordan during a Century League match against Foothill last week.
Esperanza’s Ryan Heller, left, sets the ball for Conner Jordan during a Century League match against Foothill last week.
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BOYS VOLLEYBALL

The big mover in this week’s CIF-SS boys volleyball rankings is Esperanza.

The Aztecs, the defending Division 2 champion, were ranked fifth last week. This week, they are up to No. 2. San Marcos is ranked No. 1.

With the return of Jake Arnitz last week, the Aztecs have become the strong favorite to repeat as champions. Arnitz missed the early part of the season because of a back injury.

Esperanza coach Isaac Owens said he plans to limit how much Arnitz plays over the next few weeks. He wants to make sure the senior opposite hitter is at full strength for the postseason.

“What people will remember is how you finish at the end of the year,” Owens said, “and I think when it gets to that time of the year, he’s going to be ready to go.

“He’s going to want to finish his senior year strong. That’s going to make it a lot more interesting for us because I like our chances of being one of the better teams because of him.”

Despite not being cleared to play until last week, Owens said Arnitz still attended every practice.

“That’s what makes him the kid that he is,” Owens said. “He’s supported his team all year. At every practice, coaching the other guys, cheering them on and being the captain that he is. He’s a class act.”

– DAMIAN CALHOUN

SWIMMING

It feels like swimming’s version of rivalry week.

In the first of several anticipated dual meets this week, Capistrano Valley plays host today to Tesoro in a clash of top 10-ranked programs from the South Coast League.

Also today, Dana Hills plays host to San Clemente in a key Sea View League dual. The Dolphins’ boys are ranked seventh in the county, while the Tritons, featuring transfer Aidan Patel, were ranked in the county earlier this season.

On Wednesday, La Habra’s improved girls play host to Freeway League power Troy. The Highlanders captured the Savanna Invitational last month.

In a nonleague meet Wednesday, Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor renew their Back Bay rivalry at Corona del Mar. …

Katie McLaughlin appears set to join the action today. The junior is expected to make her Santa Margarita debut against visiting St. Joseph of Lakewood in a Trinity League meet, Eagles co-coach Rich Blanc said. The county-record holder in the 200-yard freestyle and 100 butterfly followed the Southern Section’s sit-out-period rule after transferring from JSerra.

– DAN ALBANO

BOYS GOLF

Beckman senior Johnny Hyun holed five birdies in the final round of the AJGA Junior to finish with a 2-under par 69 and tie for fifth in Chandler, Ariz. He opened the tournament with 69, which put him two strokes out of the lead. …

Corona del Mar freshman Chase Furey finished with a 1-over 145 to tie for sixth in the 36-hole Junior All-Star at Cypress Ridge in Arroyo Grande. In the girls division, Corona del Mar freshman Alyaa Abdulghany finished third with a 1-under 143.

– DAMIAN DOTTORE

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Matt Skolnik is the new girls volleyball coach at Edison. He replaces Trent Jackson, who resigned after last season.

– DAMIAN CALHOUN