CdM captures sixth consecutive league title
IRVINE – It took until the final match of the regular season for the third-ranked Corona del Mar girls volleyball team to lose a set to a Pacific Coast League opponent.
Beckman, which was vying for a share of the league title, accomplished that feat in the opener of Wednesday's match.
CdM eventually got into its groove and went on to win a sixth consecutive league title with a 23-25, 25-9, 25-17, 25-19 road victory over Beckman.
The Sea Kings (27-3, 10-0) haven't lost a league match since 2008.
"We've battled with ourselves in first sets all year," CdM coach Marissa Booker said. "Not to discredit Beckman at all, because they had a great first set, but we're just not ready to go during first sets.
"I think it is one of those unexplainable things, it just takes us a set to warm up."
The Patriots (20-7, 8-2), who finished second in the PCL, turned a 9-9 score into a 15-10 lead in the opening set.
Trailing 20-16, CdM scored four consecutive points, but Luna Tsujimoto put the game away with a kill.
"We jumped out to that 15-10 lead, digging balls and then just found a way to hang on," Beckman coach Darin McBain said. "We got a kill here and there when we needed them."
After that, CdM regrouped to win the final three games.
"Game 2, they got up 6-2 and our passing disappeared," McBain said. "When you lose momentum and the crowd gets quiet, then it puts a little extra pressure on you."
Britton Taylor led the Sea Kings with 14 kills. Grace Kennedy and Chrissy Watson had 12 and 11, respectively.
CdM will be the second seed in the CIF-SS Division 1-A playoffs. The pairings will be announced Saturday.
In the Sea View League
Tesoro 3, Aliso Niguel 1: The Titans (20-6, 7-1) claimed the league title with their 25-14, 25-22, 26-28, 25-17 road victory over the Wolverines.
Makensie Bates led Tesoro with 17 kills and four aces. Sierra Bates had 16 kills and Sarah Krufka had 11 kills and seven aces.
Tesoro began the week needing two victories to win the title. Monday, Tesoro defeated Mission Viejo.
Elise Ruddins led Aliso Niguel (15-9, 4-4) with 27 kills. She also had eight digs.
In the Golden West League
Ocean View 3, Segerstrom 0: The Seahawks capped a perfect league season with their 25-12, 25-13, 25-22 home victory.
Madie Williams had 11 kills, 16 assists and 12 digs for Ocean View. Maddie Koci had six kills and 24 digs, while Mallory Koci had seven kills and 16 digs.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
