Tritons use break to their advantage
What a difference a weeklong break makes.
The San Clemente boys volleyball team went into spring break following a three-game loss to Mission Viejo on March31.
The Tritons, ranked eighth in the county, returned to action Tuesday, and upset visiting sixth-ranked Dana Hills, 25-18, 26-24, 25-20, to move into a first-place tie with the Dolphins (14-8, 3-1) and Mission Viejo in the South Coast League.
Scott Hair led the Tritons (12-4, 3-1) with 14 kills and seven blocks. Dillon Hoffman added 10 blocks and Shane Hunt had eight.
"We made it an emphasis ... nothing else, just play hard and play every point hard," San Clemente coach Ken Goldstone said.
"We worked on some blocking over the break and obviously ball control is a huge part. I thought we passed the ball pretty well and we were able to isolate some hitters.
"That's a good team (Dana Hills). The league is pretty even, Mission (Viejo), Dana (Hills) and us are all pretty close. Hopefully, we can keep playing like this."
Goldstone also credited the performance of sophomore middle blocker Jack Yoder (five kills and three blocks).
Dana Hills defeated San Clemente in the first meeting March 19 at the Orange County Championships.
"We didn't block real well," Dana Hills coach Oz Simmons said. "That's probably the biggest gap in our performance.
"They (San Clemente) played well. They were solid all the way around."
The teams will meet again May 5 at Dana Hills. Dana Hills defeated San Clemente in two games, March 19 at the Orange County Championships.
In the Sea View League:
Trabuco Hills 3, El Toro 1: The Mustangs (16-4, 4-0) moved into sole possession of first place with their 25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 25-13 home victory over the Chargers (12-3, 3-1).
Beau Osborne led the Mustangs with 24 kills.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
