Newport Harbor sweeps Orange Lutheran out of playoffs

NEWPORT BEACH – The Newport Harbor girls volleyball team, ranked fifth, won its third consecutive match without dropping a set in the CIF-SS Division I-AA quarterfinals Saturday night.

The Sailors defeated visiting Orange Lutheran, 25-14, 25-18, 25-20, to advance to the semifinals. They will be host to No. 3 Mater Dei on Tuesday.

"You gotta be on a streak in the playoffs, because if you're not, the season is over," Newport Harbor coach Dan Glenn said.

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Mater Dei charges past Edison, reaches semifinals

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Leading the way for Newport Harbor (24-8) was senior outside hitter Cinnamon Sary with 16 kills, three blocks and three digs.

Sary, who just committed to USC last week, was excited to get to the semifinals after losing in the quarters last season.

"I can't really compare (the '09 team), because I'm in a whole different role," Sary said. "I just went along with them then, but now I kind of help lead everyone.

"This year we can all just look at each other and say 'let's go' and everyone knows how important it is."

In the second set, Orange Lutheran (18-14) tied the score twice, but was never ahead. The Lancers were led by senior outside hitter Macy Capen with three kills in the set and 10 for the match.

Orange Lutheran led twice early in Game 3. The Sailors came back led by senior Allison Schelin (5 kills, 5 digs for the game), Torey Thompson (33 assists) and Kasey Thompson (6 kills) to put the game away.