Laguna Beach refuses to fall in semifinals
LAGUNA BEACH - After Beckman took the first game Tuesday, it appeared that Laguna Beach's boys volleyball team might be upset in the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 semifinal round.
But Laguna Beach, a school rich in volleyball tradition, battled back to win the next three games, defeating the visiting Patriots, 26-28, 25-22, 25-19, 25-22, to advance to the championship round.
The win marks the Breakers' 13th consecutive playoff victory, dating back to last season.
Laguna Beach (20-10) will face Corona del Mar in the Division 2 final on Saturday at Cypress College.
With the rowdy crowd at Laguna Beach against them, Beckman (24-8) responded with a strong effort in Game 1. Patriots senior middle blocker Jeff Austin contributed some big blocks and accurate hitting from the back row to keep them in the game.
With Laguna Beach leading, 25-24, the Breakers had a chance to put Beckman away, but it couldn’t close the door on them. Instead, Beckman rallied to win the game, 28-26.
“We were a little out of sync on the court (in the first game),” Breakers coach Lance Stewart said. “As a result, we were just missing picking up balls.”
Laguna Beach senior opposite Robbie McKnight became the focal point of the next three games. The shaggy-haired captain made kills from all over the back row, finishing with 41.
“I love the pressure," McKnight said. "I always want to be that guy, and I think we did a great job.”
The Breakers responded to losing Game 1 by winning the next two games, and held off a late charge by the Patriots to wrap up the match by winning Game 4, 25-22.
