Beckman's Heneghan captures Pacific Coast singles title

The Pacific Coast League finals traveled back in time to 2007 when a trio of sophomores captured the league's individual singles and doubles championships.

On Wednesday, that same trio, now seniors, emerged on top again at league finals at Corona del Mar High.

Beckman's Megan Heneghan defeated Laguna Hills' Jocelyn Lu, 8-5, to claim her third consecutive singles championship. In the doubles final, Corona del Mar's Melissa Matsuoka and Hailey Hogan beat University's Hayley Thompson and Kyra Scott, 8-3.

All finals participants advance to the CIF-SS individual tournament, which begins Nov. 20.

"I think this one tops them all," said Heneghan of her third league championship. "This is my last year in high school. It feels great to win league."

Hogan and Matsuoka won the title two years ago. Hogan didn't play high school tennis as a junior so Matsuoka played singles, where she lost to Heneghan in the final.

The pair decided to team up once more. They reached the semifinals of CIF as sophomores and that success has them optimistic for this year.

"We think we can go pretty far in doubles," Matsuoka said.

The duo reached the finals when their opponent had to default because of injury. After sitting around for more than an hour, Matsuoka and Hogan started fast in the finals. They built a 3-0 lead in the eight-game pro set before closing it out.

"It feels good," said Hogan of the victory. "Melissa and I play well together. Our styles complement each other."

Heneghan had a rougher go of it in her final. After beating University's Krystal Lai, 6-1, 6-2, in the semifinals, Heneghan was locked in a tight fight with Lu.

Lu served trailing 3-4, but Heneghan forced a break and then held to take control and lead, 6-3. It was the third time Heneghan and Lu played this year. Tuesday's victory pushed Heneghan's season record to 58-0.

"I focused on breaking her serve," Heneghan said. "She was serving so strong today."

Corona del Mar's Katelyn Nguyen and Kalika Slevcove finished in third place in doubles. University's Ali Dawson took third in singles.

In girls volleyball:

No. 8 San Clemente 3, Aliso Niguel 0: The Tritons finished undefeated in league by sweeping the Wolverines, 25-18, 25-15, 25-18. It is the Tritons' third consecutive South Coast League championship, and they won it outright after sharing it the past two seasons.