CdM sees title get away in Division 2 final

CYPRESS – The Corona del Mar and Oak Park boys volleyball teams had different goals heading into Saturday's CIF-SS Division 2 final.

CdM was looking for its second consecutive and eighth title overall, while Oak Park, which had made four previous final appearances but had lost them all, was in search of its first.

In the end, the Eagles finally sealed the deal. Oak Park, the top seed, rallied from a first-set loss to defeat CdM, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-21.

The Eagles (30-6) will continue into the CIF Southern California Regionals. It is unlikely that CdM (25-7) will be selected. The pairings will be announced Sunday.

"They played a little better than us at the net," CdM coach Steve Conti said. "We did not block very many balls. They definitely got a lot more touches off the block and were able to run more balls down.

"I think their defense was a little better, too."

In the first set, CdM scored the final three points to win 25-22. Parker Brown, who finished with 26 kills, had nine in the first set.

Oak Park took the lead for good in the second set on a big kill from Bradley Sakaida for a 20-19 lead.

The Eagles carried the momentum into the third game. At one point, Oak Park led 20-11, en route to taking a 2-1 lead in the match.

"First game, we didn't pass very well and we're a really good passing team," Oak Park coach Patrick Quinn said. "We weren't able to run our offense. It was a close game and give them credit they have some really good players over there.

"After that, we started passing and serving a little bit better."

CdM led the fourth set, 10-9, but Oak Park scored five consecutive points and never really looked back.

"I'm proud of the way our guys fought," Conti said. "No shame to lose to this team (Oak Park). They were a hungry team and you could see the determination that they have."

Justin Parks led the Eagles with 22 kills. Nick Fahn and Sakaida had 10 and seven, respectively.

"To finally win one, gets the monkey off of my back," Quinn said. "I'm proud of my boys. Some of them have been in two-three finals and they've lost them all. ... To win one is wonderful."

Oak Park had made the finals in Division 3 and 4 previously.

This was the second match of the year between the teams. Oak Park had defeated Corona del Mar in two games at the Best of the West Invitational in March.