El Dorado moves closer to claiming Century title

PLACENTIA - In a match that lasted less than an hour, El Dorado made quick work of Esperanza on Tuesday, beating its Century League opponent, 25-11, 25-14, 25-12, at El Dorado High.

The Golden Hawks (13-9, 9-0) got off to a fast start and never let up, scoring 18 of the first 23 points in the first set, ending the second set with seven consecutive points, and starting the third set with a 6-0 lead.

“The girls played with heart and they excelled tonight,” El Dorado coach Craig Tefertiller said. “We played tough and as a team.”

Every time Esperanza (8-9, 4-5) attempted to start a rally, El Dorado would come back with great defense or capitalize on an Aztecs mistake. Middle hitter Alex Gresham and outside hitter Tess Hirschler led the Golden Hawks with three blocks.

“It was a fantastic win for us,” setter Kelly Claes said. “I think it was the one of the best games we’ve played. It was a great team effort, and we played as a unit.”

Claes led El Dorado with eight kills, 12 assists and 10 digs.

“Kelly’s always good,” Tefertiller said. “She has calming affect on us, and she’s capable of doing great things.”

El Dorado can capture its eight consecutive league title with a victory over second-place Canyon on Thursday.

“We want to be league champs,” Claes said. “We want to play better and get ready for CIF and this win helped us.”