No. 8 San Clemente pulls off sweep of Trabuco Hills
SAN CLEMENTE – The first time the San Clemente girls volleyball team met Trabuco Hills, the match went five sets and the Tritons ended up with a loss.
Thursday night, the teams crossed paths again and the eighth-ranked Tritons had a reversal of fortunes.
The Tritons, behind 14 kills from Alexa Strange, scored a 27-25, 27-25, 25-17 sweep of the visiting Mustangs in a South Coast League contest.
The victory moved the Tritons (13-7, 5-1) closer to their fifth consecutive South Coast League title. San Clemente has two league matches remaining.
"We had some different dynamics," San Clemente coach Rob O'Rear said. "We had a lot break down the first time around. We probably had one of our weakest passing games.
"Honestly, tonight I thought they served phenomenal; they served really well, but we were able to pass and that was able to keep us in system."
Aside from Strange's 14 kills, the Tritons had a balanced effort. Franki Darnold had eight kills, Stephanie McFadden had seven, Taylor Brubaker had six and Chicyia Clark added four.
Strange also recorded 17 assists and nine digs for the Tritons, while setter Summer Cumin had 11 digs and 20 assists. Mia Feiner added 16 digs.
"We made some adjustments on what worked for them the last time, and we were able to defend better against it," O'Rear said. "They still got a few kills, but not the long runs they had the last time, and we stayed more mentally in the game and that was a big difference, too."
Trabuco Hills (10-14, 3-4) served for game point twice in both games, but the Tritons were able to extend both the first and second games to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
"That's what we've been able to do lately (extend games)," O'Rear said. "Early in the season, we would lose those matches."
The Tritons now turn their attention to the Redondo High Power Classic, starting Friday. San Clemente is the sixth seed.
"I would really like to do well enough to break into the top 8 of the CIF-SS Division 1-AA poll, so we can get a better seeding," O'Rear said. "We haven't really proven to anybody in the CIF council that we belong, but we're knocking at the door.
"So, with a real good effort against some good teams, then that should show that we can go up a little bit and get better seeding."
Also in the South Coast League
El Toro 3, Dana Hills 1: Mary Bowers led the Chargers (10-14, 1-5) with 17 kills and Caitlin Harmon had 28 digs in the 25-21, 22-25, 27-25, 25-21 road victory over the Dolphins.
In the Century League
El Dorado 3, Foothill 2: The Goldenhawks improved to 12-0 in the league with their 22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 15-10 road victory over the Knights.
Kelly Claes led El Dorado with 27 kills. Stephanie Aviles had 25 assists.
In the Olympic League
Whittier Christian 3, Village Christian 0: The Heralds (20-2, 7-0) were led by Deanna Blaine's nine kills in their 30-28, 25-17, 25-15 home victory.
Jaclyn Barrera and Kylee Wolfe had eight and seven kills, respectively. Jaden Louie had 27 assists.
In the Freeway League
Fullerton 3, Troy 2: Courtney Clark and Faith Rockmore led the Indians (10-10, 6-3) with 13 kills apiece and Gina Huisenga had 42 assists in the 21-25, 25-15, 21-25, 25-20, 15-12 road victory.
Hayley Hulin had 11 kills for Fullerton.The loss was the first Freeway League defeat for Troy since 2007.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
