Girls’ Volleyball: CdM edges Lancers

This CIF Southern Section Division 1AA quarterfinal girls’ volleyball match practically had it all: momentum shifts, long rallies, big blocks, intensity and a racous crowd.

There also had to be a winner, and a team that would be eliminated.

Corona del Mar High finished as the winner with a 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 24-26, 15-11 victory over Lakewood Saturday night at home.

“That’s why you play high school sports,” CdM Coach Steve Astor said. “Nothing’s better than this. It’s two great teams going at it. It was just a great atmosphere. I was glad to be a part of it.”

Astor was disappointed after the fourth set, when Lakewood overcame a 21-16 deficit. The Lancers used big blocks and won a long rally during the run.

Yet, Astor remained confident, heading into the fifth set.

“I told them before Game 5, we don’t lose Game 5’s,” Astor said. “For whatever reason, we’re so mentally strong. We’ve been in the weight room. We’re in really good shape. That matters when it’s Game 5.”

The Sea Kings (24-5) built a 5-1 lead to open the fifth set. A balanced attack kept coming at Lakewood, but the Lancers didn’t make it entirely easy for CdM.

They got as close as, 9-7, until the Sea Kings pulled away for the win.

Katie Craig led the way for CdM with 15 kills and 12 digs. Natalia Bruening, Jessie Harris and Sydney Alacano contributed 10 kills each and Samantha Jones added nine kills.

Payton Carter finished with 10 digs and the CdM team recorded 11 blocks.

Corona del Mar will play host to Mater Dei in the semifinals Tuesday night.

Mater Dei beat Mira Costa, 25-13, 18-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13, to advance.