Redondo put itself in the driver’s seat for a Bay League championship Thursday with a hard-fought victory over visiting rival Mira Costa.
The Sea Hawks proved why they are the top ranked team in CIF Division 1-AA, rebounding from a first-set loss to eke out a thrilling 26-28, 26-24, 30-28, 25-23 victory in front of hundreds of vocal fans from both schools.
As is the case with many rivalries, records can be tossed out when the two schools square off and Thursday was no different. Mira Costa (9-7, 3-1) gave Redondo (21-3, 4-0) all it could handle and hopes the Mustang’s strong performance will move the team into the top ten in the division.
Redondo was forced to fight off three set points in the first game, one in the second and three in the third set in a match that featured two of the top girl’s volleyball programs in Southern California and many future college players.
Senior outside hitter Skylar Dykstra led Redondo with 17 kills while recording 29 digs and four blocks. She scored the final four points for Redondo’s 30-28 third-set win.
“The key to success was to have fun, play together, and next play focus,” Dykstra said. “Playing Costa is always a lot of fun. They’re a good team and the rivalry we have creates such great energy but every game we play, we play it as a championship match. Every team is great competition for us and we just have a lot of fun playing together.”
Brianna Lanktree had 14 kills for Redondo, including one to stave off a set point before the Sea Hawks scored three in a row to take the second set.
Hannah Mosebar finished with 13 kills, scoring the final point in Redondo’s victory. Abril Bustamante added seven kills while Redondo’s tenacious defense was led by Katie Rotondo (26 digs) and Leilani Martinez (17 digs).
Mira Costa’s offense was led by Grayce Campbell and Lexi Millington who each posted 22 kills and 19 digs. Setter Corie Bain also had a stellar game with 50 assists, 18 digs, five kills, three blocks and three aces.
Carley Muller contributed 26 digs; Kelsey McIntire added nine kills and Brooke Feld posted 19 digs for the Mustangs, who will have the opportunity to avenge its loss when Redondo travels to Fisher Gym for the Bay League finale on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
Mira Costa head coach Lisa Zimmerman takes her squad to San Diego County today to compete in the two-day California Challenge tournament hosted by the nation’s top-ranked team, Torrey Pines.
