With targets on their backs, the girls on Mira Costa’s beach volleyball teams have all felt the pressure throughout the past six years.
Battling at practice to make one of three teams competing each week in the Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League, the girls must not only win but impress head coach Eric Fonoimoana.
This year’s Mustang squad was up to the task, winning the school’s sixth straight IBVl title and second straight State championship while extending the team’s winning streak to an incredible 87 matches.
At the State Championship held Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach, Mira Costa began the day by sweeping San Diego’s Academy of Our Lady of Peace. The Mustangs then faced a tough Laguna Beach team in the title match.
Mira Costa’s No. 3 team of seniors Lea Ungar and Lily Snyder won 21-14, 21-17 while a pair of sophomores, Olivia Bakos and Kate Reilly, took care of business with a 25-15, 21-17 victory.
Then the Mustang’s winning streak was in jeopardy.
In the No. 1 match, Laguna Beach jumped out with a 21-17 victory, adding even more pressure on the team of senior Piper Monk-Heidrich and sophomore Maya Harvey.
But Mira Coast rebounded winning the next two games 23-21 and 15-11 to once again claim the State title.
“Our toughest opponents this year was Santa Monica and Laguna Beach,” Fonoimoana said. “They have three solid teams each that if we do not play well they could beat us. Our girls were extremely focused during the playoffs and our practices were intense and very competitive. The most impressive part for me is that each team made big plays when they needed it most.
“This year’s Championship was different because Laguna Beach was a very talented and experienced beach team. The Costa girls had to play well if they wanted to win but they rose to the level and played great.”
The team was led by Monk-Heidrich who will be taking her talents to UCLA this fall.
“Winning the final match against Laguna was surreal,” Monk-Heidrich said. “Maya and I had trouble playing Lexi (Mckeown) and Peri (Brennan) before. but we came into the second and third games with a fire that was unmatched. I think losing the first game really pushed us to fight harder. Maya and I grew together as players throughout the season and it really showed in that final match. We were working fluidly together the whole time and kept a positive attitude only focusing on the point that was being played. “
Also taking their talents to the next level are Tabitha Keever (Arizona State), Georgia Kobel (University of Arizona), Karina Myszkowski (USC), Lily Snyder (USC) and Lea Ungar (indoor and beach volleyball at Cal Poly SLO).
