With their eyes set on a fourth straight Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League (IBVL) championship, Mira Costa’s girls team took control of the Bay Division with a win against Redondo Saturday at Dockweiler State Beach.
Despite missing some players, Mira Costa (6-0) defeated its rival 2-1 with its No. 1 team of Piper Monk and Emma Smith and No. 2 squad (Sunny Villapando/Karina Myszkowski) recording sweeps in the best two-of-of-three format.
“Our depth is one of the strengths of our program,” Mira Costa head coach Eric Fonoimoana said. “The league has grown and produces great competition for the girls.”
The IBVL began in 2012 with eight teams with Mira Costa finishing as runner-up to Valencia. The Mustangs defeated Valencia the next two seasons and Saddleback Valley Christian in 2015 for their three-peat. The league now included 48 varsity teams and 24 junior varsity squads.
Mira Costa senior Emma Smith, who has committed to play indoor and beach volleyball at the University of Hawaii, would like nothing more than to finish her prep career with another championship.
“Our goal is to win another championship this season,” Smith said. “To win a title in all four of my high school years would be very exciting.”
Mira Costa continues its quest on Saturday, Apr. 9 at Dockweiler State Beach when the Mustangs take on Palisades Carter at 9 a.m. and West Torrance at 12 p.m.
Redondo will face Palos Verdes at 11 a.m. and Santa Monica at 1 p.m. the same day.
“We are a young team and looking to improve and make a big impact toward the end of the season,” Redondo coach Mark Paaluhi said. “We’re building our program and look forward to the competition.”
