After an impressive sixth-place finish at the Durango Fall Classic tournament in Las Vegas, Mira Costa’s girls volleyball team has retained its momentum as the Mustangs enter Bay League action and an Oct. 16 showdown at rival Redondo.
Mustang head coach Hayley Lawson-Blanchard took advantage of the opportunity to play her entire squad when Mira Costa, ranked No. 2 behind Redondo in CIF Southern Section Division 1AA, defeated Notre Dame Academy 25-14, 25-15, 25-15 last Thursday.
Erin Sagisi led the team with eight kills, Hannah Scott added six kills and Skylar Caputo had four aces along with five kills and five digs while hitting .667 percent.
The following day, Mira Costa swept defending CIF Southern Section Division 1AA champion Los Alamitos 25-13, 25-19, 25-22 behind the strong play of Caputo.
“Skylar had a fantastic match,” Lawson-Blanchard said. “She is an all around athlete – quick, powerful and smart. Her defense has been a hugs contributor to our success.”
Caputo recorded 14 kills, 14 digs, two aces, two blocks and two assist in the three sets against Los Alamitos. Scott added 11 kills, Ashley Anselmo and Katie Rethmeyer each had six kills, Sagisi added four kills and setter Erin McCarthy posted 30 assists.
“Friday night’s match was in a packed gym of loud Los Alamitos fans and our girls didn’t even flinch,” Lawson-Blanchard said. “We have a lot of experienced players on our court, and a great Rage Cage of girls on the sideline supporting them. Every point we won against Los Alamitos, our entire bench was off their feet cheering, jumping, and genuinely celebrating what was truly a full team effort.”
Mira Costa continued its tough non-league schedule Tuesday with a match at rival Marymount, the ninth-ranked team in Division 1AA.
The Mustangs begin their quest to regain the Bay League title by hosting Palos Verdes Thursday, Oct. 2 at 5:15 p.m. before traveling to Peninsula on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Top-ranked Redondo won a thrilling 17-25, 25-23, 25-17, 11-25, 16-14 match against visiting Marymount on Tuesday, Sept 23.
Yaasmeen Bedart-Ghani recorded a team-high 23 kills, Megan Rice added 16 kills and Norene Iosia posted 46 assists for the Sea Hawks.
Coach Tommy Chaffins’ Redondo squad opened Bay League action Tuesday at Palos Verdes. The Sea Hawks host Inglewood Thursday, Oct., 2 before playing at Morningside Wednesday, Oct. 8.
