Redondo’s experience of playing under pressure in its state-championship run last season paid dividends Thursday night when the Sea Hawks held off a scrappy Mira Costa squad to take control of the Bay League girls volleyball race.
Seniors Norene Iosia and Megan Rice led visiting Redondo to a hard-fought 25-23, 27-25, 25-17 win in front of an overflow crowd at Fisher Gym that witnessed a battle between the second- and sixth-ranked teams in CIF Southern Section Division 1AA.
Redondo (19-2, 5-0) jumped out to an early lead in the first game and held six-point leads on three occasions, but two strong runs by Mira Costa (17-5, 3-1) helped the Mustangs take their first lead of the set 23-22.
Then it was time for Rice to take charge. A hitting error sandwich by Rice’s kill and block gave Redondo the final three points and the first-set win.
Mira Costa carried the momentum over into the second set, battling Redondo in a nip-and-tuck game in which no team held a lead of more than two points. The Mustangs had two set-points at 24-23 and 25-24 but, as in the opening game, Redondo staved off its rival scoring the final three points on two kills by Rice and a service ace by Iosia that went of the tape.
“We didn’t play our best but we stayed in the game and never lost focus,” said Rice, who finished with a match-high 26 kills. “Our body language throughout the game showed that we could win and we kept them on their heels.”
Redondo led throughout the third set, its largest margin coming at 19-10.
Iosia spread the ball around recording 40 assists in the match as she and the Sea Hawks are looking for their fourth straight Bay League crown.
The win against Mira Costa was the seventh straight for Iosia, a three-time All-CIF selection who helped Redondo break Mira Costa’s league dominance during her freshman year
“We expected to win but didn’t play our best,” Iosia said. “I’m looking for win number eight.”
Redondo will host Mira Costa on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
While Iosia is anticipating her final match against rival Mira Costa, Redondo freshman Kyla Doig was experiencing the same feeling Iosia had three years ago.
“I’ve been dreaming of this day and playing against Costa ever since I was in middle school,” said Doig, who finished with nine kills and three blocks “I watched Redondo play Costa every time when I was young and now I’m living that dream. It’s amazing. We knew Mira Costa would give us their best so we played our hardest to get the win.”
Hannah Scott and Alexa Underwood each had eight kills while Sam Snyder recorded 14 assists for Mira Costa.
“Beating Costa is never easy,” Redondo coach Tommy Chaffins said. “I thought there was great volleyball on both sides tonight. The Mustangs played great and really stressed us to the max. Fortunately, our superstars – Megan and Norene – made some clutch plays. I liked our poise when the other team was making its run. We didn’t look rattled and there were some crazy rallies in that match.”
