No. 1 Newport Harbor Rolls to Title

Orange County’s top-ranked team and its superstar didn’t disappoint as Newport Harbor cruised to a surprisingly easy victory over Calvary Chapel, 15-8, 15-6, in the Division I finals of the Dave Mohs Memorial girls’ volleyball tournament Monday at Edison High.

Tournament MVP April Ross had 14 kills and nine digs for the Sailors, who won 14 of 15 games in the three-day tournament.

Before the final, Calvary Chapel didn’t lose any games in the tournament, winning all 12.

But Calvary Chapel hadn’t seen Newport Harbor or Ross yet.

“April Ross took over the match,” Calvary Chapel Coach Jim Downey said. “She was covering a lot of court, taking every pass, hitting from everywhere. She’s a great player.”

Ross, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter who has committed to USC, had six of her eight kills in Game 2 after Calvary Chapel had pulled to within two at 6-4.

On match point, Ross dug a spike attempt by Calvary Chapel’s Kelly Overby, then Krista Dill put one away from the middle to make it, 15-6.

Dill finished with five kills and seven blocks, Heather Cullen, a 6-1 junior middle blocker, had nine kills and Brenda Waterman had four kills and six digs for Newport Harbor.

Sophomore setter Katie King played solidly, finishing with 27 assists, six digs and four blocks.

“The kids played great,” Newport Harbor Coach Dan Glenn said. “especially for this time of year.”

But Calvary Chapel still hung tough, especially in Game 1.

Overby, who had eight kills and two blocks, and Halina Stanaland, who had seven kills, helped the Eagles take a 6-2 lead. Calvary Chapel was still tied, 8-8, before Newport Harbor turned it up a notch.

“The first game was very good,” said Downey, whose team committed only two passing and two hitting errors in the first game. “We were right there with them and I think that shows how tenacious we are.

“But I don’t think anybody compares talent-wise to Newport. And they’re big and experienced.”

In Division II:

Rosary wins--Rosary trailed, 11-5, in the second game before rallying to beat Whittier Christian, 14-16, 15-12, 15-11.

All-tournament selection Jackie Schrader had 33 assists and Liz Murrieta had 17 kills for for Rosary, which scored nine consecutive points on Marla Smith’s serve to erase the six-point deficit and take control of the second game.

All-tournament selection Jenna Sagehorn had 10 of her 17 kills in the first game, helping Whittier Christian win, 16-14.

The Heralds pulled to within one at 12-11 in the third game before the Royals finally closed it out.