High School Volleyball : Royal Finds the Mark in Easy Victory

Amy Sodek had a school-record 9 service aces, and sophomore Wende Brown and junior Alison Bantel each had 6 kills as Royal pounded Channel Islands, 15-3, 15-3, 15-5, in a Marmonte League match at Royal.

Royal’s dominance was illustrated by a 92% hitting percentage.

“We usually hit around 85,” Royal Coach Bob Ferguson said. “We were able to try some new things tonight and they were successful.”

Royal (11-3, 7-3 in league play) can qualify for the playoffs with a victory over Simi Valley or Newbury Park next week.

Notre Dame d. Alemany, 15-11, 15-3, 6-15, 16-14--After her team struggled through the first half of the San Fernando Valley League season, Notre Dame Coach Ann McClung rearranged the lineup and was rewarded with the Knights’ first victory at Alemany.

“I just felt like we needed a change,” McClung said. “And tonight we finally found the right chemistry.”

McClung moved Dana Marasca, a three-year starter at setter, and diminutive Gina Pinto (5-2) to outside hitter. Marasca had a team-high 10 kills and Pinto added 3 kills.

The win kept fifth-place Notre Dame (6-5, 3-4) alive in the battle for the third and final league playoff berth. Alemany (4-3) is tied for third.

Louisville d. Chaminade, 15-7, 15-1, 16-14--Torie Sumner and Marybeth Giordano each had 7 kills for host Louisville (5-8, 5-2) in a San Fernando Valley League match.

Agoura d. Santa Ynez, 15-2, 15-13, 15-12--Karen Clemens had 7 kills and 4 blocks for Agoura (9-2, 7-0) in the Frontier League game.

The Chargers are ranked fifth in the Southern Section 3-A poll.

Chatsworth d. Cleveland, 15-12, 15-7--Shawn Davison had 15 service aces and Jennifer Mischler had 7 kills for Chatsworth (10-1, 7-0) in the Northwest Valley Conference match.

Thousand Oaks d. Simi Valley, 15-5, 18-16, 15-11--Kerri Black had 5 kills and 7 blocks to lead the Lancers (13-1, 9-1), ranked No. 3 the Southern Section 4-A Division coaches’ poll.

La Reina d. Bishop Diego, 15-3, 17-15, 15-13--Carolyn Russo and Heather Freeman each had 12 kills as La Reina (11-3, 9-1) moved into a first-place tie with Bishop Diego in the Tri-Valley League.