Corona del Mar girls’ volleyball posts marquee win with upset at Marymount

The message from Corona del Mar High girls’ volleyball coach Steve Astor would have remained consistent regardless of the result: “September is about improving.”

These words remain in play, regardless of the magnitude of the contest. While no one’s season will be decided in the first month, the Sea Kings have posted some signature wins.

Following a straight-sets win against Newport Harbor in the Battle of the Bay, Astor said he does not worry about where his team is in the month of September. Like many in the coaching profession, he is focused on helping his team realize its full potential when the games count the most.

Corona del Mar caught more than just a glimpse of what this season could look like on Tuesday, as the Sea Kings pulled off the upset at fourth-ranked Los Angeles Marymount, 27-29, 25-23, 25-22, 27-25.

“I think we trailed in every set late by two or three points,” Astor said. “I was really impressed with how we were just able to make plays at the end of every set. It seemed like there was a big play at the end of every set.”

Setter Ashley Humphreys directed traffic beautifully for the Sea Kings’ offense. The USC commit produced 59 assists (56.7% of CdM’s points won).

Kendall Kipp led the Sea Kings with 21 kills. Christina Davenport had 19 kills and Maya Satchell got the job done on both ends with 14 kills and 11 digs.

Davenport’s performance stood out for its efficiency. Her 19 kills came on 34 attempts (.559 hitting) with no errors.

“Last night was the best match of her career here,” Astor said of Davenport, a senior outside hitter. “That is a pretty crazy stat for an outside hitter to have. Christina had no hitting errors. That [hitting] percentage…is really high for a middle blocker. It usually never happens for an outside hitter.”

Starting libero Raleigh Garner had 17 digs. Senior Tia Grippo had eight digs and four aces at the same position.

Andrew.Turner@latimes.com

Twitter: @ProfessorTurner