Pacifica Christian’s first CIF girls’ volleyball playoff run continues

Pacifica Christian Orange County’s first home match in the CIF Southern Section girls’ volleyball playoffs was a success on Thursday.

Emma Hammond had a team-high 13 kills, helping the Tritons beat Northridge San Fernando Valley Academy 27-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-15 in the second round of the Division 10 playoffs.

Pacifica Christian (13-10-1) advanced to the quarterfinals to play host to No. 3-seeded Victorville Excelsior Charter (18-6-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Eagles defeated Helendale Academy of Careers and Exploration 25-14, 24-26, 25-17, 25-17 in the second round.

Freshman Casie Carlson had seven kills, including the clinching swing for the Tritons in the first and third sets.

“It’s been incredible,” Carlson said of the team’s deep playoff run following its at-large selection. “It was so exciting for all of us to even make the playoffs at all, and now that we have two wins under our belts, it’s just amazing.”

The at-large designation can be deceiving for opposing teams. Pacifica Christian occupied the No. 1 spot in the Division 10 poll for much of the season. The Tritons ended the regular season ranked seventh.

Allyson Sharrer produced five service aces and four kills. Maddy Alaluf added five kills, while Breck Burwell had four kills.

The setting of Alaluf led to 38 total kills for the Tritons, who also recorded 24 digs and 10 aces as a team.

To report scores of high school and college games, or other newsworthy items from youth to pro sports, contact the Daily Pilot sports reporters listed below:

David Carrillo Peñaloza, football and girls’ golf

(714) 966-4612, david.carrillo@latimes.com

Matt Szabo, boys’ water polo and girls’ tennis

(714) 966-4614, matthew.szabo@latimes.com

Andrew Turner, girls’ volleyball and cross-country

(714) 966-4611, andrew.turner@latimes.com