Breakers breeze to another crown
The Laguna Beach High boys’ volleyball program pieced together another undefeated run through Orange Coast League play by rolling to three victories in the past week.
The Breakers completed their league and regular-season schedule Wednesday by sweeping visiting Saddleback, 25-21, 25-19, 25-18. Jack Winn had 12 kills, Maxx McCarter nine kills, Weston Barnes eight kills and eight digs, Austin Hilleman eight kills, Jake Hexberg 19 digs and Winn (15) and Grifan Fair (26) combined for 41 assists.
Laguna, ranked third in CIF Southern Section Division 2, improved to 20-8. The Breakers went 10-0 in league and have won 86 straight league games (dating to May, 2009), and its last 38 league matches (dating to April, 2008).
The Breakers also scored a 25-16, 25-16, 25-16 sweep Monday at Costa Mesa, and sewed up the OCL title April 26 following a 25-12, 25-11, 25-10 home sweep of Godinez.
“It is awesome to win league in my first year,” Laguna Coach Scott Panaro said. “I am proud of the guys for their hard work and dedication. I am fortunate to have several players who play year-round in club and at the beach. This additional experience goes a long way and gives us an edge in our league.”
Laguna will start play Tuesday in the Division 2 playoffs and figures to host a first-round match. The Breakers are expected to receive one of the division’s top seeds when the playoff pairings are announced Saturday.
“With CIF starting next week, we are focused on staying healthy and fine-tuning our skills,” Panaro said. “The guys seem fired up and ready to battle. It looks like junior opposite Jackson Pries will be ready to return after a sprained ankle. Jackson is a tremendous athlete who will add some firepower to our offense, as well as give us more depth and options.
“I am really excited for our seniors because I know how hard they have worked and how much it means to them.”
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Boys’ Golf
The Breakers’ Tim Peterson advanced through the Orange Coast League individual prelims Monday to reach Tuesday’s finals by finishing fourth at Skylinks Golf Course in Long Beach.
Peterson moves on to compete at the first round of the CIF Individuals tournament Monday at Skylinks.
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Boys’ Tennis
The Breakers capped an undefeated Orange Coast League run April 26 by blanking visiting Saddleback, 18-0.
Laguna, ranked second in Division 4, hosted the OCL prelims and finals Wednesday and Thursday. Results from those events were not available at press time.
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Swimming
Laguna athletes turned in strong performances Tuesday at the Orange Coast League prelims meet at Costa Mesa High. Below are the Breakers who won events at prelims:
Girls: Makenzie Fischer (200 free; 2:03.06); Lila Vera (100 butterfly, 58.40; 100 backstroke, 1:00.62)); Yoshi Andersen (100 free, 56.60); Melena Masson (500 free, 5:19.28).
Boys: Erik Henrikson (50 free, 23.10); Billy Wild (100 butterfly, 54.48); Riley Thomas (100 free, 51.75); Erik Juliusson (500 free, 4:51.14; 100 backstroke, 54.01); Caleb Scott (100 breaststroke, 1:06.32).
League finals were Thursday, but results weren’t available at press time.
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Track and Field
Laguna hosted the Orange Coast League prelims Monday and league finals Thursday. Below is a listing of the Breakers who won events at Monday’s prelims. Finals results weren’t available at press time.
Girls: Natasha Strickland (1,600 meters, 5:18.92).
Boys: Nathan Lancaster (100 meters, 11.83); Tyler Nichols (200 meters, 24.01; 400 meters, 52.11); Spencer Anderson (110-meter hurdles, 16.29); Christian Menes (300-meter hurdles, 42.63);
Twitter: @MikeSciacca