San Diego Section Playoff Roundup : Knowlton, Groscup Pace Vista’s Victory

Vista High School edged Mt. Carmel, 9-8, in a battle of Palomar League co-champions in the San Diego Section water polo quarterfinals Tuesday at Mesa College.

John Paul Knowlton scored three goals and Kurt Groscup added two as Vista advanced to the semifinals Thursday against Valhalla, which routed Fallbrook, 22-11, Tuesday. The match begins at 2 p.m. at Mesa College.

Although Vista had a 20-3 record and won two of its three games against Mt. Carmel this season, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs went to Mt. Carmel (17-5) because it fared better against nonleague opponents.

In other quarterfinal action, University defeated Helix, 8-7, and Coronado beat Mount Miguel, 8-4. University plays Coronado Thursday in the other semifinal.

FIELD HOCKEY

Serra High School gained its 85th straight victory by beating Mira Mesa, 6-0, in first-round playoff action at Serra.

Cindy Skordas had one goal and one assist and Tori Graff had two assists for Serra, which has won the section championship the past five years.

Serra advances to the semifinals Thursday, playing host to Mira Mesa, which defeated Vista, 2-1, Tuesday. Anna Mendez and Minette Ozski each scored for Mira Mesa.

In other first-round action, San Marcos, paced by Becky Steiger’s two goals, defeated Bishop’s, 4-2. San Marcos plays host to Torrey Pines Thursday. Torrey Pines and Fallbrook played to a scoreless tie, but Torrey Pines was awarded the victory because it led in strokes, 2-0.

INDIVIDUAL TENNIS

The first round of the individual girls’ tennis playoffs was canceled Tuesday because of rain. The first round begins at 2 p.m. today at the Bishop’s School, with the finals moved to Saturday at Bishop’s. Doubles begin at 1 p.m. and the singles at 2 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Senior Karen Taeatafa had 31 kills and her sister, Carolyn, had 26 to lead the Sweetwater volleyball team to a 15-8, 15-10, 12-15, 15-9, victory over Torrey Pines (25-9) in the 3-A Section quarterfinals at Sweetwater.

“We have been depending on them for the major portion of our offense all year and they came through again,” Sweetwater Coach Rick Kessler said.

Thursday, Sweetwater (29-1) plays Mt. Carmel at La Jolla in the semifinals. Mt. Carmel (19-7) defeated Grossmont 8-15, 15-9, 15-6, 5-15, 15-10, in the quarterfinals.

In other 3-A quarterfinal play, Poway defeated Morse, 15-6, 15-4, 15-5. Deanne Anastas had 12 kills for Poway (21-0). Poway plays San Dieguito (23-10) Thursday at La Jolla.

In the 2-A quarterfinals, Amy Randel had 12 kills to lead La Jolla (20-7) to a 15-6, 15-1, 15-5, victory over Our Lady of Peace (7-5). La Jolla meets Christian in the semifinal Thursday at University City. Christian (23-4) beat San Pasqual, 15-11, 3-15, 15-9, 6-15, 15-10.

Roseann Combs had 6 kills to lead Marian past Mar Vista 15-9, 15-11, 15-11. Thursday, Marian will play the University of San Diego High School at University City. USDHS defeated Ramona, 15-9, 10-15, 15-8, 15-9.