No. 1 Corona del Mar Wins in Volleyball

The girls’ volleyball team from Corona del Mar High School strengthened its hold on the top ranking in Orange County Monday with a 14-16, 16-14, 15-4, 15-7 nonleague victory over No. 2 Laguna Beach.

Senior outside hitter Danielle Everett had a match-high 23 kills for Corona del Mar (16-1). Laguna Beach lost its first match of the season after 13 victories. Everett played with intensity after being benched by Corona del Mar Coach Charlie Brande early in the second game.

“When Danielle’s focused, she’s as good as anybody in CIF,” Brande said. “I felt she needed a little jolt in the second game, and it’s amazing how well a little bench time will wake you up.”

Everett recorded six kills in the final game, including two that stopped Laguna Beach rallies. Trailing by scores of 5-1 and 8-4, Laguna Beach scored three consecutive points on both occasions before Everett made the clutch hits.

“Danielle likes to be involved in the critical situations,” Brande said. “She’s the kind of player who puts it away when the pressure’s on.”

Junior middle blocker Lara Carlsen was one of several Corona del Mar players who performed well off the bench. Carlsen’s blocking in the final two games helped slow Laguna Beach’s Sara Nelson, who led the Artists with 19 kills.