STATE VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS : La Habra Wins Division II Regional Again

Zrinka Kristich’s 27 kills and Stefanie Bakke’s 37 assists helped La Habra defeat Marlborough, 3-0, Tuesday at La Habra High for its third consecutive Division II Southern California Regional championship.

The Highlanders defeated the 4-A Division champions, 16-14, 15-7, 16-14.

La Habra (24-2) seeks its third consecutive Division II state championship and 21st consecutive victory Saturday when it plays at Cal State Fullerton against an opponent to be determined from Northern California.

“This was a great team effort.” La Habra Coach Sandy Blumenthal said. “Everyone did what they needed to do for us to win and our blocking was amazing.

“We have played three outstanding teams in the state playoffs (Bakersfield Highland, Torrey Pines and Marlborough) and I can’t imagine us playing any team better for the state championship.”

Meagan Mirth and Jeanette Little each had six kills and 12 digs and Sandy Koehler had four aces for La Habra.

“Jeanette and I were both on our game tonight and the passing was really good,” Mirth said. “Zrinka set us up and we hit the ball down.”

For Marlborough (20-2), Emily Boken had 16 kills and Leigh Marston added 10. Catherine Juillard had 50 assists and 10 blocks.