Top-Ranked Newport Harbor Beats Laguna Beach in Volleyball

Newport Harbor, the top-ranked boys’ volleyball team in the Southern Section Division 4-A, defeated Laguna Beach, 15-6, 15-10, 13-15, 15-6 in a nonleague match Tuesday at Newport Harbor.

The Sailors (4-0) appeared headed for a three-game sweep after thoroughly dominating Laguna Beach (2-1) at the net in the first two games. Laguna Beach, however, overcame poor serving in the third game with scrappy defense and numerous digs to make Newport Harbor work a little harder for its victory.

“They’re a good team,” Newport Harbor Coach Dan Glenn said. “We had trouble scoring points because they dig so many balls. We beat them in the middle with our size, but they played hard.”

Newport Harbor middle blockers Justin McIntee and Frank Griffo combined for 41 kills, with McIntee adding six blocks. Setter Russell Gan also distributed the ball well to outside hitters Mark McAnlis (16 kills) and Mitch McCoy (10 kills).

Chris Seale led Laguna Beach with 19 kills; Eric Fegraus had 18.