PREP ROUNDUP : Capistrano Valley Christian Beats Whittier Christian in Volleyball

Outside hitters Kathleen Bunce and Karen Benkovsky led State Division V champion Capistrano Valley Christian to an Olympic League volleyball victory over Whittier Christian, 15-3, 4-15, 15-9, 15-8.

Having fallen to Capistrano Valley Christian (7-0 overall and in the Olympic League) in three quick games earlier this season, Whittier Christian (8-4, 4-3) came out much stronger this time.

Said Capistrano Valley Christian Coach David Barkley: “They did a good job with defense, digging balls, keeping the ball in play.”

Bethany Stidham led Whittier Christian with 14 kills. Theresa Brickner contributed 10 kills and a team-high 12 digs. Denise Huizing added five blocks.

“We got our sets outside and gave our hitters some options,” Barkley said. “We got our passes into target.”

In the final game, Capistrano Valley Christian junior Debbie Martin, who had 27 assists, gave the Eagles momentum, serving on a nine-point run that gave them a 13-3 lead. Benkovsky led the attack with a total of 18 kills. Bunce, last season’s Olympic League most valuable player, added 12 kills, six of which came in the final game.

Middle blocker Heidi Elliot added seven kills and two blocks.