Laguna Beach’s Berney to Miss Key Game Because of Suspension

David Berney, one of the top volleyball players in Orange County, said Monday he has been suspended from Laguna Beach High for five days because of disciplinary reasons.

Berney, a 6-foot setter, said he will miss the third-ranked Artists’ match tonight at top-ranked Capistrano Valley. He said he was one of 10 Laguna Beach students suspended by administrators Monday.

Capistrano Valley strengthened its hold on the county’s top-ranking by beating second-ranked Esperanza twice last week.

The Cougars, top-ranked in Southern Section Division I, beat Esperanza, top-ranked in Division II, in four games last Tuesday in a nonleague match.

The Cougars won a rematch four days later, beating Esperanza, 15-10, in the finals of the Dos Pueblos tournament.

Senior outside hitter Aaron Garcia was the tournament MVP, and senior middle blocker Eric Seiffert made the all-tournament team.

Coach Ken Goldstone said the Cougars will be without outside hitter Steve Airey.

Airey injured his left knee in practice two weeks ago and is expected to be out until mid-April.