BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL / SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP : Esperanza Tries to Prevent a Royal Flush

One team seeks to repeat.

The other wants redemption.

Their story unfolds tonight in the Southern Section Division II boys’ volleyball championship at Cerritos College at 5 p.m. as Royal High and Esperanza meet in the rematch of a 1992 section title contest.

Royal defeated Esperanza in an emotional five-game 3-A Division title match a year ago, 10-15, 15-13, 4-15, 15-11, 15-11. It is no surprise they are meeting for this championship.

The top-seeded Highlanders (20-0) have crushed everyone in their path, in the process winning the Marmonte League title and running their record Southern Section winning streak to 42. Royal cruised past Foothill, 15-13, 15-9, 15-12, in the semifinals.

Esperanza (17-1) traveled a similar path. The second-seeded Aztecs were undefeated in the Empire League and defeated Upland in the other semifinal, 15-10, 15-7, 15-1. Esperanza’s only loss was to Capistrano Valley, which faces Huntington Beach in the Division I final.

Foothill Coach Chuck Cutenese expects a tough fight.

“We’ve played both of them and they are really similar,” Cutenese said. “They each put a lot of pressure on your serving game and make you make mistakes.

“It’s going to be tough. I think the blocking game will be a key.”

Royal middle hitters brothers Josh and Joe Penrod were dominant in the victory over Foothill. The 6-foot-7 seniors controlled the middle, thwarting numerous spike attempts. Josh also had nine kills.

“Our blocking game has been great,” Royal Coach Bob Ferguson said. “Both Josh and Joe have made critical blocks for us.”

Aztec Coach Kirt Kersten counters with 6-7 senior middle hitter Paul Nihipali, who played a strong match against Upland. Esperanza looks to outside hitter Brad Goldston for points.

Royal outside hitter Jason Hughes is one of state’s best. The 6-7 senior, who has accepted a scholarship to Northridge, led the Highlanders with 14 kills against Foothill.

* VOLLEYBALL AT A GLANCE C18