Mira Costa High’s Smythe Is Among Signees for Lions

Four players have signed letters of intent to play volleyball next season at Loyola Marymount.

Leading the signees is 6-foot-4 setter Zane Smythe from Mira Costa High. Smythe was selected among the top 50 high school prospects by Volleyball Monthly as a senior.

Loyola Coach Rick McLaughlin also signed three community college players: 6-8 middle blocker Paul Severns from Pierce, 6-5 middle blocker Brian Godshaw from Irvine Valley and 6-2 outside hitter Wes Schneider from Golden West.

Schneider played on the North team that won a silver medal at U.S. Olympic Festival last month in San Antonio. Godshaw was an all-state selection last season at Irvine Valley.

McLaughlin said the addition of Severns will give the Lions much-needed size on their front line.

“He’s probably the tallest kid we’ve ever had at Loyola Marymount,” McLaughlin said. “He’s a real disciplined kid who’s worked hard to get to this point.”

The Lions were 5-18 last season.

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Shortstop Marc Mirizzi of Los Gatos Leigh High has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Loyola.

Mirizzi was an All-Santa Clara County selection in football, basketball and baseball as a senior. He was a guard in basketball and defensive back in football.

But the 6-1 Mirizzi considers baseball to be his best sport. He batted .450 as a senior.

“I think if I work at it I’ll have a pretty good chance to play (next season),” he said.

Mirizzi’s older brother, Nick, played the past three seasons for West Coast Conference rival Santa Clara.

Mirizzi should help fill the void left by middle infielder Greg Carl, who transferred to Cal State Fullerton.