Maria BowdenLos Alamitos, Sr.Volleyball / Middle blockerLos...

Maria Bowden

Los Alamitos, Sr.

Volleyball / Middle blocker

Los Alamitos Coach Pattie Laird says Bowden, the team captain, three-year starter and highest leaper, is also the Griffins’ most intense player. “She’s always able to put the ball away for us at the crucial time,” Laird said. There were plenty of such moments Thursday, when Bowden led Los Alamitos to a five-game victory over Esperanza in a battle of teams unbeaten in Empire League play. Bowden had 21 kills, nine blocks, seven assists and three aces. Bowden had six and nine kills in victories over El Dorado and Loara in the week.

Other notables:

* Jennifer Formosa, Edison, finished 16th to help her team win the seeded race of the Orange County cross-country championships.

* Nina Foster, Mission Viejo, had 44 kills in the Diablos’ five-game upset of Mater Dei, which was ranked No. 4 in the girls’ volleyball poll.

* Carrie Garritson, Buena Park, won the seeded race at the Orange County cross-country championships, finishing three miles in 17:33.

* Melissa Wendt, Huntington Beach, had 21 kills in a five-game victory over Edison and 21 in a four-game victory over Marina.