PREP ROUNDUP : Calvary Chapel Sweeps Capistrano Valley Christian

There’s a logical explanation for the wacky ratio.

Through seven Olympic League girls’ volleyball matches, Calvary Chapel has won 325 points and given up 72, including those earned and allowed in Tuesday night’s match against Capistrano Valley Christian. The Eagles emerged with a 15-0, 15-4, 15-2 victory at Capistrano Valley Christian.

In order to keep Calvary Chapel--undefeated (8-0, 7-0) and the No. 1 Division V team in the Southern Section--successful, Jim Downey uses a simple scare tactic.

“If we give up more than five points a game to certain teams, he makes us run lines,” said junior Courtney Owens, who led all hitters with 12 kills. “That helps motivate us.”

It’s working. Calvary Chapel has won 24 of 25 games this season, leaving one to wonder if these barely-break-a-sweat matches will leave the Eagles ill-prepared for the postseason.

“That’s the constant battle,” said Downey. “It’s time to start pressing for the playoffs.”

Dress rehearsal begins Thursday, when Calvary Chapel meets second-ranked Brentwood.

“That will be a big test,” said Owens.

It was more of an open-book quiz against Capistrano Valley Christian, the defending State Division V champion, which is still reeling from the graduation of All-Americans Karen Benkovsky and Kathleen Bunce.

“They are very similar to what we were last year,” CVC Coach Dave Barkley said. “From what I’ve seen, they are the class of CIF. No doubt they have a very good chance at the State title.”

But there was some business Calvary Chapel had to finish against Capistrano Valley Christian (6-3, 5-2), since CVC beat the Eagles twice in league play, then knocked them out of the section tournament.