Corona del Mar Rallies to Beat Laguna Beach

Defending State and Southern Section champion Corona del Mar rallied for a 13-15, 15-11, 15-8, 15-10 victory over third-seeded Laguna Beach in a Southern Section Division I semifinal match Thursday at Dana Hills High.

The Sea Kings (23-2) advanced to Saturday’s title match.

Jennifer Stroffe had 19 kills, Kim Coleman added 11 to lead unseeded Corona del Mar, which survived a shaky Game 1 and won the match despite not playing up to par.

Corona del Mar Coach Lance Stewart received a red card in Game 4, giving the Artists a point that drew them even, 8-8. But with the game tied at 10-10, Stroffe had three kills and setter Kristen Campbell had a block and two aces to help close out the match.

“Kim had about the worst night hitting I’ve seen and Kristen wasn’t setting well either,” Stewart said. “But for us to win when that happens, that’s not bad.”

Hilary Kyle had 12 kills and three blocks and Lisa Ravensberg had eight kills and six blocks for the Artists (16-6).