Saugus, Van Nuys Bidding for Girls’ Volleyball Titles

The Saugus High girls’ volleyball team will play in its first Southern Section championship match, meeting Torrance today at 3 p.m. at Cerritos College.

The Centurions (13-2) advanced to the Division III title match by virtue of a gritty, five-game comeback victory Thursday against Claremont.

Defending champion Torrance, top-ranked in Division III, defeated Canyon in its semifinal.

“This has been a goal of ours all year,” said Centurion standout Lindsay Estes, who had a match-high 27 kills Thursday despite a badly bruised right elbow.

Last season, Saugus lost in the semifinal round.

In the City Section 3-A Division final, Van Nuys will defend its title against Marshall in a rematch of last year’s championship. Today’s match is set for 5:30 p.m. at Occidental College.

Van Nuys (16-0) defeated Marshall (13-2) in three games last year.

The top-seeded Wolves reached the final by dominating Fairfax in three games. Marshall advanced by beating Lincoln in four games.