PREP VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP : Low-Key Newport Harbor Wins

Less was more for Newport Harbor Coach Dan Glenn as the Sailors, ranked sixth in Orange County, defeated ninth-ranked Corona del Mar, 15-13, 12-15, 15-9, 15-10, in a Sea View League boys’ volleyball match Tuesday at Corona del Mar High.

“I think I did too much coaching in the first two games,” Glenn said, “instead of keeping my mouth shut and letting the kids play.”

Eric Vallely, who split time between setter and outside hitter, had 12 kills and 39 assists to lead Newport Harbor (8-2, 7-0 in league), which broke open a match that was close early.

Reserves Ramy Shoukry and Paul Root also gave the Sailors a lift.

Shoukry and Root had four blocks each to help slow Corona del Mar’s attack. Shoukry also finished with nine kills and Root had six.

“That must have been the match of the season for Ramy,” Corona del Mar Coach Joey Fuschetti said. “We played well but Newport Harbor played better.”

Brooks Hoppe had 21 kills and four blocks, Brian Coleman had 15 kills, and Brad Callahan had 10 for the Sea Kings (7-2, 5-2). But Newport Harbor won with better balance.

In addition to Vallely, Shoukry and Root, Wes Badorek (13 kills), Mitch McCoy (11), and Greg Slick (10) also contributed.

After the teams split the first two games, Slick had four kills to help the Sailors grab a 9-1 lead in Game 3. Corona del Mar never got closer than 14-9, and McCoy blocked Hoppe on game point.

In Game 4, Corona del Mar trailed, 10-9, but Newport Harbor scored five of the last six points to win the match.