PREP VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP : Estancia Not Up to Challenge as Laguna Beach Sweeps to Victory

This was supposed to be the match that Estancia, ranked ninth in Orange County, would prove it could challenge Laguna Beach, perennial league favorite, for the Pacific Coast League title.

Although Estancia entered the match unbeaten, the Eagles had not seen a team with as many weapons as the Artists, who pounded their way to an easy 15-6, 15-10, 15-3 victory Wednesday at Estancia High.

Dan Styles had 16 kills and Szilard Kovacs had 10 kills and five blocks for Laguna Beach (8-0, 5-0 in league), the second-ranked team in Orange County. Estancia fell to 9-1, 4-1.

Although the score was lopsided, the match was closer than it appeared and gave Estancia Coach Dave Castle cause for hope.

Estancia was tied with Laguna Beach, 5-5, in Game 1 before the Artists scored 10 of the last 11 points. In Game 2, Estancia led, 10-7, before Laguna Beach won the final eight points.

“If Estancia wins that game, they know they are in the match,” Laguna Beach Coach Michael Soylular said. “This is the best I’ve seen Estancia in the past four years.”

Said Castle: “We’re terribly disappointed because we knew we had an opportunity to beat them. Take nothing away from Laguna Beach, they’re a tremendous team and their passing was superior, but I think we’re pretty much equal with them in any other area.”

Estancia’s Dave White had 15 kills and Mike Truong added seven despite playing with the flu. While both demonstrated explosive spiking ability, the Eagles’ poor passing made it tough for setter Dave Earle.

“Ball control, that’s the name of the game,” Soylular said. “Everybody can hit, but if you get good serving, some good digs and you control the tempo, that will make the difference.”

Having top-flight players doesn’t hurt either. Kovacs, a 6-9 middle blocker from Hungary, has signed with USC. His presence gave the Eagles’ hitters problems all night.

Laguna Beach setter Kurt Nelson finished with 47 assists, spreading it around evenly. Beau Bianchi had 11 kills, Trevor Whalley eight, and Justin Maison six.