Calvary Chapel Recovers in Time to Earn a Berth in the State Final

Calvary Chapel volleyball Coach Jim Downey said his team needed a wake-up call in its Division IV Regional final on Tuesday against Tollhouse Sierra.

An 11-4 deficit in the first game got the attention of the Eagles, who rallied to win that game, 16-14, and the next two games, 15-5, 15-4, to advance to their second consecutive State final.

Calvary Chapel will play the winner of Orinda Miramonte-Cottonwood West Valley on Saturday at Cal State Fullerton.

Calvary Chapel (20-4) committed six unforced errors to fall behind early, but Cristen Torrey served eight consecutive points to give the Eagles a 12-11 lead. Sierra rallied to take a 15-14 lead, but Jenny Roberts saved a game point with a kill, and Lynn Lovingier had two aces to help close out the game.

“We were a little too casual in the first game,” Downey said. “That was a good wake-up call for us. I knew if we steadied, relaxed and played hard, we’d be fine.”

Courtney Owens, who led Calvary Chapel with 13 kills, said she had all but conceded the first game before the Eagles came back.