PREP ROUNDUP : El Modena’s Victory Makes Race Clearer

El Modena took the confusing Century League race and made it much clearer with a 12-15, 15-13, 15-6, 15-8 victory over Foothill in a boys’ volleyball match Tuesday at Foothill High.

Middle blocker Ryan Villmer had 18 kills for the Vanguards (12-1, 6-1 in league), who broke a three-way tie for first with Foothill (7-4, 5-2) and Orange (13-2, 5-2).

“We control what happens now,” El Modena Coach John Cahill said. “This was big.”

If El Modena defeats Canyon (Thursday), Villa Park (May 2) and Orange (May 4), the Vanguards will win the league title outright. Foothill needs help from its league rivals to have a shot at the league title.

Although junior Ryon Ellis and Mike Major each had 15 kills, Foothill struggled. But the Knights weren’t at full strength.

Stuart Lambourne played in his first match since spraining an ankle early last week and had only six kills. Matt Nichols wasn’t 100% either, and he had only one kill and sat out Game 4. Both are returning all-league players.

“Matt had the flu,” Foothill Coach Steve Conti said. “We didn’t think Matt or Stuart would play at all tonight.

“But that’s no excuse. We beat Orange without Stuart. We just didn’t execute tonight.”