Harvard-Westlake Serves Up Another Victory : Volleyball: Wolverine girls add to their earlier successes in tournaments by sweeping Royal out of the way, 15-7, 15-8, 15-11.

The Harvard-Westlake girls’ volleyball team is developing a habit Coach Jess Quiroz enjoys.

A winning one.

Westlake trounced Royal High, 15-7, 15-8, 15-11, Thursday night at Royal.

The Wolverines have already claimed titles in the Fountain Valley tournament and the Kahuku Classic in Hawaii.

“We’re a lot better than last year’s team in two respects,” Quiroz said. “First, our whole unit is back, and second, we have faith and trust in each other.”

Westlake (1-0) answered its concern about the graduation of Amanda Selby with a strong presence in the middle, where Lesley Coben, Christine Bohle and Malaika Naulls combined for 28 kills.

After Westlake coasted in Game 1, Royal had a 5-4 lead in the second set, after which there were 15 consecutive sideouts. Finally, at 9-8, Bettina Korek served for six points as Westlake closed out the game.

“She’s got a wicked floater for a serve, and it just dies,” Quiroz said. “[Her serve is] a drastic improvement from last season.”

When Royal (1-1) wasn’t dealing with Korek’s serves, it couldn’t cope with Naulls, who had 12 kills.

“I was impressed that [Westlake] hit in so many areas so strongly,” Royal Coach Bob Ferguson said.

Royal’s passing was sloppy, helping set up Westlake’s defense.

“When our passes are going to the 14-foot line, there’s no place to go,” Ferguson said. “I thought we would pass better tonight.”

Westlake secured its sweep with some additional clutch serving by Korek in the third game.

She served for three points to give Westlake an 11-10 lead, which it didn’t relinquish.

LaKesha De Berry had six kills for Royal and Heidi Ferguson added 16 assists.

Said outside hitter Michelle Lampkin, who had two kills for Royal: “Westlake’s a good team, but this is an experience that will pay off for us later.”