Naeve Powers Mira Costa to Unbeaten Season, Title

The Manhattan Beach Mira Costa High boys’ volleyball team is so good, it sometimes overshadows its best player, outside hitter Adam Naeve.

Mira Costa, ranked No. 1 in the nation all season by Volleyball Monthly, used a devastating all-around attack, led by the 6-foot-10 Naeve, to defeat Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley, 15-6, 15-7, 15-5, Saturday night in the Southern Section Division I championship before 1,500 at Cypress College.

Naeve played brilliantly, recording 15 kills, eight blocks and six digs, and the Mustangs (23-0) received solid performances from 6-5 middle blocker Kevin Collins (15 kills, six blocks), 6-3 outside hitter Brent Griebenow (eight blocks) and 6-1 setter Nick Schneider (38 assists).

“Everybody on this team is so good and hits the ball so well, it takes a lot of pressure off me,” said Naeve, who will attend UCLA in the fall.

“We just have too many weapons,” said Mira Costa Coach Michael Cook, whose team won its third title. They [Capistrano Valley] couldn’t hit anything through us. It was like they were hitting in a closet.”

Naeve was used primarily as a decoy in the first game, as Collins and Griebenow executed many of the kills.

Capistrano Valley (19-2) was led by middle opposite Brad Leach, who had nine kills.

Santa Ana Foothill defeated Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, 15-2, 7-15, 15-11, 15-9, to win the Division II championship. Santa Ynez won the Division III title over Torrance Bishop Montgomery, 15-7, 15-6, 15-11.