Without Coach, It’s a Royal Split

Playing without Coach Bob Ferguson, who missed his first match in 15 years to recuperate from shoulder surgery, the Royal High girls’ volleyball team overcame an earlier loss to defeat Capistrano Valley, 15-11, 16-14, Friday in the second round of the Newport Harbor tournament.

The Highlanders (2-2) lost their first-round match to Fountain Valley, 15-0, 15-4.

Doctors repaired a rotator cuff tear and removed several bone spurs in Ferguson’s right shoulder Thursday. He will be out of action through the weekend but plans to resume coaching next week.

“I’m pacing the floor right now,” said Ferguson, who stayed at home. “I know the kids could really use their coach [at the tournament]. Yet I knew they could handle it.”

Assistant coach Mike Bisutti assumed Ferguson’s duties.

In the two matches, Carrie Swartz had 12 kills and Nikki Guerra added nine for Royal.

Teresa Russell anchored the Highlander defense, recording nine blocks, and setter Maryl Mashburn had 24 assists.

Faith Baptist d. Laguna Blanca, 15-3, 15-1, 5-15, 15-10--Natalia Yosisi had seven kills and seven service aces, and Elena Savoie and Crissy Benyo each added seven kills for the Contenders (3-1) in a nonleague match at Laguna Blanca in Santa Barbara.

MEN’S SOCCER

Mission 4, Rancho Santiago 4--Luis Mesta and Carlos Cabrera each scored two goals for Mission in a nonconference game at Pierce College.

Mesta scored his 10th and 11th goals and Cabrera played after sitting out the Free Spirit’s first eight games with an injury.

Mission (4-3-2) played much of the second half short a man after midfielder Felix Avalos was ejected. The Free Spirit led four times but Rancho Santiago (3-0-1) scored with five seconds to play to force a tie. The Dons, defending state champions, eliminated Misson in the first round of last year’s playoffs.

BOYS’ WATER POLO

Burroughs 13, Notre Dame 6--Alfonso Tucay scored eight goals and Ryan Rittmiller added three for the Indians (5-2) in a nonleague game at Burroughs. Goalie Nick Triandos had nine saves for Burroughs.

South Pasadena 9, Crespi 7--Crespi goalie Peter Driscoll made 12 saves and scored a goal, but it was not enough in a third-round game in the Riverside tournament.

Rick Bejune scored four goals to lead the Celts (5-4).

MEN’S WATER POLO

Stanford 7, Pepperdine 2--The Cardinal (4-2) beat the Waves (2-3) for the second time in less than a week, breaking open a close game with four goals in the fourth quarter at Stanford. Andy Bruininga (Royal High) and Brian McAllister scored for Pepperdine, which lost to Stanford, 10-6, last Saturday in the SoCal tournament.

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Cate 14, Newbury Park 4--Senior Jamie Walker won two of three singles matches for Newbury Park (0-3) in a nonleague match at Cate.