Lineup Change Makes All the Difference for Champion Golden West

After watching his offense accomplish very little in the first game of the state tournament final against rival Orange Coast, Golden West Coach Mike D’Alessandro altered his lineup to get better passing.

The result was three consecutive victories and a third consecutive state title for the Rustlers, who won, 5-15, 15-8, 15-11, 15-11.

It was the second year in a row that Golden West has beaten OCC in the state final. It also was the ninth state title in 11 years for Orange County teams.

“It’s unbelievable right now,” said freshman outside hitter Scott Lane, who had a match-high 40 kills. “I really can’t find any words for it. The coaching staff really made this team win. The players are unreal. We all stuck together. It’s just an unbelievable feeling.”

Lane wasn’t nearly so chipper after being held to three kills in the first game as Orange Coast’s defense concentrated on him. In the two matches the teams split earlier this season, he had 40 and 48 kills respectively.

The Pirates scored six points off their block in the first game and won with ease, 15-5.

But D’Alessandro put freshman setter Brian Fox in the lineup in favor of outside hitter Matt Malone in the second game.

The switch improved the offense greatly because the Rustlers were no longer mainly setting toward Lane. Chris Kosty, who was selected the tournament’s most valuable player, was able to get into the attack as well.

Kosty finished with 29 kills and Lane and setter Greg Logan (75 assists) also made the all-tournament team.

Kosty’s biggest game was the second, as he had 10 kills to help Golden West to a 15-8 victory.

Golden West (19-1) led, 10-4, in the second game only to have OCC rally for five points to cut the lead to one.

Lane had a kill to earn a sideout for Golden West, then followed with a kill to put Golden West ahead, 14-11. Phil Domingo and Fox had a block to get the game-winning point.

The final game was tied, 7-7, before Golden West pulled away. Orange Coast did survive four match points before Fox and Chris Komer had the block on the final point.

Kevin Reid (29 kills) and Fernando Sabla (19) made the all-tournament team for Orange Coast (20-3). Josh Richardson also had 18 kills for the Pirates.