Newport Harbor Battles to Beat Eagles

Newport Harbor, down two games, rallied to defeat Santa Margarita in a Sea View League boys’ volleyball match at Santa Margarita.

Newport Harbor’s defense keyed the comeback in a 10-15, 14-16, 15-8, 15-9, 15-13 victory.

The Sailors, ranked No. 1 in the county, dug two of Marcus Skacel’s spike attempts on their fourth match point before Scott Archbold put it away with a spike from the left side. Skacel finished with 44 kills, 31 digs and five blocks for third-ranked Santa Margarita.

Ty Tramblie, who had 36 digs, and outside hitters Matt Jameson (33 kills, five blocks) and Archbold (26 kills, five blocks) played major roles in the rally for Newport Harbor (14-0, 7-0 in league).

Matt Zierhut had 19 kills, John Hinds had eight kills and 34 digs and setter Andy Mauro had 84 assists for Santa Margarita (10-4, 5-2), which took advantage of some Newport Harbor hitting errors to win the first two games.

The Sailors responded by getting side outs, frustrating the Eagles with persistent digging and blocking.

Middle blockers Adam Hearlson, Scott Dore and Rick Robinson combined for 25 kills and 20 blocks for Newport Harbor.