Marina Beats Esperanza for First Title in 10 Years

Marina hadn’t won a Sunset League boys’ volleyball title in 10 years, so the Vikings celebrated a little differently after posting a convincing three-game victory over Esperanza.

After sophomore Jeff Wootton’s 23 kills helped pave the way to a 15-8, 15-8, 15-9 victory Tuesday at Marina High, some of the Vikings yelled, “It’s time for the razor.”

That razor was for Marina Coach Darrick Lucero, who received a closely shaved haircut minutes after Marina clinched its first league title since 1988.

“I told them I’d do it if we won league,” Lucero said. “I’m just holding up my end of the bargain. I’ll shave my head every year if we’ll win league every year.”

Last year, Esperanza won the Sunset League and Southern Section Division I championship. But this season, the Aztecs (8-7, 4-5) returned only two players and have struggled with an inexperienced team.

Lucero hasn’t struggled much this school year. In the fall, he led the Marina girls’ volleyball team to titles in state Division I, section Division I-A and league.

And Tuesday’s title-clinching match for the boys’ team wasn’t nearly as close as Lucero’s new haircut.

Sophomore Robert Kijewski had 16 kills and four blocks, reserve middle blocker Adam Corwin added eight kills and five blocks for Marina (10-5, 7-1 in league), which was never seriously threatened.

Setter Jeremy Blain had 48 assists and four blocks for Marina, which blocked well and took advantage of Esperanza’s inconsistent passing and hitting.

“It’s been tough this season after going all the way last year,” Esperanza Coach Kurt Kersten said. “We just have to try and beat Fountain Valley Thursday and hope we can get into the playoffs.”

Junior middle blocker Phil Peterson had 13 kills and two blocks and junior Justin Sudduth had 10 kills and four blocks for Esperanza.

In other Sunset League matches:

Fountain Valley 3, Huntington Beach 1--Brad Keenan had 30 kills and Ian Mills added 14 for visiting Fountain Valley, which won, 7-15, 15-13, 15-11, 15-12.

Los Alamitos 3, Edison 0--Matt Komer had 39 kills and Eric Smith had 30 assists, leading Los Alamitos (10-7, 3-6) to a 16-14, 16-14, 15-3 victory. Chris Vanreusen had 17 kills for Edison (5-8, 4-5).