Tustin Continues Run by Upsetting Redondo

The Tustin boys’ volleyball team earned its first trip to the Southern Section Division II final in three years by defeating Redondo Beach Redondo Union in five games Wednesday.

The Tillers rallied twice to win, 4-15, 15-13, 8-15, 15-6, 15-13, at Foothill High.

Tustin Coach Archie Ochoa said he wasn’t sure which Tiller squad would show up Wednesday.

The Tillers (16-4) have had an up and down season, but since the playoffs started May 15, they’ve gotten stronger.

The taller Seahawks (15-3) were another big test for the Tillers, but Ochoa had a plan that has worked against its other taller playoff opponents, Villa Park, El Dorado and Mater Dei.

“We make substitutions and slow down the pace,” Ochoa said.

That and Tustin’s big-game hitters were able to conquer Redondo’s front line.

Tustin had four players in double figures for kills, led by senior outside hitter Daniel Dizon with a game-high 29. Middle blocker Kevin Kowalski had 26, outside hitter Daniel van der Roest had 25 and middle blocker Eduardo Araza had 13.

Redondo was led by outside hitter Greg Kittel with 27 kills.

Tustin, which won the Division II title in 1995, will face Goleta Dos Pueblos in the semifinal at 4 p.m. Saturday at Cypress College.