HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

Royal d. Buena, 15-10, 15-8, 16-14--The Highlanders, top-seeded in Southern Section Division I-A, made the final for the first time since 1989, when they won their only section title, with a victory at Royal.

“I’m so excited,” said Courtney Guerra, who had 21 kills and 18 digs for Royal (30-4). “I feel like I’m part of tradition in some way.”

Third-seeded Buena (20-8) held a 14-13 lead in the third game after an ace by Janee Richards, but Royal won on kills by Guerra and Toni-ann Merendino.

“We weren’t intimidated,” said Coach Jack Richards of Buena. “I don’t think we mixed it up like we normally do.”

Royal will play Huntington Beach Marina in the final.