La Reina Lives Up to Ranking

From the moment the match started, La Reina High had the appearance of a girls’ volleyball team that has lofty goals in mind.

The Regents, ranked No. 3 in the Southern Section Division IV-AA, were focused and energized.

That was all they needed to roll over San Gabriel Mission in the first round of the Division IV-AA playoffs Thursday night at La Reina.

It took about 43 minutes for the Regents (20-0) to defeat the Pioneers 15-2, 15-2 and 15-3.

The Regents (20-0) advanced to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in the last six seasons. They face either Whitney or Twentynine Palms in the quarterfinals Saturday at a site to be determined.

La Reina has won 37 consecutive regular-season matches the last two seasons, but advancing beyond the quarterfinals has been an impossible task.

Last season, La Reina lost to Marymount in the quarterfinals and two seasons ago the Regents were defeated by Louisville in the first round.

But there are signs that this season will be different.

“This is the first time we got a reasonable draw,” Coach Don Hyatt said. “We’re healthy and we have a good chance to break that quarterfinal jinx.”

The Regents were healthy for Thursday except for junior setter Ashlie Hain.

Hain had an ingrown toenail removed Wednesday night and said the injury limited her mobility for the match.

“It was really sore but once I get my adrenaline going, I don’t feel any pain,” she said.

The only ones feeling pain were the Pioneers (9-8), who fell behind 9-0 in the first game.

Despite her discomfort, Hain finished with seven kills and 21 assists.

Middle blocker Jennifer Ryan, another junior, also had an impressive performance with 11 kills. Freshman Katie Kellogg added eight assists.

“I think Jennifer played about 90% today, but she’s capable of more,” Hain said.

For that matter, Hain said the Regents are capable of accomplishing more this season.

The first step will be getting past the quarterfinals.

“We want to get past our quarterfinal match but our goals are much higher than that,” Ryan said.