No. 10 Capistrano Valley Wins

Capistrano Valley, the 10th-ranked girls’ volleyball team in Orange County, knew a third league loss would seriously hamper its chances for a South Coast League title, so senior Becky Warnick made sure that didn’t happen.

Warnick had 10 of her match-high 23 kills in the pivotal third game Thursday night to help Capistrano Valley defeat host Dana Hills, 8-15, 15-13, 16-14, 15-10.

After the teams split the first two games, Dana Hills rallied from an 8-0 deficit in Game 3 and moved to a 14-11 lead. The Dolphins (4-6, 2-2 in league) had three game points, but Warnick erased each one with a kill for a sideout.

The Cougars (9-3, 2-2) pulled to within 14-12 after a hitting error and Warnick closed it out, serving for four consecutive points.

“She beat us from the back row,” Dana Hills Coach Mark Rivedeneyra said. “Becky’s just Wonder Woman.”

Warnick, who has committed to Brigham Young, got plenty of help, especially after the Cougars tightened up their passing and defense.

Setter Andrea Delsigne finished with 43 assists and nine digs and sophomore Candice DeCasas had nine digs for the Cougars, who built a 10-2 lead in the fourth game.

After Dana Hills drew to within 12-10, Capistrano Valley junior middle blocker Ashley Thometz, who had 14 kills and two blocks, closed it out with a spike from the middle to cap a three-point run.

April Nick had 13 kills to lead Dana Hills, which struggled with its passing after the first game.