Newport Harbor Rallies, Beats Irvine in Volleyball

Newport Harbor fought off seven match points, rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth game and defeated host Irvine in five games in a Sea View League girls’ volleyball match Thursday.

April Ross had 30 kills and 27 digs and Krista Dill had 21 kills and 11 blocks to help Newport Harbor, ranked second in Orange County, defeat seventh-ranked Irvine, 15-5, 11-15, 13-15, 17-15, 15-8.

Newport Harbor (8-1, 5-0 in league) weathered a balanced attack by Irvine (7-3, 3-2), which was led by Jody Carlson, who had 25 kills and 24 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Olivia Waldowski added 16 kills and seven blocks.

Irvine built a 14-3 lead in the fourth game before Newport Harbor began chipping away.

Brenda Waterman, who had 12 kills and 27 digs, Heather Cullen (13 kills, six blocks) and Dill helped the Sailors erase seven match points with side outs and score 12 consecutive points.

With Newport Harbor leading, 16-15, Ross spiked for a side out, then dug a spike attempt by Julianna Bailey and put away a set from Katie King, who had 70 assists, to force a fifth game. Ross, who has committed to USC, had 17 of her kills in Games 4 and 5.

Newport Harbor continued its hot play in the fifth game, taking leads of 9-2 and 12-3. Carlson had nine kills in the fifth game for Irvine, which fought off six match points before succumbing.