Tradition Tips Scales in Ocean View’s Favor

Apparently, tradition still counts for something in girls’ volleyball. Ocean View maintained the upper hand in a meeting between the Golden West League’s unbeaten teams with a 13-15, 15-10, 15-3, 16-14 victory over Santa Ana Wednesday at Santa Ana High.

Although Santa Ana hasn’t won a league title since 1972, Ocean View won state and section titles in 1997.

“Thank goodness they [might have been a little intimidated],” Ocean View Coach Tim Mennealy said, “or they might have blown us out. They played well and they’re right there with us.”

But Ocean View’s Allison Nofziger tallied six kills in the fourth game to help the Seahawks (4-3, 3-0 in league) avoid a fifth game and a possible upset.

She had a block and a kill to help Ocean View score five consecutive points on Kristin Hyatt’s serve to make it 12-12. Nofziger eventually served for three consecutive points to close out the match for Ocean View.

Senior Evelyn Medina had 12 kills and junior Codi Bauer had five blocks to help Santa Ana (11-3, 3-1) to a fast start and a victory in the first game before Ocean View regained control of the match.

The Saints even held a five-point lead in the fourth game before their nerves and Ocean View’s serves took their toll.

“We’re still pretty young,” said Santa Ana Coach Billy Miller, who starts only two seniors, “and it showed at the end.”