Reaction Mixed to Rally-Scored Rule

Some coaches are smiling while others are cringing at the new rule.

In an effort to speed up play, the Southern Section has introduced a rally-scored fifth game for girls’ volleyball matches that go the distance.

To some, the rule represents a faster, more enthralling finish and a necessary step toward progress. For traditionalists, it’s a departure from classic, side-out volleyball.

“If you battle hard for four long games, you should go to a fifth game with regular scoring,” said Jess Quiroz of North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake. “It takes away a little bit of the match when you take away regular scoring.”

The rule will be in effect for playoff matches. During the regular season, each league has the option of adopting rally-scored fifth games. For nonleague matches, coaches from each team decide ahead of time whether a fifth game would be rally-scored.

“You’d be stupid not to do it and not be ready going into the playoffs,” said Coach Bill Christiansen of Newport Beach Corona del Mar.

The rule is an adaptation of international, college and club volleyball rules that use rally scoring in every game.

“You’re going to have coaches or fans who don’t particularly care for it and you’ll see some who like it,” said Karen Hellyer, a Southern Section assistant commissioner who oversees volleyball. “It’ll probably take a while for everybody to get used to it.”

Shut down: Avalon, a small school on Catalina Island, has been juggling its volleyball schedule since the school shut down Sept. 10 because of lead contamination at a campus playground.

Classes have been held at nine different locations on Catalina while the school awaits test results collected by the state Department of Toxic Substances Control.

The team has practiced at an off-campus sand court and will play at least two home matches on the road.

“[Players] are being real flexible,” Athletic Director Patti Engel said.

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Triton Turbo: Katy Daly had only one kill for San Clemente in the first game of the final of the Orange County Championships.

But she responded with 10 kills in the final two games to lead San Clemente to a 5-15, 15-11, 15-11 victory over Mater Dei.

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THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

1. North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake (1-0, SS-Mission)

Intriguing nonleague match tonight against Simi Valley Royal.

2. San Clemente (7-0, SS-South Coast)

Defeated Mater Dei to win Orange County Championships.

3. Manhattan Beach Mira Costa (1-0, SS-Bay)

Won opener Tuesday against Santa Monica.

4. Santa Ana Mater Dei (6-1, SS-Serra)

Could get another shot at San Clemente.

5. Long Beach Poly (4-0, SS-Moore)

Outside hitter Jennifer Randall is great.

6. Los Angeles Marymount (6-1, SS-Sunshine)

Scared Mater Dei in O.C. semifinals.

7. Lake Forest El Toro (6-1, SS-South Coast)

No Krista Kimball, no problem so far.

8. Newport Beach Newport Harbor (5-1, SS-Sea View)

Lost to Mater Dei in O.C. quarterfinals.

9. Anaheim Esperanza (4-2, SS-Sunset)

Could be tested by Placentia El Dorado.

10. Long Beach Wilson (6-2, SS-Moore)

Knocked Lakewood St. Joseph out of Top 10.