Corona del Mar Wins Title

With five consecutive appearances in the Southern Section boys’ volleyball finals from 1997 to 2001, Corona del Mar Coach Steve Conti knows all about being the team to beat, so when his team went against two-time defending champion Valencia on Saturday in the Division II final at Cypress College, he used that knowledge.

Corona del Mar displayed a tenacious defense and upended Valencia in a 25-23, 25-18, 26-24 sweep that gave the Sea Kings their first section title since 2000 and fifth overall.

“It’s easier to come from the bottom than it is to stay on top,” said Conti, in his 10th season as coach. “So we felt we could play a little looser than them tonight.”

Kevin Welch had 13 kills and five digs for Corona del Mar (27-7). He also served three consecutive aces near the end of Game 2 that gave his team a 24-18 lead. Scott Slaughter added 10 kills and four blocks.

“Defense is all about desire and heart,” Conti said, pointing to Adam Smith’s 16 digs and seven each from Ben Applebee and Tom Welch.

Teddy Goetz had seven kills, 15 digs and three aces for Valencia (29-7), which graduates one starter. James Ker had seven kills and 11 digs.

-- Peter Yoon