Big boys’ volleyball match tonight

VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

Los Angeles Loyola (13-2) vs. Manhattan Beach Mira Costa (10-0) at Redondo. Tonight at 7.

Why it matters: Expect an overflow crowd for a match between boys’ volleyball programs that have combined for 15 Southern Section championships and are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in Division I. Unbeaten Mira Costa, under first-year Coach Mike Ninnis, defeated Loyola in tournament play earlier this month. The 6-foot-5 Ian Satterfield and the 6-4 Eric Mochalski lead the Mustangs. Loyola has top-line college prospects in 6-4 junior Steve Irvin and 6-8 sophomore Robert Feathers.

-- Eric Sondheimer

THURSDAY SOFTBALL RESULT

Valencia 2, Vista Murrieta 1

Top contributors: Valencia junior first baseman Lauren Boser went two for three with two doubles and two runs batted in. Vista Murrieta junior catcher Taylor Edwards went two for three with a single, a double and one RBI.

The scoop: After scoring a run in the third inning, Murrieta loaded the bases in the sixth and seventh innings but was unable to score.

Why it matters: In this Faster to First softball tournament showdown, Valencia, ranked No. 5 in the Southland by The Times, edged No. 3 Vista Murrieta.

Records: Valencia (9-1); Vista Murrieta (5-2).

-- Melissa Rohlin