Breakers win first two in league

Things have gone pretty much as expected in the opening week of the Orange Coast League boys’ volleyball season.

Namely, Laguna Beach was considered beforehand to be the team to beat and so far, has proven such is the case.

In two league matches so far, neither Costa Mesa nor Estancia had any luck against Laguna.

In last Friday’s league opener, the Breakers were pushed in the second game by Costa Mesa but still earned a sweep of the host Mustangs, 25-12, 28-26, 25-17. On Tuesday, they had little problem with visiting Estancia and powered past the Eagles, 25-13, 25-9, 25-11.

Blair Bigelow had 17 kills and Scottie Chapel 13 in the win over Costa Mesa. Chapel also led the Breakers in digs with 13.

Clay Knapp finished with 28 set assists and Jake Killian finished with 13 assists.

Against Estancia Tuesday, every Breaker had a hand in the sweep.

Bigelow led 10 players in kills with nine, followed by Shawn Merz with seven and Cooper Gwaltney with six.

The Breakers also scored 11 points in the match on aces with Bigelow, Merz, Gwaltney, Seth Morris and Chris Reames each getting two and Knapp had one.

Reames led Laguna in digs with 10 and Knapp had nine to go along with 25 set assists.

“Everyone had a chance to contribute,” Laguna Coach Lance Stewart said. “We were able to get a lot of reps on things we need to get better at and for the most part, we didn’t play down to the level of our opponent.

“Blair (Bigelow) has pretty much been dominating at the net. He’s paid his dues in this program and he’s having a great year so far.”

Laguna, now 6-13 overall, hosts Calvary Chapel at 5:30 p.m. today to complete the first of three rounds of league play.

The Breakers won’t play during spring break next week and return to action on Tues., April 17, with a home match against Costa Mesa.

In boys’ tennis:A strong showing in doubles action proved to be the difference for Laguna in a 10-8 Orange Coast League victory over host Calvary Chapel.

The Breakers scored eight points in doubles play. Noah Michelon and Spencer Wu swept by scores of 6-3, 6-1, 6-0, Graham Unterberger and Sean Ochwat won their three by identical 6-0 scores and Michael Rubel teamed with Val Biscarret two win two, 6-3, 6-0, but lost 6-4 with Sam Guidanian.

Laguna returns to play Tues., April 17, with a league match at Costa Mesa.

In track and field:Laguna, which went up against Calvary Chapel Thursday (scores weren’t available at press time) in Orange Coast League action, is scheduled to run Saturday at the Arcadia Invitational.

Following spring break next week, the Breakers return to league action on Thurs., April 19, with a home meet against Estancia.