Holbrook out for season

Newport Harbor High junior volleyball standout Alex Holbrook is out for the season after sustaining a serious right knee injury Thursday, Coach Dan Glenn said Saturday.

Holbrook suffered tears to her anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus.

“It’s tough to deal with right now,” Glenn said. “Alex is pretty crushed.”

Holbrook landed awkwardly on her right leg in the second set while playing at Los Alamitos. The 6-foot middle blocker was one of the top players in Orange County and helped Newport Harbor to a 13-6 start.

“I just found out [Friday night],” Glenn said. “It’s just crushing. She’s one of the best athletes I’ve ever coached. She’s so lightning quick. She was getting better and better … But she’s young. She’s only a junior. She’ll be back, not this year, but she will be back.”

The Sailors (2-0 in the Sunset League), ranked No. 7 in CIF Southern Section Division I-AA, defeated No. 3-ranked Los Al in five sets.

Glenn hopes his players continue to step up in Holbrook’s absence. He figures it will be challenging. The schedule doesn’t let up for Newport Harbor. The Sailors play at Edison, ranked No. 8 in Division I-AA, Tuesday.

“You can’t replace someone like her,” Glenn said. Everyone has to step up and play a little better.”

Glenn is confident Holbrook’s return from the injury will be successful.

“You hate to see that happen with a young kid, but then again she has a great work ethic,” Glenn said. “I know she’ll be back and be better when she returns.”

The Sailors, who won the CIF Southern Section Division I-AA and state Division I titles last year, lost Claire Castillo to an injury last year.

She aggravated the injury earlier this season and is out again, Glenn said.