Boys volleyball loses their second consecutive CIF semi-final

By Sean McDonald

Staff Writer

For the second year in a row, the Mustangs have been taken out in the fourth round of California Interscholastic Federation. 

Corona del Mar High School swept the Mustangs, 3-0, at home on Wednesday winning the games 25-17, 25-21 and 25-23, leading to the Mustangs second consecutive CIF Southern Section semifinal tournament loss.

“We had a big crowd show up, which probably contributed to the nervousness we felt at the begging,” senior libero Sam Jones said. “Overall, we had a tough time getting into the flow of the game.”

Costa came out a little flat in the first game, allowing the Sea Kings to quickly take a commanding lead, junior libero Will Taylor said.  Costa battled back and tied the score during the middle of the set, but the Mustangs’ effort was ultimately not enough, as the Sea Kings win the game, 25-17. 

“We came out too slow in the first set,” Jones said. “Along with our nerves, we had trouble converting offensively.”

The second game was close; senior outside hitter Roy McFarland and senior opposite Jackson Wedbush carried the Mustangs’ offense with over 10 kills each. However, in the end, Corona del Mar’s ability to win points from  the middle blocker gave the Sea Kings the edge and win the game, 25-21,Wedbush said.

“We definitely knew we weren’t playing our best game as the game went on,” Wedbush said.  “They made key plays, and we were unable to finish.”

The Mustangs rallied in the last game and were leading in the beginning, but as the game came to a close, Corona del Mar came out on top due to Costa’s inability to block spikes from Corona del Mar’s middle.  The game ended with a controversial call regarding an alleged lift of the ball that the referee called on McFarland.

“There are 25 other points played, so no one can blame a loss on one person.” Jones said.

The Mustangs finished the season at 25-6 overall and finished the season as Bay League champions.

“Obviously our goal was to win CIF,” Wedbush said.  “It was still a great season, and we will hold our heads high.”