By Sean McDonald
Sports Editor
Revenge is a dish best served by Mira Costa volleyball players.
Costa’s boys volleyball team defeated Corona del Mar in three games, 25-23, 27-25 and 25-20, at Edison High School on May 28 in the California Interscholastic State Finals. The Mustangs previously lost to the Sea Kings, 3-0, in the California Interscholastic Federation CIF Southern Section semifinals.
“We know our team can’t play great every time we come out,” senior libero Sam Jones said. “But it feels good to get a second chance against a team you know you should beat.”
The Mustangs jumped out to a quick lead in the first game. Senior opposite Jackson Wedbush recorded nine kills in the first set, and with the help of senior outside hitter Roy McFarland, the two led the Mustangs to a 25-23 victory.
“[The team] knew that we had something to prove,” senior setter Rob Mullahey said. “We came out ready to play and prove ourselves.”
Corona del Mar led for the majority of the second game and was a point away from victory when Costa roared back with key kills by Wedbush, grabbing the second game with a score of 27-25.
“All of us know that when we are all on the same page and all play together, we can’t be beat,” Jones said. “I think we made that evident in that second game.”
The Sea Kings gained a quick lead in the beginning of the third game. The Mustangs battled back, and after two clutch blocks from senior middle Jake Tolt, they didn’t give up their lead, giving them the victory and the championship.
“In the game, we felt really confident and were making all the plays necessary for us to win,” Wedbush said.
Prior to the State Championship, on May 26, Costa defeated Loyola High School, 3-2, in order to advance to the championship round. Previously, the Cubs had been undefeated at home.
“The whole last week has been unreal,” Mullahey said. “To beat Loyola at home and then to come out and sweep Corona del Mar, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Costa finished the season as CIF Southern Section semifinalists and Southern California State champions with a 28-6 overall record and 9-1 record for Bay League. It was the best way for Jones and his teammates to complete their high school volleyball careers, he said.
“Not only was it [the State Championship] a good way to end our season, but it was a great way for us seniors to go out,” Jones said. “We ended the season on a high note, which is what all of us wanted.”
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