Boys volleyball defeats Loyola 3-2

Sean McDonald

Sports Editor

Mira Costa’s boys volleyball team defeated Loyola High School 3-2 in an away game in the semi final of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern California Regional state playoff.  The scores were 25-18, 25-17, 20-25, 23-25, and 15-11.  

The Mustangs came out hot and dominated through the entirety of the first set.  Senior outside hitter Roy McFarland led Mira Costa to the first set victory, which ended 25-18.

“The first set was huge,” senior opposite Jackson Wedbush said.  “It set the tone the rest of the way.”

The Mustangs continued to roll right through the Cubs as the second set opened.  McFarland notched more kills, eventually finishing with 22, and Wedbush contributed from the opposite side.  The Mustangs led all the way through and finished the set at 25-17.  

“We felt really confident and were making all the plays necessary for us to win,” Wedbush said.

The third set saw a bit of a chance of pace.  Loyola switched up its strategy and subbed some different players in.  It seemed to work as the Cubs led the third set for basically the whole time, and despite a late Mustangs comeback, still won 25-20.  

“We lost a little focus I think,” junior outside hitter Kevin Pinkerton said.  “We knew we had a two game lead and I think that got to us.”

Loyola was inspired by their third set effort, but Costa was determined to win.  Perhaps the most competitive of the five matches played, Loyola ultimately won 25-23, but only after some extended sets and back and forth from each student section.  

“They played really well in that fourth set and so did we, that one just went their way,” Wedbush said.  

The game had completely turned around and Loyola had all the momentum.  The Cubs were leading until some huge blocks by McFarland and five consecutive points from Costa helped the Mustangs claim the fifth set, 15-11.  

“Winning that last set was a great feeling,” senior setter Rob Mullahey said.  “We deserved it.”

Mira Costa is now 27-6, and will next play Corona del Mar in the CIF Southern California Regional Championship on Saturday at Huntington Beach Edison High School.  Wedbush says it will be a very fun game to watch.
“I’m really excited, it’s going to be a rematch and more importantly, a great competitive game,” Wedbush said.