Mira Costa to Defend Title at Volleyball Tournament

With one eye on the upcoming Southern Section playoffs, the Mira Costa High boys’ volleyball team will attempt to defend its title Saturday in the Mira Costa-Redondo tournament at Redondo.

The 25-team field includes the top-ranked teams in the Southern Section 4-A (San Marcos of Santa Barbara) and 3-A (Royal of Simi Valley) divisions as well as nine South Bay schools--Mira Costa, Redondo, Palos Verdes, Torrance, Hawthorne, Rolling Hills, Miraleste, South Torrance and North Torrance.

Pool play begins at 9 a.m., followed by a single-elimination playoff round at 5 p.m. and the championship final at approximately 7 p.m.

Mira Costa, ranked 10th in the 4-A Division, is not the same team it was last season, when it sported a 22-0 record and captured the 4-A and mythical national titles. But Coach Mike Cook says the Mustangs, who returned only one starter from 1990, have made great strides in recent weeks.

“We’re improving,” he said. “If we ever get all of our six (starters) playing to their maximum potential, we’re going to be able to beat anyone.

“We’re gearing ourselves toward the CIF playoffs. This tournament should be a good challenge before CIF.”

Cook said Mira Costa outside hitter Mark Shoptaw, a 6-foot-3 senior who leads the team in kills, has taken recruiting trips to USC and UCLA but is undecided on his college plans.