Boys volleyball: NH steamrolls Woodbridge

Tony Altobelli

IRVINE - Attention upcoming opponents of Newport Harbor High’s boys

volleyball: the Sailors are on a serious upswing, following Thursday’s

15-5, 15-4, 15-9 stomping of host Woodbridge.

“Volleyball is a very streaky game and right now, we’re on a very good

streak,” Coach Dan Glenn said. “We’ve had some excellent practices and

we’ve played real well the last two matches, especially tonight.”

Senior Billy Clayton led the Sailors () with 15 kills, while Dustin

Illingworth had nine kills and Brian Gaeta added seven.

Sometimes the schedule-makers can be your best friends in certain

situations, as Newport played a rather rusty Warrior club that hadn’t

played in two weeks.

“They weren’t as sharp as the last time we faced them, but I think we had

a lot to do with that as well,” Glenn said. “Hopefully, we can keep it

going into this weekend and into the playoffs. We’re getting to that

point of the season where if you have one bad match, it could be your

last match of the season.”

After quickly winning Game 1, Newport again took control in Game 2,

jumping out to a 9-3 lead, thanks to strong play from Illingworth and

Clayton.

Woodbridge, ranked No. 5 in CIF Southern Section Division II made too

many mistakes down the stretch and fumbled away four of the last five

points of Game 2 to Newport.

Newport kept the attack on, forcing Woodbrige into a truckload of

mistakes in Game 3.

The Warriors got as close as, 8-6, but strong passing, led by Newport

senior setter Kent Turner, kept the Sailors in the lead. Turner finished

with 30 assists, six digs, two aces and two blocks.

“That was probably the best Kent has passed all season,” Glenn said.

“He’s our X-factor. We’re really gonna need him to perform well for us to

be successful.”

Leading, 13-9, a Clayton kill and, fittingly, a Woodbridge error, gave

the match to Newport in just over an hour.

Next up for Newport is the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions, giving

Glenn an opportunity to see other teams from throughout California. It

starts with Clovis West today at 3 in the Santa Barbara High gym.

“That’s what I love about this year is that anyone has a shot of winning

CIF,” Glenn said. “I think at least 10 different schools have a shot. It

all depends on who gets the good draw, who is hot at the right time and

who is healthy.”

Following the TofC, Newport will wrap up the season with home matches

against Aliso Niguel on Thursday and rival Corona del Mar on Friday.