Girls volleyball: Mesa sweeps Estancia

Richard Dunn

COSTA MESA - In the early stages of the Coach Darlene Bailey era,

Costa Mesa High’s girls volleyball team has much different priorities

than in years past.

In 2000, it’s not whether the Mustangs can defeat their crosstown

rival, Estancia, but if they can reach the CIF Southern Section Division

III-AA playoffs.

In the rivalry aspect of things Wednesday, Mesa charged through

visiting Estancia, 15-7, 15-1, 15-1, to start the second round of Pacific

Coast League play.

For the Mustangs (6-5, 3-3 in PCL), a shot at third place comes

Tuesday at home against University, as PCL superpowers Corona del Mar and

Laguna Beach are expected to finish in the top two.

“We have to beat some teams on the road, and University next Tuesday

(for a legitimate chance at the postseason),” Bailey said, following her

team’s sweep over Estancia (2-12, 0-6).

Sophomore outside hitter Sharon Day recorded eight kills for Costa

Mesa, while senior middle blocker Casey Peterson had six kills and one

block.

Senior setter Nancy Hatsushi, an All-CIF basketball player, ran the

floor again and distributed 18 assists, as well as two kills.

Kristen Bagwell (three kills), Katie Roche (two), Emily Abbott (two)

and Jackie Greaney (two) all converted on their hitting opportunities for

the Mustangs. Abbott also had two services aces, while Roche added one.

For Estancia, Arlis Reynolds and Alisha Tanielu each had four kills.

“Hitting wise, we finally passed and set balls, so now it’s just a

matter of putting (the return) in the court,” Estancia Coach Tracey Heims

said. “We have steps one and two, now we’re working on three.”

Freshman setter Brieanne Aronson was solid for the Eagles, who,

according to Bailey, have improved a lot since the first round of league.