Boys vollebyall: Sea Kings roll into break

CORONA DEL MAR - The Corona del Mar High boys volleyball team

earned a few much-needed days off by sweeping Pacific Coast League

visitor Laguna Beach Thursday, 16-14, 15-10, 15-9.

Coach Steve Conti’s Sea Kings (7-2, 6-0 in league), ranked No. 3 in

CIF Southern Section Division IV, will use next week’s spring recess to

heal up, as they prepare to finish off their second straight unbeaten PCL

crown.

Conti said his team will not practice until Thursday and Brian

Gallagher (strep throat), as well as John Grod (ankle) and Forrest Mack

(ankle) will used the rest period for recovery.

The Sea Kings needed no recovery time Thursday, despite a strong

first-game challenge from the Artists.

CdM pulled ahead in the seesaw battle, then made a couple unforced

errors to let Laguna pull even at 14. But with a strong serving presence

by Garrett Macklin, the Sea Kings closed it out, then finished off the

visitors.

Gallagher (15 kills), Charlie Alshuler (12), Grod (seven) and Macklin

(five) were offensive weapons for senior setter Evan Burden, who

collected 42 assists.

Burden also had three kills and four ace serves to propel the Sea

Kings to their 16th PCL victory without a loss, since coming over from

the Sea View League.

CdM holds a one-match lead on second-place Northwood, which the Sea

Kings visit April 25. With victories over the Timberwolves and Estancia

(April 26), CdM would clinch at least a share of the league crown.

After those two league contests, the Sea Kings will venture to Santa

Barbara, where the reigning CIF Division I champions will try to defend

their title at the prestigious Tournament of Champions.