Boys volleyball: Local trio opens tonight

Barry Faulkner

Newport Harbor High’s road to the CIF Southern Section Division II

boys volleyball title could wind through four league champions. But, not

before the Sailors get a virtual first-round respite against visiting

California High tonight at 7.

Corona del Mar and Costa Mesa also open the playoffs tonight with

dates against Division IV foes.

The Sea Kings, who face an uphill battle to reach their sixth straight

section title match, visit Ocean View for a 4 p.m. clash.

Costa Mesa, making its first postseason appearance since 1999, travels

to Torrance to battle Bishop Montgomery at 7.

Newport Harbor (24-6), which won all eight Sea View matches to claim

its fourth league title in the last five seasons, and finished the

regular season ranked No. 1 in Orange County, is a prohibitive favorite

against the third-place team from the Del Rio League.

“That’s not a real strong league,” Newport Coach Dan Glenn said. “I

don’t know anything about them, but, compared to some of the teams we’ve

played, they’re not as strong. I think not knowing anything about them is

good for us, because, in the playoffs, you have to know how to make

adjustments during a match.”

The Sailors, who lost in the Division III semifinals last year, are

led by seniors Greg Perrine, Brian Gaeta, Loyd Wright and Erik Peterson.

CdM (11-7) finished third in the Pacific Coast League. Ocean View won

the Golden West League.

The Sea Kings are fueled by seniors John Grod, Ryan Inman and Spencer

Miller, as well as freshman Kevin Welch and junior Bart Welch.

Costa Mesa (10-10), which earned an at-large bid after going 2-8 in

the strong PCL, will look to upset the Del Rey League champion Knights.

Mesa is led by seniors Carlos Jaime and Eli Solis.

Tonight’s winners, in both divisions, advance to Tuesday’s second

round.