Second half run

Mike Sciacca

Monday marked the beginning of a crucial week for the Laguna Beach

High girls’ volleyball team, which is heading down the final stretch

of the regular season.

A first half of Pacific Coast League play was marked by

well-played matches and losses that were near-victories. The Breakers

now know that they needed a strong showing in its final five league

games in order to qualify for the upcoming playoffs.

The week got off to a rocky start, though, and on Tuesday, Laguna

dropped a three-game match to a league-leading Northwood team.

“We pretty much need to sweep in the second round of league play

if we are to make the playoffs,” first-year coach Lance Stewart said,

prior to Tuesday’s match. “We’ve played our league opponents tough

and have come close to winning several league matches, except against

University.

“The girls have played real hard throughout the season. Hopefully,

we’ll come on strong down the stretch.”

It’s been a unique season for the girls’ volleyball program, which

has had to play its home matches at Thurston Middle School due to

major construction taking place at Laguna’s Dugger Gymnasium.

But despite being displaced and struggling in league play, Laguna

remains ranked among the Top 10 in the latest CIF Southern Section

Division IV-AA poll, coming in at No. 8.

That ranking says plenty about the talent on this team -- and

respect for the program.

Stewart’s first squad is comprised of just two seniors and nine

underclassmen.

Three key players to emerge from the group have been senior middle

blocker Christina Schuller, junior setter Joy Henderson and sophomore

outside hitter Stephanie Darnall.

The trio, Stewart said, are the “most athletic players on the

team.”

“And they are our most dynamic players on the court for us, too,”

he added. “Everybody on this team contributes in one way or another

but, during crunch time, those three are looked upon to make things

happen. They encompass all three positions on the playing court,

too.”

Schuller has emerged as one of the best players in the Pacific

Coast League.

“Christina plays one of the toughest positions on the court and

probably is one of the top attacking middle blockers in our league,”

Stewart said. “She’s just a solid player and our best ball control

player.”

Henderson, meanwhile, has made the transition this year to setter,

making the move from outside hitter, the role she played last year.

“It’s a new position for her but she’s making big strides in every

game,” Stewart said. “Joy probably is our best passer.”

As for Darnall, Stewart sees a bright future for the sophomore.

“Stephanie is one of the best jumpers on our team,” he said.

“She’s got a fast arm swing and is really quick on the court. With

her talent, she could become an unstoppable player for us.”

Laguna, which hosted Calvary Chapel Thursday, returns to the court

Tuesday to host Tesoro at Thurston Middle School.