Sailors claim bragging rights

Newport Harbor volleyball team closes regular season with win over Sea Kings.NEWPORT BEACH -- The Newport Harbor High girls’ volleyball team went into Friday night’s Battle of the Bay with a better record and a higher ranking than Corona del Mar. Afterward, the Sailors also had the bragging rights that go along with it.

The Sailors ruled the Back Bay as they defeated Corona del Mar in four games, 25-14, 29-27, 19-25, 25-23, on Friday night.

The victory was particularly special for Newport Harbor for two reasons. One, it came on Senior Night. Two, it gave the Sailors the mythical city title after the Sea Kings won it last season.

“We lost last year and I was really upset,” Newport Harbor’s Bryana Carey said. “It’s my senior year and we’re at home in front of our crowd so it felt great to beat them.”

Carey, who will be attending William and Mary College next fall, led the way for the Sailors (20-7) with 12 kills and three service aces. Setter Megan Munce put in a solid effort with 20 assists, 11 kills and eight digs. Cassidy Gayner added 21 digs on defense, while Alesha Young had 23 assists on offense.

Jamie Heenan chipped in with 14 digs, six kills and a match-high eight service aces.

“I knew Corona was going to be tough, but we fought through it and hung in there,” Newport Harbor Coach Dan Glenn said. “Our serving won the game.”

Junior Juliane Piggot had seven kills to lead the way for the Sea Kings (7-13). Marisa Scott had 14 digs while setter Kelly Christian put up five assists. Taylor Beauchamp, Kasey Kipp and Brooke Terry also put forward a solid effort for CdM.

“We battled so hard and put on a good show,” Sea Kings Coach Bill Christiansen said. “I’m very proud of this team for how they never quit.”

Prior to the match, the Sailors honored their senior players -- Carey, Danielle Seals and Hallie Mitchell.

The Sea Kings will be very strong next year, Christiansen said, because they’re only losing three players in Scott, Beauchamp and Alexine Rodenhuis.