Laguna opens league strong

The Laguna Beach High boys’ and girls’ swim teams launched their Orange Coast League seasons Wednesday, and both teams sprinted to victory over visiting Calvary Chapel.

The boys’ team posted a 120-47 win. In key races, the 200-yard medley relay team of Erik Juliusson, Cameron Karkoska, Max Morgan and Cade Baldridge, took first place and swam to a CIF automatic qualifying time of 1-minute 45.71 seconds. The Breakers swept the 100 free with Morgan taking first with a CIF automatic qualifying tie of 49.80. Karkoska placed second (49.89), and Baldridge was third (52.38).

The girls’ team defeated the Eagles, 123-30. Highlights included the Breakers taking the top three spots in the 50 free. Cara Borkovec won the event with a CIF automatic qualifying time of 25.12, Bella Baldridge was second (27.08), and Faith Hale took third (28.19). Borkovec also hit a CIF qualifying time in the 100 free with a winning time of 54.51. Lila Vera qualified for CIF in the 100 butterfly, winning the race in 1:01.

“I’m very proud of all of my swimmers’ performances,” Laguna Co-head Coach Beth Weber said. “We are in the middle of our heavy training block, and these athletes have been working hard putting in lots of yardage in the pool and strength training in the weight room as well. Despite being in the middle of some heavy training weeks, my swimmers are looking really strong, which means they will only get stronger and faster.

“I’m super-excited for the upcoming meets as they are on track for some great performances at league and CIF later this year.”

The Breakers return to league meet action on Wednesday, at home against Costa Mesa at 3:15 p.m.

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Boys’ Volleyball

In a nonleague match Tuesday that pitted two top-10 teams against one another, the Breakers dropped a 25-19, 27-25, 25-21 decision at Corona del Mar.

Junior opposite Jack Burgi had 12 kills, senior JP Wollam 10 digs, and senior Cameron DePfyffer (18) and sophomore Isaac Wulff combined for 31 assists for the Breakers (3-3), the No. 3 team in CIF Southern Section Division 2.

Ryan Moss and Joey Martino both had 11 kills for the Sea Kings (7-1), the third-ranked team in Division 1.

Last weekend, Laguna went north to compete at the Dos Pueblos Tournament at UC Santa Barbara. The Breakers won their first six games to reach the tourney’s title game where they fell to the top-ranked team in Division 2, San Marcos, 25-21, 25-20.

The Breakers won each of their six games by sweep, defeating Highland (25-13, 25-15), Royal (25-15, 25-22), Oxnard (25-13, 25-8), Sherman Oaks Notre Dame (25-23, 25-22), CIF Southern Section Division 3’s top-ranked team, South Pasadena (25-19, 27-25), and Eagle Rock (25-17, 25-17).

Defending champion Laguna opens up its Orange Coast League campaign Tuesday with a 5:30 p.m. away game at Godinez. The Breakers also are on the road Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. nonleague match at Edison, then return to league play at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Saddleback.

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Boys’ Tennis

The Breakers’ Orange Coast League season opener Tuesday was a success for the defending champs who defeated host Saddleback, 15-3.

Laguna dominated doubles play action, with No. 1 Alex Duong/Zack Washer, No. 2 Tim Nguyen/Ethan Gee, and No. 3 Jeff Spitz/Hayden Seitz, each sweeping their three sets by 6-0 scores.

In singles play, No. 3 Sterling Dudley-Bowen swept by scores of 6-1, 6-1, 6-3.

“Our doubles was exceptionally strong, sweeping all nine sets, so all our extra work on playing doubles is paying off,” said Laguna Coach Don Davis whose team improved to 2-4 overall.

In a nonleague match March 13, the Breakers fell, 12-6, to host Trabuco Hills.

Laguna played Estancia Thursday but the score from the OCL match wasn’t available at press time.

Next week, the Breakers play a nonleague match Tuesday at Huntington Beach, then take on Godinez Thursday at Santa Ana Valley High. Both matches start at 3:15 p.m.

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Boys’ Golf

The Breakers broke into the win column by defeating visiting Sage Hill, 194-199, at Aliso Creek Golf Course.

John Grayden shot 34 (par 32) to take low medalist honors for Laguna (1-4). The other top Laguna scorers were Tyler Metez with a 35, and Spencer Donavan at 38.

“The boys played well and it was an entire team effort to get our first win of the year,” Laguna Coach Scott Finn said.

Laguna will play league foes Calvary Chapel Monday (3 p.m., Mile Square Park) and Estancia Wednesday (2:30 p.m., Aliso Viejo Country Club).

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CIF Weekly Rankings

Boys’ Volleyball: Laguna Beach (No. 3, Division 2).