Sailors bounce back

NEWPORT BEACH — The Newport Harbor High boys’ volleyball team made sure to respond from an emotional loss with a playoff-opening victory Tuesday.

The No. 3-seeded Sailors, who lost to Back Bay rival Corona del Mar Friday, opened the CIF Southern Section Division I playoffs with a 25-20, 25-22, 25-19 victory over Harvard-Westlake.

Newport Harbor (22-8) will face San Clemente on Thursday at a site to be determined by a coin flip Wednesday. The Sailors beat San Clemente during pool play of the Orange County Championships.

Senior Cody Caldwell led the way for the Sailors with 21 kills and 13 digs. Senior Rusty Sary had nine kills, two aces and two blocks.

Senior setter Ian Sequeira had 37 assists, six digs and two kills. Sophomore Kevin Rakestraw had six kills, freshman Clay Carr had four kills, junior Max Richley had six digs and senior Davis Brown had two kills for Newport.

“I was worried about the Corona hangover as far as bouncing back,” Newport Coach Dan Glenn said. “Even if you win [the Battle of the Bay] it’s such an emotional match. I was worried about that. I thought the kids were really focused and did really well tonight. “

— From staff reports