Humphreys’ 54 assists help CdM beat Tesoro in five sets

The Corona del Mar High girls’ volleyball team was fortunate to survive its first test of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.

The host Sea Kings staved off elimination, collecting themselves midway through the final set to defeat Tesoro 25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 17-25, 15-11 in the first round on Tuesday.

CdM (20-6) trailed the Titans 7-3 in the decisive fifth set.

“The girls did a great job of trusting each other and just kind of staying patient, which is sometimes what you have to do when you’re playing a team that is playing their best,” Sea Kings coach Steve Astor said. “Be patient and wait for your opportunity.”

Ashley Humphreys, the Sea Kings’ USC-committed setter, led the way with 54 assists. Kendall Kipp pounded out 20 kills, Christina Davenport had 12 kills, and Raleigh Garner added 17 digs.

The teams had met in a best-of-three match during the Dave Mohs Tournament on Sept. 8. CdM took the first meeting 25-17, 25-22.

“We played them back in early September, and they’re a completely different team,” Astor said, calling Tesoro one of the best-coached teams in Orange County. “I don’t think that I’ve seen a team that is that improved in a long time. They gave us everything that they had, and they played great.”

CdM will host Huntington Beach in the second round on Thursday at 7 p.m.

To report scores of high school and college games, or other newsworthy items from youth to pro sports, contact the Daily Pilot sports reporters listed below:

David Carrillo Peñaloza, football and girls’ golf

(714) 966-4612, david.carrillo@latimes.com

Matt Szabo, boys’ water polo and girls’ tennis

(714) 966-4614, matthew.szabo@latimes.com

Andrew Turner, girls’ volleyball and cross-country

(714) 966-4611, andrew.turner@latimes.com