Rusty Breakers still sweep
A two-week layoff didn’t seem to faze the Laguna Beach boys’ volleyball team Tuesday.
The Breakers got back into action and took a step closer to repeating as Orange Coast League champion by sweeping host Saddleback, 25-22, 26-24, 25-19. With the win, the Breakers — ranked third in CIF Southern Section Division 2 — improved to 5-0 in league and 15-7 overall.
“Our middles were much more involved and led our offense,” Laguna Coach Scott Panaro said of the 13 and 11 kills, respectively, for middle blockers Maxx McCarter and Noah Blanton. “Jake Hexberg was solid in serve receive, which allowed our setter, Grifan Fair (32 assists), to get them the ball more.”
Panaro said that Lucas Capobianco, who started at outside hitter, played a “well-rounded match.”
Laguna last played April 5 but hadn’t played a league match since a March 29 victory over Costa Mesa.
“We had a tough time getting back into the swing of things after a week off, and made too many unforced errors, but were able to play well enough to pull out the victory,” Panaro said. “Saddleback played strong defense, making us earn each and every point.”
Laguna played league foe Estancia on Thursday but the score wasn’t available at press time. The Breakers step outside of league play to face Dana Hills at 5:45 p.m. Friday at Dana Hills. It’s the final nonleague match on the Breakers’ schedule.
“Playing a team like Dana Hills will be a great opportunity for us,” Panaro said. “We have lost to them twice this season in tournaments and need to use this opportunity to see how we have improved and what still needs work. It will be a challenge on Friday, but if we play with confidence and consistency, I know we are capable of pulling out a win.”
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Swimming
The Breaker boys’ and girls’ teams improved to 4-0 in Orange Coast League meets by scoring wins Wednesday against visiting Saddleback. The boys scored a 117-51 win over the Roadrunners and the girls won by a 111-40 score.
Laguna finishes its OCL schedule Wednesday with a 3:15 p.m. home meet against Costa Mesa. The OCL prelims are May 1 at Costa Mesa High.
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Boys’ Golf
The Breakers played two Orange Coast League matches this week. On Tuesday, they fell, 188-206, to Estancia at Aliso Viejo Country Club. Senior Jake Knapp, a UCLA commit, shot 37 for the Eagles, who lead the league at 6-0.
On Wednesday, Laguna scored a 193-212 win over Costa Mesa at Aliso Creek Inn Golf Club.
The Breakers have two regular season matches remaining. First up is a Tuesday match against Calvary Chapel at Aliso Viejo CC, followed by a Thursday match with Estancia at Mesa Verde Golf Course in Costa Mesa. Both matches start at 2:30 p.m. The league postseason tournament starts April 30.
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Boys’ Tennis
The Breakers played their first match in two weeks Thursday when they took on Godinez in Orange Coast League play. The score wasn’t available at press time.
Next week, Laguna has a pair of league 3:15 p.m. matches: Tuesday at Costa Mesa and Thursday at home against Saddleback.
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Track and Field
The Breakers, who last competed April 5 and defeated Costa Mesa in Orange Coast League action, will compete Saturday at the Orange County Championships.
Twitter: @MikeSciacca