Pacifica Christian improving, but swept by Capo Valley Christian

Anna Eddy smacked the volleyball with her hand before serving up four tough ones.

Ace.

Ace.

Ace.

Ace.

The Pacifica Christian High volleyball freshman served four straight near the end of the third set Tuesday night. From down 24-13, the Tritons had suddenly saved six straight set points against Capistrano Valley Christian.

It may have been delaying the inevitable, but Eddy’s display was entertaining for the home fans. After a Pacifica Christian hit went wide, though, Capo Valley Christian had claimed a 25-12, 25-13, 25-19 sweep in an Express League match.

Capo Valley Christian (15-2, 2-0 in league) is ranked No. 1 in CIF Southern Section Division 8. Pacifica Christian (8-5-1, 0-2) is No. 1 in Division 10, but the Tritons are a newer program, just in their second year of varsity play.

Pacifica Christian lost its second straight league match after it was swept by Southlands Christian on Monday night. But the Tritons never hung their heads against Capo Valley Christian. Junior team captain Emma Hammond and sophomore Maggie O’Callaghan led the team with four kills each.

The Tritons are young; O’Callaghan was called up Monday from the junior varsity team. They also weren’t at full strength against Capo Valley Christian, which was a Division 9 finalist a year ago.

Pacifica Christian’s lone senior, middle blocker Isabel Hadley, was out sick Tuesday, and they were also missing one of their top hitters. Junior Maddy Alaluf had a soccer commitment.

“Although we lost these last two [matches], we know we can improve,” said Pacifica Christian junior opposite Breck Burwell, whose six digs tied for the team lead with sophomore Annika Bahnsen and O’Callaghan. “We’ll play these teams again, and we know we can improve and do so much better. They have a lot more experience than we have, and we’re a newer team. The camaraderie is really great for us, and we’re learning to play off that. We’re doing a good job of not giving up.”

Tritons coach Kimberly Adams was pleased with the fight her team showed. Adams is a Dana Hills volleyball alumna who also played at the University of San Diego.

“It’s my first year coaching at this school, so every team we play is new,” Adams said. “I’m excited to work with them and watch them improve. I enjoy watching their faces light up when they make a good play, a good dig or a good block or get a kill. I just love seeing them come together. I just feel like it’s the beginning of something that will take time to build, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Junior Keara Ruiz led Capistrano Valley Christian with 11 kills, and senior Sofia Pluhar added eight, while senior Kahley Jaeke (16 digs) and senior setter Riley Barclay (22 assists) were other key parts of the visitors’ attack.

Eagles coach Kelle Bond said she is aware that her team has a target on its back, but Tuesday night it earned the sweep.

“There were great moments of ball control and we served tough, but I also think that we let some things go that we shouldn’t have,” Bond said. “Pacifica had a great spirit the whole match, and I feel like they did a great job digging our hitters. We need to fine-tune some of our serve-receive passing and our enthusiasm.”

Pacifica Christian returns to action with another league match at Samueli Academy on Thursday.

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