Mira Costa CA closed out its tournament schedule by beating Bay League foe Redondo Union CA, 25-10, 25-19, in the championship match of the Redondo Molten Varsity Power Classic on Saturday. The Mustangs – who captured the title at the Ann Kang Invitational in August – added their second tournament title of the season. It comes on the heels of Mira Costa taking second place the previous weekend when it finished runner up to Cornerstone Christian TX at the Nike TOC Southwest tournament in Phoenix.
Mira Costa didn’t drop a set either day in their latest endeavor, including sweeping Lakewood CA in Saturday’s semifinals. Redondo swept Torrey Pines CA in the other semis, avenging an earlier loss this season at the hands of the Falcons. Mira Costa and Redondo Union are set to face off again in league play this coming Thursday, the final match of the regular season before sectional play begins. Mira Costa prevailed in five games in the first league clash and can clinch the outright league title by beating Culver City on Monday.
In addition to Mira Costa earning the title, the weekend also delivered its share of players starring for their teams. We highlight those who caught our attention the most with our Show Stoppers below.
SHOW STOPPERS
Charlie Fuerbringer JR S Mira Costa – The Mustangs’ leader was once more doing her thing. The 5-star Wisconsin recruit is among the top setters in the country for a reason. She directs the offense flawlessly. She also is a high-level defender and a heady scorer.
Tanon Rosenthal SR RS Mira Costa – Rosenthal has a big showing in the final. When she’s on and scoring consistently she really opens up the attack and gives Mira Costa another reliable arm to count on.
Taylor Deckert SO L Mira Costa – Deckert continued her strong season with another round of strong defensive play. She’s so steady and consistent and rarely misses a play in front of her.
Drew Wright SR OH Mira Costa – After missing last Saturday’s action in Phoenix taking the SATs, Wright was back and doing what she’s done all season. She paces the attack and gives the Mustangs a go-to arm along with her steady passing and ball control.
Fatimah Hall SR S Lakewood – Hall – a 3-star San Diego State commit – always turns heads of those watching her and causing comments to be made by fans surrounding the court. She does a phenomenal job of reversing flow and keeping defenders guessing as to who she’s going to dish it to, even if she’s not perfectly in system.
Mele Corral-Blagojevich SR OH Redondo Union – A 4-star Oklahoma commit, Corral-Blagojevich comes at opponents with a big, strong arm and a heavy ball that’s hard to dig when she gets a hold of it.
Ella Zimmerman JR MB Redondo Union – This 6-4 middle makes her presence known across the front row. She’s a scoring threat when in system and with her height can tip to the open court. She’s also an impactful blocker who does well getting in the way of attackers.
Nikki Quinn SR S Torrey Pines – Quinn’s job was made more difficult with Torrey Pines missing kill leader Finley Krystkowiak but she did well trying to help keep her team in system and giving her hitters favorable match ups.
Grace Flanagan SR MB Torrey Pines – Flanagan is someone defenses must take note of. When in system, Torrey Pines is going to get her the ball because she’s close to automatic when she gets up and has a good look.
Kiara Edwards JR RS Torrey Pines – Edwards showed off her potential. The springy right side gets up well and has a solid arm to boot. It lead to impressive kills at times as she did well contributing when called upon.
Katerina Lutz SR L Torrey Pines – Lutz – a 3-star UCLA commit – was tough to score on. Hitters took turns ripping balls cross court only to watch Lutz scoop their shots up and keep the rallies alive as she held down the left back position with authority.
Jordin Taulua SR OH Bishop Montgomery – An undersized outside hitter, Taulua was fun to watch. She’s an aggressive attacker who isn’t afraid of bigger blocks. She challenges them and lets it fly on the regular as the offensive leader.
Zoe Morales SR L Bishop Montgomery – Bishop Montgomery knows how to scrap and claw and Morales brings that mindset to the libero position. She’s a hustler and did well extending rallies chasing down errant balls.
Jada Stone SR S Oxnard – Stone brings a lot to the lineup at the setting position. At 6-1, she’s tall and can make an impact in the front row at the net. She’s also consistent with her location.
Anika Huelskamp SR OH Oxnard – A huge part of the attack, Huelskamp carries a big load on offense. Even with opponents loading up and trying to stop her, she can still score for her team.
Emma Fredrick SR OH Liberty – Fredrick is another outside who does heavy lifting on offense. She’s the focal point of the attack and the go-to hitter Liberty rides.
Nikki Tawil SO S/OH Village Christian – Listed as a setter on the roster, Tawil spent time this past weekend hitting on the outside. She did set too, showing her versatility she brings to the lineup.
Kennedy Osunsanmi JR OH West Ranch – At 6-4, Osunsanmi is an imposing figure at the net. She has huge upside with her length and ability to extend when attacking.
Malia Thorne SR MB Newport Harbor – Thorne is undersized in the middle but she brings it! She can hammer balls when the opportunity present itself and she gives Newport Harbor a reliable scorer out of the middle.
Anabel Kotzakov SR OH Newport Harbor – Kotzakov is a 6-2 uncommitted senior with a big arm. She’s a smart attacker who also passes well and comes through with clutch kills for the Sailors.
Laine Briggs SR OH Newport Harbor – Briggs is headed to Pepperdine as a L/DS but she was hitting for the Sailors and bringing plenty of pop with it. Though she’s an undersized left side, she hits very well and rifled off impressive kills.
Danet Whiting SR L Aliso Niguel – The Wolverines are a tough team to play. One reason is the performance at libero by Whiting. She’s a smart defender who anticipates well.
Nicole Feliciano SR S/RS Aliso Niguel – A 3-star UC Irvine commit, Feliciano adds versatility to the lineup with her ability to set and hit. She’s a solid setter who puts up a nice ball. She also has a good arm and can carry the offense at times.
Tabitha Greene SR OH Thousand Oaks – An undersized outside, Greene is a gamer. She comes with it on the attack and can let loose when it’s there. She’s also capable of scoring with well-placed tips and rolls.
Halie McGinest JR S/OH Long Beach Poly – McGinest is another one who contributes in multiple ways hitting and setting. She does pretty well setting considering she only hits during club. Across the front row, she’s Poly’s most effective scorer.
Layla Moore SO MB Long Beach Poly – Poly struggles passing so getting their middles involved regularly is difficult but both middles flashed potential. Moore is 6-1 and her length is an advantage. She can score when in system.
Kristen Dear SO MB Long Beach Poly – The same can be said for Dear. She’s 6-0, so she also brings height to the front row and showed what she can be down the road as she continues developing her game.
