Redondo Union High School’s boys volleyball team delivered a statement victory Thursday night, upsetting No. 1 ranked Mira Costa in a thrilling five-set match. The 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, 21-25, 15-13 win wasn’t just about claiming the top spot in the Bay League; it was a testament to the Sea Hawks’ resilience and, as players described it, a powerful team chemistry. The victory underscores a growing trend in Southern California high school volleyball, where traditional powerhouses are facing increasingly competitive challenges.
The atmosphere inside the Redondo Union gymnasium was electric, fueled by the rivalry between the two South Bay schools. Redondo Union (14-2) came out aggressively, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle. While Mira Costa, previously boasting a 24-1 record, fought back, the Sea Hawks consistently answered, refusing to yield to the pressure of facing the state’s top-ranked team. This win marks a significant turning point for Redondo Union, establishing them as a serious contender in the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
“Chemistry,” setter Tommy Spalding succinctly explained after the match, highlighting the key to their success. Spalding, who is committed to play collegiately at MIT alongside teammates Carter Mirabal and Vaughan Flaherty, orchestrated a dynamic offense that kept Mira Costa’s defense off balance. The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this month on the unprecedented achievement of three Redondo Union volleyball players earning admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a testament to their academic and athletic prowess.
The synergy between Spalding, Mirabal, and Flaherty was particularly evident during crucial moments. A sequence in the third set, featuring a powerful block by Mirabal immediately followed by a decisive kill from Flaherty off a Spalding assist, exemplified the seamless connection that defined Redondo Union’s performance. Beyond the MIT-bound trio, JR Boice, a Long Beach State commit, consistently delivered key kills, while Cash Essert’s strong serving and all-around play disrupted Mira Costa’s offensive rhythm.
Mira Costa’s star outside hitter, Mateo Fuerbringer, proved a formidable opponent, particularly in the fifth set where he registered six kills. Redondo Union, still, focused their defensive efforts on limiting his impact, forcing other Mira Costa players to attempt to score. Despite falling behind 11-9 in the final set, the Sea Hawks rallied, capitalizing on crucial errors by Mira Costa and demonstrating composure under pressure to secure the victory.
A Bay League Shakeup
The win propels Redondo Union into first place in the Bay League, a significant shift in the league standings. Mira Costa’s loss was only their second of the season, a rare occurrence for the program that has consistently been a dominant force in California high school volleyball. The Bay League is known for its competitive landscape, and this result signals a potential changing of the guard.
Beyond the South Bay: High School Sports Roundup
The action wasn’t limited to Redondo Union’s dramatic victory. Several other high school teams across Southern California and beyond made headlines Thursday:
Baseball: Orange Lutheran advanced to the semifinals of the National High School Invitational in Cary, North Carolina, with a 3-2 walk-off win over Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian. Andrew Felizzari’s walk-off single in the eighth inning sealed the victory, following a game-tying squeeze bunt by Brady Murrietta in the seventh. CJ Weinstein contributed two doubles for the Lancers. However, Harvard-Westlake suffered a 12-0 shutout loss to Venice (Fla.) at the same tournament. Other results from the National High School Invitational included Casteel (Queen Creek, Ariz.) defeating St. John Bosco 3-2, and several local league matchups.
Local Baseball Highlights: Chatsworth defeated Taft 6-3 in a West Valley League contest, with Tony Del Rio Nava pitching six innings and adding two RBIs. Granada Hills upset El Camino Real 4-3, thanks to a two-run single by Nicholas Penaranda in the seventh. Cleveland edged Birmingham 4-3 in a 10-inning thriller, highlighted by Joshua Pearlstein’s three hits, including a home run. Sun Valley Poly and Sylmar are currently tied for first place in the Valley Mission League after Poly’s 4-2 win over San Fernando. Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Oaks Christian, Santa Monica, and Dana Hills likewise secured wins in their respective leagues.
Softball Standouts
In softball, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame shut out Sierra Canyon 10-0, led by Kelsey Luderer’s three hits and two RBIs, and a five-inning scoreless performance from freshman Ainsley Jenkins. Chaminade dominated Louisville 15-2, with Norah Pettersen driving in four runs. Carson also posted a shutout victory, defeating San Pedro 10-0, with Atiana Rodriguez recording three hits, including a double and triple. Murrieta Mesa remains undefeated at 16-0 after a 15-0 win over Chaparral, fueled by two home runs from Tatum Wolff.
The competitive landscape of high school sports continues to evolve, with teams like Redondo Union demonstrating the power of teamwork and determination. The CIF Southern Section playoffs are rapidly approaching, and these recent results suggest a thrilling postseason is on the horizon.
Redondo Union will gaze to maintain their momentum as they continue Bay League play next week, facing a challenging schedule that will test their newfound confidence. The team’s next match is scheduled for Tuesday against Palos Verdes, a crucial contest that will further solidify their position in the league standings. Fans and followers can find updated schedules and results on the CIF Southern Section website: https://cifss.org/.
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