Ensign, CdM split

Ensign-CdM middle school matchupNEWPORT BEACH -- Ensign Middle School and Corona del Mar split matches Wednesday at Ensign.

There was somewhat of a reunion on hand as both coaches from Ensign and Corona del Mar had played in the 1980s at Newport Harbor under UC Irvine women’s volleyball coach Charlie Brande.

The eighth grade Ensign boys won the first and third games, 25-14, 14-25, 15-8, for the win over their rival.

In the third game, Clay Friend made three kills and a service ace in the final game to lead the Seebees. Dylan Reuter also added a kill and a block to reinforce the Seebees’ front line.

The Sea Kings appeared to rally near the end of the final game. Down 14-5, CdM scored three points, before a net violation ended the match in Ensign’s favor.

Corona del Mar’s seventh graders were able to salvage a split for their school with a 26-24, 25-21, 15-7 win.

In the first game, CdM apparently needed a wake-up call. Ensign scored the first eight points of the game. The Sea Kings rallied in a big way, scoring 15 of the last 20 points. Nick Curci scored three service aces during the run.

Corona del Mar was able to clinch the first game when two Seebees collided in the backcourt on the winning point.

Ensign was able to rally in the second game, 25-21. The Seebess were led by a versatile effort from Nelson Simons. Simons had two assists, two service aces and a kill.

Midway through the game, Chris Whitelegge made the shot of the match. Cody Caldwell made a set as Whitelegee appeared to go for the obvious spike.

As two Sea Kings jumped to block the shot, Whitelegge gently tipped the ball to the right for the easy point.

In the third game, Corona del Mar was able to get a combined team effort. Three different Sea Kings scored service aces and Austin Jones and Nick Curci each scored two kills. PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / DAILY PILOTJackson Carmack of Ensign goes up for a set against Corona del Mar Junior High School. 20051013ioa5g7kn(LA)Ensign eighth grader Connor Curry digs after a serve. 20051013ioa5feknPHOTOS BY DOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Jackson Carmack of Ensign goes up for a set against Corona del Mar Junior High School.