HIGH SCHOOLS:Sea Kings ready for Trojans

Fresh off of spring break, the Corona del Mar High swim teams can’t expect to ease back into Pacific Coast League competition.

That’s because the Sea Kings boys’ and girls’ teams, both of which are undefeated in league, head to University on Wednesday to battle the Trojans. Both of Uni’s teams are also undefeated in league dual meets.

“We’re going to have to gear it up right away,” Corona del Mar girls’ coach Doug Volding said. “I think the girls are excited. This will be a very close meet.”

The Corona del Mar girls (4-0, 3-0 in league) should have no problem getting pumped up with the history between the two schools.

In 2005, the Uni girls topped CdM at the Pacific Coast League finals and went on to capture the CIF Southern Section Division II crown. Last year, the Sea Kings exacted revenge, topping the Trojans at league finals. And, it was Corona del Mar that went on to collect a CIF Division II championship of its own, this time winning, 248-216, at Belmont Plaza.

“It’s not going to be over, whoever wins [Wednesday],” Volding said. “Either one of these teams could lose this and still win league finals. I’ve had teams on both sides of that. But it’d be nice to beat them straight up.”

Corona del Mar senior standout Stephanie Gabert, coming off knee surgery, is still not able to swim her top two events: the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley, Volding said, but she has been providing help in the freestyle events.

The Sea Kings continue to be boosted by the strong presence of water polo players like Paige O’Brien, Allison Peotter and Cari Levine, who team with club swimmers like Gabert for a strong mix.

The CdM boys (3-1, 3-0 in league) also expect a close meet, Coach Barry O’Dea said.

“It’ll be interesting,” O’Dea said. “It really depends on what kind of shape we’re all in after spring break. I’m pretty happy with where we’re at. I think we’ll give them a really good run on Wednesday.”

O’Dea said he has received sizable contributions from Brian Peotter in the sprint freestyle events, Michael Liao in the breaststroke and IM, and Chris Cottrell in the backstroke. Yutaro Yamashita is also swimming fast times for Corona del Mar, which is enjoying a resurgence after finishing fourth in league last year, O’Dea’s first as coach.

“All of our seniors pretty much came back out for swimming, and we’re putting in more yards [at practice],” O’Dea said. “They’re just more motivated for swimming than they were last year.”

Estancia girls’ coach Bob Bandaruk said it was a role reversal for the Eagles, who used their depth to pull out an Orange Coast League win at Laguna Beach on March 27. He added that his team looks forward to hooking up with the Mustangs and Breakers again at the league championships, scheduled May 1 and 3 at Laguna Beach High.

Corona del Mar High sophomore Cierra Gaytan-Leach is up a division from a year ago, now registered in the girls’ 16 singles and doubles with partner Tayler Davis of San Jose. Gaytan-Leach and Davis won the girls’ 14 doubles title last year. Gaytan-Leach also advanced to the doubles final in 2005.

Costa Mesa resident Nelly Radeva is entered in the girls’ 18 singles draw, and is scheduled to pair with Sarah Guzick of Greer, S.C. in the 18 doubles. Radeva won the girls’ 16 singles title in 2005.

Corona del Mar freshman Hailey Hogan is seeded No. 16 in girls’ 14 singles and will pair with Kelsey Costales of Long Beach in doubles.

Costa Mesa resident Charlie Alvarado is in the boys’ 16 singles draw.

MATT SZABO covers boys’ and girls’ swimming, boys’ tennis and boys’ golf for the Daily Pilot. He can be reached at (714) 966-4614 or via e-mail at [email protected].