Irvine Tops Newport Harbor in Five

Irvine, ranked third in the county, rushed to prepare for its Sea View League girls’ volleyball showdown with fourth-ranked Newport Harbor Thursday at Newport Harbor.

The Vaqueros had only 15 minutes to get ready after stepping off the bus, but they apparently didn’t need much warm-up, as they won, 15-4, 9-15, 8-15, 15-10, 15-12.

Olivia Waldowski had 22 kills and five blocks and Jody Carlson had 18 kills and 22 digs to lead Irvine (10-1, 5-0 in league), which started fast despite the late arrival.

“We had a later school schedule so we left late, and the varsity played early today,” Irvine Coach Mark Mednick said. “Warm-up takes too long anyway. They know how to play.”

Carlson and Waldowski each had seven kills in the fifth game and Krystle Davis’ ace broke a 12-12 tie for Irvine. Waldowski’s kill for a point made it 14-12, then she spiked from the middle for a kill and a sideout to set up Carlson’s ace on match point.

Irvine moved into position to unseat defending champion Newport Harbor (9-6, 3-2). Until Thursday, Irvine hadn’t lost a game in league this season.

Taylor Govaars, who had 18 kills, sparked Newport Harbor to victories in the second and third games. But Irvine seized momentum by taking a 12-0 lead in the fourth to force a fifth game.

“That was unfortunate to fall behind like that when we had a chance to put it away,” Newport Harbor Coach Dan Glenn said. “We just had too many ballhandling errors to beat a team like Irvine.”