Slow-Starting Santa Margarita Sweeps La Mesa Helix

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA — After a shaky start, the Santa Margarita girls’ volleyball team beat La Mesa Helix, 15-10, 15-5, 15-6, in the first round of the Division II state tournament.

Second-seeded Santa Margarita (18-3), which won the Southern Section Division II-A title Saturday, took a 12-6 lead in the first game before Helix closed the gap to 13-10. The Eagles, who committed eight unforced errors in the game, finally pulled it together and put it away 15-10, on a kill by sophomore Lauren Heri.

“We played a really solid match on Saturday,” Coach Eddie Rapp said. “So we had to give ourselves a kick start tonight.”

After winning the first game, the Eagles returned to form and put the Highlanders away.

In Game 2, Santa Margarita jumped to a 7-3 lead and the Highlanders began to fall apart, committing eight unforced errors.

In the final game, Rapp let the reserves play. And sophomore outside hitter Caroline Skacel shined, putting down four kills, one ace and serving five consecutive points to give the Eagles a 9-0 lead.

The Eagles’ serving was a dominate factor in the game, as Santa Margarita had 10 aces, including five by junior Caitlin Crafts.

“We’ve been serving really tough all year,” Rapp said. “It is definitely a big part of our game.”

Sarkees and Anna Mosich, passed the ball around, getting everyone involved in the match. Senior outside hitter Michelle Chambers led the team with eight kills, Kiki Maroutsos had five and Sarah Ballog, Skacel and Heri each had four. Mosich finished with 20 assists and Crafts had nine digs.

“I don’t think anyone stood out. Everyone played well,” Rapp said. “If we stick together and play as hard as we can, I think we have a good shot at winning it all.” Santa Margarita will play the Lakewood St. Joseph-Santee West Hills winner Saturday.