Lightning neutralized by The Bishop’s in state tourney

Sage Hill falls in five games, against opponent it had beaten earlier this season, to end historic campaign.NEWPORT COAST -- The finest girls volleyball season in Sage Hill School’s short history came to a close on Tuesday night.

The Lightning lost to The Bishop’s of La Jolla, 21-25, 26-24, 25-17, 20-25,15-13, in the first round of the Southern California Regional of the CIF State Division IV Championships.

The match was capped with a tension-filled fifth game. Sage Hill had a 12-10 advantage over The Bishop’s before a kill by Nicole Ballon-Landa and a block by the Knights tied the score at 12-12.

After a Sage Hill timeout, Ballon-Landa and Cat Dailey traded kills to tie the score at 13-13.

With possession and a chance to go to match point, Sage Hill’s next serve landed out of bounds to give the Knights a 14-13 lead. On the next serve, Dailey could not come up with the dig on a kill attempt by The Bishop’s.

The match was won in the fifth game, but a significant blow was landed earlier.

After winning the first gameSage Hill was unable to sustain a 20-17 lead in the second game. Momentum appeared to swing in the Knights’ direction, as they won the second game, 26-24.

“In retrospect, the second was a big game because we could have a 2-0 lead,” said Sage Hill Coach Dan Thomassen said.

The lost game seemed to dampen Sage Hill’s spirit as the Lightning played with less flair in the third game. The Lightning allowed the Knights to score 11 of the last 14 points of the game.

Sage Hill’s hangover from the second game seemed to last until the midpoint of the fourth game. After falling behind, 14-11, the Lightning scored on two kills from Dailey. A kill by Haywood Wright tied the score at 14-14.

Dailey took over the game, scoring seven of the last nine points for the Lightning on five kills and two service aces.

“We were really pumped up after the fourth game,” Wright said.

The defeat was a reversal of fortune for Sage Hill, who had previously defeated The Bishop’s, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20, 25-22, on Sept. 30 in San Diego.

“We knew what they had and how they played,” Thomassen said.

Sage Hill was the No. 3 seed in Southern California entering the match, while The Bishop’s was seeded No. 7.

“When you get this far into the tournament, all the teams are the best in the state,” Thomassen said.

Dailey led Sage Hill made a match-high 24 kills in the defeat.

“The season, overall, was amazing.” Dailey said. “We put so much hard work in to get this far.”

Vista Murphy, who had 12 kills and three service aces, said her spirit was not down after the loss.

“I am really proud of my teammates, we came together and had a great season,” Murphy said.

Wright had a differing opinion.

“It’s sad that it will be coming to an end,” Wright said.

Sage Hill finished the year at 27-8. The Bishop’s improves its record to 24-10, and will face Los Angeles Marymount.20051123381L8KR7No Caption