Despite outhitting their opponent in their Southern California regional opener, the La Costa Canyon Mavericks fell to Huntington Beach in five games Tuesday, 25-17, 23-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-17.
While the loss ended La Costa Canyon’s chances of repeating as state champion in California, the defeat also brought to an end the remarkable career of senior outside hitter Natalie Hagglund.
“She is an inspiration to everyone who sees her,” said Maverick coach Pat McDougall. “The pre-high school girls who play volleyball in our area all know who she is. On their club teams, they want to have uniform No. 1 because that is Natalie’s number. When I am training younger players to give my instructions more credibility, I just have to say, ‘That’s how Natalie Hagglund does it.’”
Natalie Hagglund, La Costa Canyon
Photo by David Steutel
Hagglund concluded her career with 11 kills in the match against Huntington Beach. The Mavericks actually had 30 more kills than the Oilers, according to a report in the North County Times, but fell short in the final two games. Just four days earlier, Hagglund had 10 kills to lead the Mavericks past top-rated Torrey Pines for the San Diego Section Division I championship. The Mavericks finish the season with a record of 28-6.
“Playing Torrey Pines is like UCLA playing USC. It’s always intense,” said Hagglund. “Not only is Torrey Pines a fully-developed and skilled volleyball team, but they are also our school rivals. They definitely have amazing players, four of which play on my club team. Torrey Pines vs. LCC is always a sold out game.”
While Hagglund says the team’s goal was to win a second straight state championship. In her preseason assessment of the team, Hagglund said the squad had lofty expectations.
“We are a very young and new team. This may sound very unintimidating, however don’t be fooled. Our team may be young, but we have something that many teams don’t have. We have spunk, chemistry, fire and energy. With hard work and determination, I expect our team to once again win league, CIF and hopefully the state championships.”
While Hagglund’s preseason predictions fell short of the state championship goal, the Mavericks achieved the other goals on her list. After a bumpy early-season start that included two losses at the Durango Tournament, La Costa Canyon rebounded to go undefeated in the Avocado League. The Mavericks lost to Torrey Pines on Nov. 6, but won four straight playoff games, including a rematch with Torrey Pines, to claim another Division I section title.
Now that her high school career has concluded, Hagglund will turn her focus toward her college career, which will begin next year at the University of Southern California.
“USC was my first choice and I was blessed to be given the opportunity to attend the school,” said Hagglund. “It is such an amazing school with a wonderful team, fantastic coaching staff, beautiful facilities and intelligent classes. I am thrilled to become part of the Trojan family in 2010.”
Hagglund also isn’t intimidated by the hard work that lies ahead.
“Division 1 volleyball brings an amazing thought to my mind. I think about the packed crowds, straight down hits, tenacious defense, heavy serves, screams of happiness, tears of anger, and hard work,” she said. “Playing volleyball at the Division 1 level will be extremely hard work, however playing at such a high level will be such an amazing experience. Volleyball is about working hard, playing as a team, and experiencing intense games. Division 1 volleyball brings all those characteristics to the game.”
Although an outside hitter for the Mavericks, Hagglund may see a position change when she reached the college level.
“Natalie has been highly recruited at the libero position,” said McDougall. “At the high school lever, her strength and quickness make her very effective. I often wondered how she would do at the collegiate level when the ball is coming at you much faster. We played Mira Costa HS in the finals of the California Challenge. They have a player who hits the ball as well as any top college player. So, I was anxious to see how Natalie would perform. She absolutely rose to the challenge and took her game to a level I had never seen. She finished the match with 23 digs and 24 kills and was voted the MVP of the tournament.”
McDougall says that Hagglund’s all-around athletic skills are what make her a special player.
“She’s 5-foot-9, almost, which is small for a hitter. She has a 23-inch jump. She is very strong and very quick. She has natural instincts for volleyball and the only thing quicker than her reactions is her mind. She is one step ahead of the ahead of the competition,” said McDougall. “She’s is the best athlete I have ever coached.”
She has also shown the grit and determination to persevere when times got tough.
“We were playing in the CIF Section I Champion match in November of 2008. Natalie had a chronic back injury and hadn’t played for a few weeks,” said McDougall. “We discussed it before the match and decided that she was not healthy enough to play. We lost the first two games and it looked like we would be eliminated. As game two was ending I hear this screaming in my ear, “Put me in, put me in, I can turn this match around!’ For the last 3 games I let her play the back row only, because she couldn’t jump. She took control of the game, inspired her teammates and put fear into the opponents. We won the match and went on to be State champions.”
Hagglund realizes that her time with the La Costa Canyon volleyball team has been a special time in her life, one she will cherish as she moves on to the next level.
“La Costa Canyon’s athletic program is like a huge family. It has a huge support system and creates friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Hagglund. “Everything about La Costa Canyon volleyball is unique. Anyone who comes to watch a game will see and feel that special environement.”
