In a match that lived up to all the buildup, the nation's No. 1 girls volleyball team
Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.) fought back from a two-game deficit to defeat visiting and No. 2
Mater Dei (Santa Ana) in five games.
Despite playing without its top player Kami Miner — playing for Team USA's youth squad — the Sea Hawks (14-0) were down 9-2 in the third game, but fought back to win 24-26, 22-25, 29-27, 25-20, 15-8 before a packed crowd in a stuffy gym at Redondo Beach.
According to the
Los Angeles Times, the air conditioning went out.
Video: Top 25 high school volleyball rankingsRedondo Union moves to No. 1, sets up showdown with No. 2 Mater Dei.
Everything else about the match was electric, including the performance of Nalani Iosia, who moved from libero to setter in Milner's place. She was superb. The winners also got 17 kills from freshman Mele Corral-Blagojevich.
Despite the early lead and excellent play from setting
Mia Tuaniga and outside hitter
Zaria Henderson, the Monarchs dropped to 3-1.
Expect these teams to face off more than once this season.
Redondo Union celebrates after fifth-game win to give the Sea Hawks the match.
Photo by Nick Koza
The crowd celebrates the thrilling five-game match.
Photo by Nick Koza
