Laguna loses match

What had the potential to be a sweep and big nonleague win for the Laguna Beach boys’ volleyball team Wednesday turned into a five-game match that ended in a 22-25, 19-25, 26-24, 25-16, 15-11 win for host Newport Harbor. Laguna was on fire in the first two games and made strong plays that took the Breakers to a 2-0 lead in the match and on the brink of a triumph over a Newport Harbor team that is ranked fourth in Division I and just last week handed No. 1-ranked Mira Costa a loss.

But the Breakers, ranked third in Division II, couldn’t put the match away.

Laguna assistant coach Zach Miller said it was a frustrating loss.

“We knew it would be a battle, they’re a good team with experience and confidence,” he said. “We started strong but in the last couple of games, they just didn’t let up.”

The Sailors bounced back from a two-game deficit to win a close third game and deny Laguna a second victory over a highly ranked team on the opponent’s home floor: On March 12, the Breakers beat Corona del Mar to knock the Sea Kings from the top spot in Division II.

After losing by two in the third game, the Breakers completely lost their drive in the fourth.

They attempted a comeback in the fifth game but couldn’t make the plays.

Shawn Merz had 29 kills for Laguna. Harrison Phelps and Clay Knapp had 18 and 9 digs, respectively, and Knapp also recorded 48 assists.

Miller said some of the plays were questionable.

“The refs made a couple of bad calls,” he said.

In once instance, there was a dispute about whether Newport Harbor had four touches on the ball, and the Sailors were awarded the point.

In previous league action Monday, the Breakers routed visiting Estancia 25-11, 25-15, 25-14. Merz had 11 kills, Knapp and Travis Woloson had 15 and 12 assists, respectively and Phelps had 10 digs.

On Tuesday, Laguna visits Calvary Chapel for a 5 p.m. league match.