Emily Lafitte’s momentum-changing service run in the third set propelled Laguna Blanca to a 25-18, 25-13, 25-17 victory over Milken Academy in Tuesday’s first-round CIF match.
The Owls, seeded No. 4 overall in Division 4AA, advance to the second round on Thursday. There they will face the winner between Rolling Hills Prep and Grace Brethren.
Laguna Blanca had fallen behind in the third set when Lafitte stepped to the service line and led the Owls to seven-straight points. They regained the lead for good on the way to a sweep. Lafitte finished with three aces, four kills and five digs.
Laurel Kujan’s 14 kills were a team-high, coming on a hitting percentage of .810. Laguna Blanca head coach Jason Donnelly said it was the sophomore’s best match of the season.
“She was absolutely unstoppable,” he said.
Senior captain Phoebe Madsen came through with 11 kills, 11 digs and another outstanding hitting percentage of .500.
Donnelly said his team played well after a week of quality practices leading up to the postseason.
“Our girls are ready to go,” Donnelly said.
