SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION V VOLLEYBALL : L.A. Baptist Wins by Passing Over Calvary Chapel

Passing was the difference Thursday night as Calvary Chapel lost to defending champion North Hills L.A. Baptist, a 15-12, 15-12, 9-15, 15-10 winner in the Southern Section Division V girls’ volleyball semifinals at Estancia High School.

Second-seeded L.A. Baptist (18-0) will meet Capistrano Valley Christian in Saturday’s final.

“Down the stretch we passed a little better and we were able to get to our big hitters,” L.A. Baptist Coach Sue Newcomb said.

One of those big hitters, Sarah Rameson, finished with 26 kills, 16 digs and two blocks. Tied 5-5 in the final game, Rameson helped the Knights pull ahead, 11-5, with six consecutive points.

L.A. Baptist senior middle blocker Erika Koss contributed 14 kills and senior Jill de Ruyter had 37 assists.

“We played together, but our youth and inexperience left us short,” Calvary Chapel Coach Jim Downey said.

Sophomore outside hitters Courtney Owens and Sara Roberts led Calvary Chapel (15-3) with 27 and 20 kills, respectively.

Setter Kati French, with 58 assists, played the entire match despite having stomach flu.