PEGGY PEATTIE / Union-Tribune
Torrey Pines cheers its victory over Carlsbad in the Division I semifinals Wednesday night, giving the Falcons a chance to win their first section title since 2002.
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In last year's section Division I semifinals, the Carlsbad High girls volleyball team ended Torrey Pines' three-year streak of playing in the finals.
In a rematch with the Lancers in the semis last night, the Falcons made certain that didn't happen again.
Led by 17 kills from senior Kerra “Boo” Schroeder, Torrey Pines gained retribution by defeating Carlsbad 25-21, 25-22, 25-18 to advance to Saturday's championship match. The Falcons (21-7, 7-2) will face four-time defending Division I champion La Costa Canyon at Canyon Crest Academy.
“We all knew in the back of our minds we needed to beat them this year,” said Schroeder, who has accepted a scholarship offer to Colorado.
Schroeder was aggressive from the start, registering five kills and two blocks in the first game.
“She's just a phenomenal all-around player,” Torrey Pines coach Jim Harrah said. “She steps it up when she needs to. She was very focused tonight.”
Carlsbad (26-8, 10-0) countered with a heavy hitter of its own. Sophomore outside hitter Summer Ross had a match-high 21 kills for the Lancers.
Ross was particularly dangerous from the pin, spiking several kills cross court, beyond the reach of Falcons defenders.
“She's very aggressive and a very heavy hitter,” Carlsbad coach Kristin Tomkinson said. “I only see great things from her in the future.”
Ross had to leave the match briefly in the third game after taking a shot to her face, causing her nose to bleed.
With or without Ross, Carlsbad couldn't match the crisp passing and overall cohesiveness of Torrey Pines.
Falcons setter Jenny Woolway led all players with 39 assists and 18 digs. Libero Whitney Wilkerson, hampered by a knee injury, added 15 digs as well as excellent passing from the back line.
After a competitive second game in which the Lancers tied it at 20 after falling behind early, Torrey Pines ran away with the third game thanks to a late six-point run.
“I really want a chance to beat (LCC) my senior year,” said Schroeder, whose team has been eliminated by the Mavericks two of the past three years. “I want to beat them really bad.”
