SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION II-AA: TALENT, INTENSITY HANDCUFF WESTLAKE WARRIORS UNPREPARED FOR SKILL OF OPPONENT NEWPORT HARBOR 3, WESTLAKE 0.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

CYPRESS - If only they had known, maybe things could have been different, the players kept saying after it was too late.

The Westlake High girls' volleyball team learned that top-ranked teams have more than one way to win. The Warriors learned how much of a disadvantage it can be not having experience against such talent. They also learned confidence and high intensity are needed to have any chance against a team like this.

By the time Westlake learned its lessons, the Warriors were being reminded of something they learned last year: what it feels like to lose to Newport Harbor.

The top-seeded Sailors, who defeated the Warriors in last year's Southern Section semifinals, needed barely an hour to sweep No. 2 Westlake 15-7, 15-2, 15-11 in the Division II-AA final Saturday at Cypress College.

``We started out a little hesitant,'' said Westlake setter Courtney Wade, who had 21 assists. ``I just don't think we knew how tough we had to play them. If we played them our best, we'd still be playing.''

The Warriors (22-4) said they were most surprised by Newport Harbor's serving, which differed from a year ago. But the Sailors (26-6) were troublesome in all aspects.

Rachel Smith's seven kills were the most any Warrior managed.

``They didn't give us anything,'' said Westlake middle blocker Jessica Harper, who made a team-high four solo blocks. ``The points we got were points we made, like on blocks. They didn't make mistakes.''

Now that the Warriors know what to expect, they would like nothing more than a rematch with Newport Harbor in the state playoffs, which begin Tuesday.

``I would like the opportunity to face them again,'' Westlake coach Doug Magorien said. ``At times we played well and at times we struggled. We struggled with confidence. If we lose, I want it to be because we're swinging, not because we're ducking. ...

``They're definitely the most steady team we've faced this year. It's not always power that wins, it's the most steady. They're steady.''

Westlake's only lead of the afternoon was when the Warriors scored the first point of the opening game. Newport Harbor quickly tied the game and soon was up 8-2.

By the middle of game three, producing a respectable score seemed almost as lofty a goal as winning for Westlake. The Warriors trailed 7-0 before an ace by Stephanie Lee gave Westlake its first point. With the Sailors using primarily reserves, the Warriors gradually chipped away at the deficit but never managed more than two consecutive points. The closest Westlake got was 11-8.

Game 2 was never close after an ace by Newport Harbor's Kristin McClune gave the Sailors a 3-1 advantage and started a string of 12 Newport Harbor points.

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Photo:

Westlake's Rachel Smith, left, blocks a spike by Newport Harbor's Alyson Jennings.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News