29 Kills: Dajnowiec Leads Corona del Mar Past Flintridge Prep

Sofia Dajnowiec recorded 29 kills as Corona del Mar defeated Flintridge Prep on Saturday in La Cañada Flintridge, securing a spot in the CIF Southern Section girls' volleyball quarterfinals. The Sea Kings won the four-set match 25-18, 25-22, 22-25, and 25-21. This victory marks a return to the final eight in the Division 3 bracket, but the team arrived with a different level of command compared to last year's campaign.

In the previous fall, the Sea Kings played in three consecutive five-set matches during the postseason. That series of games included their elimination by Foothill. This year, Corona del Mar, which holds a 23-9 record, has faced less resistance. The team surrendered only one set in its two previous playoff matches, a set it led 18-13 before Flintridge Prep extended the contest.

Dajnowiec, the team's star outside hitter, reflected on the change in performance. She noted that she felt off her game during the quarterfinals last year, which left her feeling bad for the graduating seniors. "I feel like I could have played better for them, but this year, I'm not just playing for the other seniors, but now, I guess I'm a senior, too, so also for myself," she said. The team, composed largely of seniors and juniors, aims to prove its development and reach the semifinals.

Isabella Spinella, a junior transfer from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, directed the offense with 50 assists and five kills. As the team's setter, she described her role as similar to a quarterback. "I want to be able to lead my team to not just quarterfinals, but to finals, and to win that title," Spinella said. She noted that the atmosphere in the opponent's gym, which included a DJ, helped the team play more aggressively. "A lot of bodies were flying around," she added.

Senior outside hitter Savannah Dennis contributed 12 kills, while junior middle blocker Cooper Piercey recorded eight kills and 2.5 blocks. Junior opposite Myrto Charalabidi added six kills. Freshman Sarah Rosing served three aces, and sophomore Shea Natland served two. Senior libero Livi Rosowski made a diving dig late in the fourth set, which led to a kill by Dennis. That play extended the lead to 22-19 and closed the match.

Coach Max Gamboa, in his second season with the girls' program, attributed the improved results to the team's maturity. Last year, the first two CIF rounds required five sets. This year, the team won the first round in three sets and the second in four. "I really thought we should have had that third, but I think the maturity level that the girls are showing and the focus throughout the match is really what's taking us over," Gamboa said.

For Flintridge Prep, senior outside hitter Makayla Jones led the team with 19 kills and two blocks. Sophomore setter Brooklyn Sheldahl added 37 assists, two kills, and 2.5 blocks. The Wolves, who finished second to Pasadena Mayfield in the Prep League, also received nine kills from senior pin hitter Frankie Callaway and three kills from senior middle blocker Lora Kotikian.

The Sea Kings are scheduled to play at Pasadena La Salle on Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a quarterfinal match. The result of that game will be determined after the print deadline.