By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor To say Ella Mao took over Wednesday in a Prep League rivalry showdown at Flintridge Prep would be an understatement. The Poly sophomore served 32 times and had 10 aces. To put that in its proper perspective, Flintridge Prep coach Sean Beattie said afterwards that 20 serves is a lot […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
To say Ella Mao took over Wednesday in a Prep League rivalry showdown at Flintridge Prep would be an understatement.
The Poly sophomore served 32 times and had 10 aces.
To put that in its proper perspective, Flintridge Prep coach Sean Beattie said afterwards that 20 serves is a lot in one match.
Mao also led Poly with 9 kills, as the Panthers cruised in less than an hour to the sweep.
Poly won by scores of 25-10, 25-9 and 25-12.
Courtney Johnson led Prep with 8 kills and Libby Penn added 5 kills.
Evan Chang led the Rebels with 17 digs and Ani Bernardi had 21 assists.
For Poly, Halston Harper had another solid effort with 8 kills and 2 aces.
Zoey Mao added 34 assists and Lauren Kidman had 13 assists.
Natalie Clark and Alexis Pappachan had 6 kills apiece for the Panthers.
Poly will travel to Chadwick next Tuesday, and Prep hosts the New Covenant today (Thursday) at 5.
Quotable:
Poly coach Steve Beerman: “I thought we were very efficient today. It was a tough environment to play in, but we stayed focused. Flintridge is very well coached. They played with great emotion and intensity. Their libero was fantastic. It was a nice win.”
Prep coach Sean Beattie: “We didn’t serve-receive well at all, but our girls fought to the end, and I am proud of them for that. Poly is a really good team and the Mao sisters are tough.”
Poly sophomore Ella Mao: “I think part (of my job) was serving. I thought as a team we played well. We just had to focus on our individual jobs, and I think Zoey played really well.”
Poly senior Halston Harper: “We stayed consistent and we stayed together. I think I was able to run more plays and communicate better. Ella and Zoey are both very athletic. We rely on them a lot. They are both great players.”
Poly sophomore Zoey Mao: “Setting is a big part of my job. I think it’s really important to get it to the right people. Halston Harper stepped up tonight and hit well.”
Poly freshman Debbie Hong: “I think we stayed focused. Sometimes we can lose focus. We established the middle. It’s a rivalry and everyone is playing hard. They played hard and that’s a credit to them.”
Prep League Standings:
Westridge (9-1 overall, 5-0 in league)
Poly (15-3, 5-1)
Mayfield (3-3, 3-2)
Flintridge Prep (4-2, 2-2)
Chadwick (4-3, 2-2)
Firebaugh (0-6, 0-4)
Rio Hondo Prep (8-6, 0-6)
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