Redondo Union Spikes Bishop Montgomery

Redondo Union High opened its volleyball season with a resounding victory Tuesday over Bishop Montgomery, winning in three games.

Unlike last year when the Knights won in five games, the Sea Hawks quickly pulled away 25-12, 25-10, 25-14.

Senior Nicole White set the tone for her team in Game 1 with four kills.

"Nicole White was awesome," coach Tommy Chaffins said. "She had no hitting errors and she blocked a lot of balls."

White ended up with seven kills on the night.

"It was a goal of ours to come out strong and play as a team," said Lara Dykstra, who had a 15-point service run. "I just think we executed really well and everyone on the team contributed."

Chaffins said Bishop Montgomery has a young team this year and that "my team is just a lot more experienced and experience is pretty darn important."

Among the experienced Sea Hawks players is Blake O'Brian, a three-year varsity starting setter, and Dykstra, the right front outside hitter, a four-year starter. The varsity team also has some youth, with sophomore Skylar Dykstra and freshman Brianna Lanktree, who Chaffins said will be one of the top freshman in the country.

White said her team can play even better "with more practice and more team bonding.''

"I am the beneficiary of coaching a phenomenal, talented group who like to work hard and are great teammates," Chaffins said.