Santa Margarita Sticks With Format

Santa Margarita took another step toward its third straight state finals appearance with a 15-2, 15-3, 15-10 victory Saturday over visiting Sanger in a second-round Division II state playoff match.

Much like their first-round win over an overmatched Bakersfield Highland team, the Eagles (27-7) dominated the serve to move on to host a semifinal match Tuesday against Lakewood St. Joseph.

The Apaches (21-11) were never in it, having trouble both with the serve and blocking of Santa Margarita’s Monique Gerlach (17 kills, four aces) and Michelle Davis (13 kills).

After a timeout, the Eagles scored five straight to rebound from an 8-7 deficit in Game 3 and end the match in less than an hour.

Caroline Skacel had 10 digs and eight kills for the Eagles.

“Sometimes it’s hard to be ready for a good team after weaker competition,” said Eagle setter Anna Mosich (36 assists). “We’ve been practicing for the state finals. We want to be ready for that match.”