Daly Lifts No. 1 San Clemente to Victory Over No. 10 El Toro

San Clemente, the top-ranked girls’ volleyball team in Orange County, won a key South Coast League match in ragged fashion by topping No. 10 El Toro, 15-9, 15-12, 16-14, Thursday at El Toro High.

Katy Daly had 17 kills and 11 digs for the Tritons (5-0, 2-0 in league), who were in control until El Toro (6-1, 1-1) threatened late in the third game.

Junior Kim Wilson, who had 16 kills and 26 digs, helped El Toro take a 14-13 lead and the Chargers began celebrating an apparent game victory when a spike hit by San Clemente’s Heather Morgan went long. But officials said one of El Toro’s blockers deflected the ball, giving San Clemente a side out.

The Tritons converted the opportunity with Daly notching two kills for a side out and a point.

“Katy Daly showed why she is one of the premier players in the county,” San Clemente Coach Rob O’Rear said.

Megan Blackshire (five blocks) served an ace to make it 15-14, then an El Toro hitting error gave the Tritons the victory.

El Toro, playing without starting opposite Kim Ulloa, who has a knee injury, struggled with its passing and serving. The Chargers had 10 service errors (San Clemente had only three), and their inconsistent passing hampered their offense.

Christina Vick had eight kills and Lauren Boissevain had 30 assists and three blocks for San Clemente.