PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran volleyball team captures playoff opener

Leah Wooden of Crean Lutheran goes up for a shot in Thursday’s playoff match. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs: John Luciano, Howard Lyon and Ted Rigoni).

Crean Lutheran’s girls volleyball team defeated El Modena in three sets in the opening round of the CIF Division 5 playoffs Thursday night to advance into the second round Saturday at Northwood at 6 p.m. against Buckley.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo:

Crean Lutheran players celebrate after Thursday's victory.

Crean Lutheran coach Monty Johns looks on.

The team honored Mary Curtis, wife of Rick Curtis and Steve Loeb, father of Austin Loeb, before the match.

Crean Lutheran players Leah Wooden (left) and Mia Rogers go up for a block.

El Modena players celebrate after a point Thursday.

Crean Lutheran students cheer on the Saints Thursday.

Madison Moore of Crean Lutheran hits the ball Thursday.

Payton Tully of Crean Lutheran celebrates a point.

The scores were 25-21, 25-13, 25-9. The Saints got plenty of support from their home fans in the Crean Lutheran gymnasium.

“The girls have been preparing for playoffs since August and got a little caught up in the moment,” said Crean Lutheran Coach Monty Johns.  “Fortunately, they settled down and played Saints volleyball in the last two sets. Bria Jones and Leah Wooden had significant contributions from the middle.”

The players had a moment of silence before the match for Mary Curtis, the wife of football coach Rick Curtis and Steve Loeb, the father of assistant boys basketball coach Austin Loeb, who both died this week.