Tustin girls volleyball team headed to CIF finals Saturday at home vs. Vistamar

Tustin coach Joanna Lane talks to her players during last week’s second round match. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Tustin’s girls volleyball team is headed to the CIF Division 5 finals Saturday in the Tustin gymnasium.

The top-seeded Tillers will face No. 10 of Vistamar (25-2) of El Segundo in the finals at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. and a capacity crowd is expected.

Tustin (26-3) defeated Palm Desert in three sets Saturday at Palm Desert 25-20, 25-17, 25-18 in the semifinals. The Tillers now have a chance to win their first CIF title in girls volleyball in school history.

“Our mindset was strong the entire time of the match,” Tustin Coach Joanna Lane said. “There was never a moment of panic, we controlled our energy, effort, and physicality the entire time.

“We made the decision we’re going to serve tough, pass first, play solid defense by never letting a ball drop, and go after the Aztecs offensively.  I’m proud of how we executed our game plan and kept our eyes focused on the prize. A sweep against a solid team like Palm Desert was what we worked for.”

Lane said there was a large contingent of Tustin fans, or who she calls the “Good Vibe Tribe” which she said was “awesome and made the 108 mile drive out to Palm Desert. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by the entire Tiller community.” 

In the match against No. 5 Palm Desert, the first set was a close battle and the Tillers trailed 14-17 when libero Malia Acosta dug a ball and sent it over for a points.

A tough serve from Acosta, a kill by Erin McInnes, and a kill from outsider hitter Ava McInnes coupled with an ace from Jade Croopnick evened the score 18-18, according to Lane. The Tillers worked hard offensively and defensively winning eight of the last 10 points to win 25-20.

In the second set, the Tillers took a 22-12 lead before winning 25-17.

“We never gave up our composure, we stayed focused, ready, and aggressive the entire time,” Lane said.

Tustin jumped out to an 8-1 lead in the third set, which ended with a missed serve by Palm Desert.

“The Tillers rushed the court and the momentum took them to the ground,” Lane said. “You could feel the pride and good vibes. We’re excited to do what no other team has done and contribute to the Tiller Legacy.” 

Tustin was led by Sam Cannone, the senior setter, who had 35 assists, three aces and nine digs.

Senior outside hitter Alex Cox had five kills and 17 digs. Senior outside hitter Ava McInnes had eight kills, one ace and 17 digs.

Junior middle blocker Paige Cutwright had seven kills. Senior middle blocker Sophie Palmer had three kills and one block.

Sophomore outside hitter Erin McInnes had nine kills and two digs.

Junior libero Malia Acosta had 37 digs and one ace and junior opposite hitter Jade Croopnick had two kills, four aces and seven digs.