Tustin headed to CIF quarterfinals after sweeping J.W. North in second round

Coach Joanna Lane leads the Tillers into the quarterfinals Wednesday. (Photo courtesy Cesar Padilla, For OC Sports Zone)

Tustin High’s girls volleyball team, top seeded in the CIF Division 5 playoffs, captured a second round victory over J.W. North Saturday in Riverside.

The scores were 25-12, 25-12, 25-15. Tustin moves on to the quarterfinals to face Windward of Los Angeles on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Tustin gymnasium. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m.

“The girls have their eyes on the prize and we not going to let anything or anyone stand in their way,” said Tustin Coach Joanna Lane.

“It’s also the second time in Tiller girls volleyball history that a team has made it to this round, the last team being the 1994 varsity Tillers. We’re hoping to continue what they started 25 years ago.”

In Saturday’s match, outside hitter Ava McInnes led Tustin with 10 kills, five digs and two blocks.

Senior outside hitter Alex Cox had eight kills, one ace and 13 digs.

Junior Libero Malia Acosta had five aces and 12 digs. Sophomore opposite Erin McInnes had four kills and two blocks.

Senior setter Sam Cannone had 31 assists, seven aces and seven digs.  And junior opposite Jade Croopnick had three kills and three aces.

“Our game changers as we call those on the bench continued to contribute in a major way with their loud cheers and good vibes,” Lane said.

The winner of Wednesday’s match faces the winner of the Palm Desert-Chaminade winner in the semifinals on Saturday. The finals are on Saturday, Nov. 9.