Mater Dei's Ashley Cox (5) goes up against Mission Viejo's Kaela Goodman (4). Courtesy of Lou Collazo

Mater Dei defeated Mission Viejo in four-games in playoff action tonight.

Here's more on the match:

Background: The teams met on Sept. 22. Mater Dei won that match in four games. Mission Viejo was playing without outside hitter Kaela Goodman. Mater Dei was playing with Kay Lin Connolly at outside hitter.

Tuesday's line up changes: Goodman was back in Mission's rotation. Connolly switched to libero during the season and was starting there for Mater Dei.

Quick notes on the match: Mater Dei had a little more depth than the Diablos. They had 5 hitters combine for 44 kills, led by Emily Doll's 11. Of the other four, none had less than 8. I also thought Mater Dei served stronger, though the Monarchs did struggle on their service return early on. Mission Viejo just wasn't able to pass consistently, and that allowed Mater Dei to stay in some points and eventually the Monarchs hitter finished them.

A little on Mater Dei: The Monarchs face Murrieta Valley next round. That's going to be a difficult task for Mater Dei, and either way, a valuable experience for next season. Mater Dei loses just two seniors from its starting lineup, which includes junior setter Monica Stauber,  three sophomores (Madeline Frome, Annie Flynn, Ashley Cox)  and a freshman (Sara Hughes).

A little on Mission Viejo: You have to ask the question how good would the Diablos be had Kaela Goodman been healthy all season? Bad luck happens, and hit Mission. This year. It was great to see Kaela make it back and be able to participate in the playoffs for her senior year. The Diablos have a nice core of returners next year. Back are freshman setter Kyra Goodman, junior middle blockers Jillian Meyers and  Danielle White, sophomore outside hitter Sophie Rowe and junior libero Bree Knox.

Obscure and irrelevant note of the night: Mater Dei is likely the county leader with five assistant coaches. Mission Viejo is likely the county leader with assistant coaches named Tim. The Diables have two.

Thoughts on other county matches:

Sweep central: Of the scores we have in, 15 county teams won in three games. Three lost in three games.

Star of the night: Huntington Beach's Haleigh Hampton. The Oilers middle blocker posted 25 kills and 7 blocks in a three-game against Brea Olinda. Those are big numbers for a sweep.

Runner-ups: Laguna Beach's Paulette Grand Pre (18 kills, 16 digs) and Beckman's Lydia Bai (25 kills, 13 digs).

Setter of the night: Beckman's Laurie Goodman. She had 43 assists, 5 digs, 4 kills and 2 blocks in the team's victory over M.L. King.

Great effort of the night: Capo Valley. The Cougars, though swept, pushed Long Beach Poly and played the Jackrabbits tough. They lost 26-24, 25-21, 25-22. Alma Serna had 11 kills and 4 blocks.

More from the girls volleyball blog:

• Girls volleyball: Tuesday's playoff scores
• Girls volleyball playoffs: Big rally lifts Mater Dei
• Girls volleyball playoffs: Mater Dei pulls in front
• Girls volleyball playoffs: Mission Viejo-Mater Dei tied at 1
• Girls volleyball: Final Top 10 poll

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