Baldoni, U.S.A. advance

KHANTY-MANSIYSK, Russia — Kate Baldoni, a former Corona del Mar High girls’ water polo standout, advanced with the USA women’s junior national team into the semifinals of the FINA Junior World Championships Thursday.

The goalie, bound for Stanford, watched as Team USA beat defending champion Australia, 9-5. After playing the entire game in a 16-4 win against South Africa Wednesday, Baldoni did not see action in the cage, as Sami Hill played there all four quarters.

The U.S. junior nationAL team will play against Netherlands in the semifinals. The two teams have met already in the tournament with the United States claiming a 10-4 victory earlier this week.

SAILORS FARE WELL WITH TWO WINS IN HAWAII

KAUAI, Hawaii — Incoming seniors Katey Thompson and Kirby Burnham combined for 20 kills and led top-seeded Newport Harbor High to two pool-play victories at the eighth annual Kauai Challenge Girls’ Volleyball Invitational Thursday.

The Sailors beat Kauai, 25-18, 25-15, and Iolani’s No. 2 team, 25-8, 25-17.

Newport Harbor was scheduled to play a third match against Ventura St. Bonaventure Thursday, but results were not available before press time.

“We’re trying a new island,” said Newport Harbor Coach Dan Glenn via phone. “We usually come to Hawaii to play at the Ann Kang tournament in Iolani, but we brought 21 players and we’re excited to be here.”

Thompson, a middle blocker, is bound for UC Santa Barbara, and Kirby Burnham, an outside hitter, is headed to USC.

Kelly Heenan had 10 digs and two service aces for Newport Harbor. Mackenzi Campbell finished with 11 assists and three digs.

— From staff reports