Locals conjure past

Interestingly, a very talented Newport Harbor team featuring sophomores Misty May (Long Beach State) and Melissa Schutz (Colorado) as well as freshman Jeannette Hecker (LMU) played in the 1992 Division III bracket, which they won.

Moving up to Division I in ’93, Newport played Corona del Mar in the state final, after losing in the CIF section final. With Misty, Melissa and Sara Fairborn (Georgetown) leading the way, Newport battled to five games but lost.

In 1994, Dan Glenn’s Newport team was one of the best. With Misty, Sara, Melissa, and Laura Osborne all very experienced seniors coupled with junior Jeannette Hecker’s setting, the Sailors swept the finals. The seniors left Newport with three state final appearances and two state titles. Impressive.

Newport returned to the state finals in 1998 and 1999 led by April Ross (USC), Jennifer Carey (Hawaii), Marissa Cothran (currently coaching at Vanguard), Krista Dill (Duke), Heather Cullen (UCLA) and Brenda Waterman (UC Irvine). These Sailors dominated with a sweep in both finals over Lincoln from Stockton. These teams were very talented and experienced.

The experience of competing in the state tournament is outstanding. Playing in this fourth part of the season can bring great memories and successes which only make a season more special . Newport and Corona del Mar are on that quest. Good luck to both.