Coastal Christian High lost 22-25, 25-17, 18-25, 17-25 to Pomona Catholic in the CIF-Southern Section Division 5AA girls volleyball semifinals Tuesday night. 

Leslie Henry was the driving force for the Conquerors, leading Coastal Christian with 15 kills, six blocks and 43 digs. Teammate JoAnn Lindstaedt had 22 assists.

After making it to the Division 5A finals last year where they lost to Coast Union, the Conquerors were moved up to Division 5AA for a more competitive playoff bracket. Coastal Christian coach Misty Sano approached the season with this in mind. 

“It has been a season of trying to accomplish goals,” Sano said. “Some we accomplished, some we didn’t.” 

After losing a heartbreaking section final last year to Coast Union, the Conquerors aimed to reach the section finals this year and win, but No. 3 Pomona Catholic made this goal unattainable yet again for Coastal Christian. 

The Conquerors (26-2) played catch-up in most of Tuesday’s sets, continually trying to close deficits, but ultimately fell to the Pacers in four.

“We beat ourselves in this one,” Sano said. “Serve reception was tough, we passed poorly and we had a hard time running our offense. I’m so proud of these girls.”