Luc Robitaille expects Jim Hiller to return as Kings’ coach

• May 7, 2025

EL SEGUNDO — Kings team president Luc Robitaille spent nearly half an hour on Tuesday clarifying the state of the franchise, the status of its staff, including head coach Jim Hiller, and the “mutual agreement” to part ways with now-former General Manager Rob Blake.

Mostly, he obfuscated each matter.

One thing he was clear on was his praise for his former teammate and close colleague Blake, whom he said had “the highest integrity of anyone (he’d) ever known” and who “left us with a damn good team and left this franchise in great shape.” He also expressed esteem for Blake’s leadership and character, saying his departure would “leave a huge hole.”

While Robitaille was loath to delve into the discussion between him and Blake over the weekend, he hinted at a confirmation of the Mayor’s Manor report on Monday that that stepping down was “100% Blake’s decision,” as site publisher John Hoven asserted.

“Blakey and I had been talking about it for probably a year. He always said he wanted to wait to sign [a contract extension] and see,” Robitaille said. “We’re not getting into the details of our conversation, but it’s something that we talked about. He felt a certain way, I did, and we both agreed that this was better for the franchise.”

Robitaille provided a bit more clarity through vagueness when he was asked that given his overall positive if not glowing assessment of the team’s quality, roster, coaching, playing style, effort and even its management – he repeatedly lauded Blake’s moves from last offseason – if Blake would have returned if the Kings had not lost a fourth straight first-round playoff series to the Edmonton Oilers.

“I’m not sure. I’m not sure about that. We’ve had talks over the weekend with Blakey, that’ll remain private, but I’m not sure,” Robitaille said.

Robitaille said “we’re there, we were there last year,” and later specified that he meant that “there” meant they were one of 10 or so teams with realistic designs on winning the Stanley Cup. He pointed to St. Louis and Colorado as other teams that blew leads (though not four of them like the Kings did) in Game 7s and bowed out early. That conveniently ignored that both of those teams have captured the Stanley Cup (St. Louis in 2019 and Colorado in 2022) during the 11-year gap since the Kings last won a playoff series in any round. He also omitted that winning the Stanley Cup entails winning four rounds, a tough task for a squad struggling to win one.

“On July 1, if you look at your team and say ‘what can we add that can help us win the Stanley Cup?’ then you’re there,” Robitaille said. “We’ve been thinking that way for the last couple of years. We haven’t won the Cup. It’s not about beating one team or winning one round, it’s about winning the Stanley Cup.”

Regarding Hiller, of whom he said “I fully think this guy’s coming back for sure,” he offered the caveats that “it’s sports,” where anything can happen, and that the incoming GM would have his say.

He said he didn’t anticipate a change in large part because of the Kings’ 105-point regular season, which tied a franchise record. The Kings are 69-37-10 under Hiller, who took over in February 2024, and equaled a franchise best for wins (48) and broke the record for home wins (31) this season.

While it was among the very best campaigns in a history that dates to 1967, it was the sixth-highest point total in the NHL this year. Additionally, among the surviving “Expansion Six” franchises, the Kings’ two campaigns of 105 points lack sorely: Philadelphia has 12 seasons with 105 points or more, St. Louis has eight, Pittsburgh has six (as well as five championships) and the relocated Minnesota North Stars franchise has 10 since moving to Dallas in 1993.

There was even rare mention of Phillip Anschutz, the Kings owner who has been notoriously distant, even prompting Hall of Fame columnist Helene Elliott to pen an open letter to him in 2009. The last time he was seen prominently at a Kings game coincided with their last playoff series win.

“We have one of the best owners in sports. He cares about our team and he’s way more present than you would know and he loves his team,” Robitaille said.

The puzzling language of difficulty and hardship returned, something unbefitting of most figures in the hard-nosed world of pro hockey. The Kings made the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. So did seven other teams, all of which have now won multiple rounds in the playoffs during that span, most of which have reached the conference finals and three of which combined for four of the past five Stanley Cup titles.

The fifth title was won by Vegas, which has made seven postseason appearances in its eight years of existence. The Golden Knights had a prior Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2018, losing to Washington, which has made 16 of the past 18 tournaments.

“We’re at a place where you look at our team like ‘that’s a good team.’ It’s hard to make the playoffs in the NHL, there’s only 16 teams out of 32 [that get in],” Robitaille said.

Yet Robitaille insisted that despite 11 years of relative futility – Dean Lombardi only got three of those seasons after winning the only two Cup titles in what to that point could only loosely be termed franchise lore – the Kings were on the cusp.

“We’re there. We were there last year,” Robitaille said. “Rob Blake made tremendous moves in the summer. But, it’s not good enough so we’ve got to get better.”

Robitaille doesn’t sound like he’s close to hiring Blake’s replacement. He plans to examine multiple candidates, including Marc Bergevin, the former Montreal GM who was a senior adviser to Blake for the past 3½ years.

Robitaille isn’t waiting until he hires a new GM to begin preparations for next season. Working with assistant GM Nelson Emerson, Robitaille has already spoken to pending unrestricted free agents Andrei Kuzmenko and Vladislav Gavrikov, who played significant roles in the team’s late-season success.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

​ Orange County Register 

Bullpen can’t hold up as Dodgers fall to Marlins in 10 innings

• May 7, 2025

MIAMI — Seven relievers used Monday night (including Ben Casparius in a “bulk” role), five more Tuesday and a “bullpen game” planned for Wednesday – the Dodgers are really padding their MLB lead in relief innings.

They suffered from exposure Tuesday night, losing in 10 innings when a fresh arm – J.P. Feyereisen, called up from Triple-A for the day and sent back without recording an out – gave up an RBI single to Jesus Sanchez in the 10th and the Miami Marlins walked off with a 5-4 victory over the Dodgers.

“We had a few guys that were down (from usage),” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “That’s kind of the cost of … using your ’pen and starters that haven’t gone as deep, or pitch counts go up and you can’t get into the sixth, seventh inning. That’s just kind of the cost of it.”

It’s a business model that is “absolutely not” sustainable, Roberts acknowledged. But injuries to Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell and the decision to delay Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching have the Dodgers in a familiar position, leaning heavily on their bullpen.

“It just seems like certain guys – and I could go back on each starter – but you’re still trying to manage their health and … [be] mindful of the innings that the bullpen is taking on and trying to stagger as much you can, and manage leverage and all that stuff,” he said.

“Absolutely not, we (don’t) want to lead the league in bullpen innings.”

After failing to even advance their free runner in the top of the 10th, the Dodgers were 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position in the game.

With Feyereisen on the mound in the bottom of the 10th – the 14th pitcher to make a relief appearance for the Dodgers this season (not including Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernandez) – the Dodgers opted to intentionally walk Kyle Stowers. A single loaded the bases with no outs and the Dodgers tried to stave off defeat by going with a five-man infield. Sanchez slapped a single through the middle of it to drive in the winning run.

“I can’t speak for everybody, but I think from what we talk about and how we communicate, I think everybody’s on the same page and understanding what’s going on,” lefty reliever Anthony Banda said. “We just got to do our job and continue going. Try to get the right treatment, recovery and stuff like that to basically be available every day. That’s part of the job, and that’s what we do well here.

“We understand coming into this (stretch of 10 games between off days), it could turn real fast. So we’re all ready for it. We’re all mentally prepared for it. … Anytime the phone rings, it could be anybody at any point. So just got to get ready and just do your job.”

The Dodgers’ defense did its job to keep the game close.

In his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery, right-hander Tony Gonsolin held the Marlins scoreless for the first four innings on Tuesday – with significant help from Andy Pages.

Moved to right field with Teoscar Hernandez sidelined by injury, Pages stole a home run from Marlins catcher Liam Hicks in the third inning, came down on the warning track and fired a 98.5 mph bullet to double Dane Myers off first base and end the inning.

“That was sweet. He got to that ball,” Gonsolin said. “I looked up and it said 91 (mph) off the bat and I thought, ‘That can’t be a homer.’ But Andy going up against the wall and grabbing  it, throwing a really good throw to first and getting that double play was huge.”

Two innings later, there was nothing Pages could do when Hicks lined a two-run home run over his head and into the seats.

That gave the Marlins a 2-1 lead. But not for long.

Ohtani hit the first pitch of the sixth inning 403 feet into the upper deck in right field for his 10th home run of the season. Ohtani is the first player in MLB this year to reach double figures in home runs and stolen bases.

Freddie Freeman drove in the Dodgers’ first run with an RBI single in the first inning. Two batters after Ohtani’s home run, he got the lead back for the Dodgers with a solo home run of his own.

It was Freeman’s 42nd home run against the Marlins, breaking a tie with Ryan Howard and Ryan Zimmerman for the most by any player against the Marlins’ franchise.

Freeman also has an 11-game hitting streak after another multi-hit game Tuesday. During the streak, he is batting .452 (19 for 42) with three doubles, four home runs and 13 RBIs.

After five innings and 82 pitches from Gonsolin, Roberts called on the most heavily-worked bullpen in MLB (157 innings and counting) yet again. Before going to any of his high-leverage relievers – Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Kirby Yates or Tanner Scott – on Tuesday, Roberts tried to get a bridge inning from Luis Garcia.

“As the pitch count crept up, I thought he was getting a little fatigued,” Roberts said. “There wasn’t as much miss. But he gave us all he had.”

A non-roster invitee this spring after flopping as a trade-deadline pickup for the Boston Red Sox last season, Garcia has been one of the most frequent responders on the other end of the calls to the bullpen, one of four relievers to appear in at least half of the Dodgers’ first 36 games. He allowed three hits that led to two runs and the Marlins took a 4-3 lead.

For the second inning in a row, Ohtani re-tied the score.

With Hyeseong Kim on first base and one out in the seventh, Ohtani fell behind 0-and-2 but worked the count back full – thanks in part to one fastball on the outside corner that was called a ball by home plate umpire Erich Bacchus.

The seventh pitch of the at-bat was a cutter off the inside corner. Ohtani lined it into right field for a double, Kim flying around to score from first base.

The defense stepped up again in the eighth to keep the score tied.

The Marlins were primed to regain the lead when they loaded the bases for Myers. During last week’s series at Dodger Stadium, Myers came up with the bases loaded against Banda and hit a pinch-hit grand slam. This time, Banda got him to bounce to Max Muncy, who started a third-to-home-to-first double play.

“I don’t look at it as redemption. It’s just, you know, that’s baseball,” Banda said of the rematch with Myers. “They’re playing, we’re playing. And it’s all about making quality pitches, trying to get the out. Back in L.A., I didn’t make very good quality pitches, and allowed him to get a little bit more comfortable in the box. This time it was same scenario, but I’m really happy that we came on the other side of that outcome.”

But the Dodgers didn’t have another hit after Ohtani’s double and Will Smith bounced into a double to strand him as the free runner in the 10th.

“If we added a little more runs here and there, I think things would have turned out more favorably for us,” Ohtani said through his interpreter of the missed scoring opportunities that left the Dodgers short.

​ Orange County Register 

Foothill boys lacrosse dominates JSerra in second half of D1 quarterfinal

• May 7, 2025

Foothill’s boys lacrosse team flipped a switch in the second half against JSerra and came up with an 11-4 win in the CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals Tuesday at JSerra High.

The Knights (15-7) went on a 7-0 run that spanned over 27 minutes of game time before JSerra (13-7) scored in the final seconds of the game.

Foothill was able to play keep away from JSerra in the third quarter and controlled the ball for nearly 10 of the 12 minutes.

“We cleared the ball well and were a little more patient,” Foothill coach John Fox said. “In the first quarter we were pushing so hard. We got some secondary looks and were finding guys with open passes and were able to put a few in the net.”

The game featured two of the better face-off specialists in the county: Luke Bittner of JSerra and Logan Cummins of Foothill. Bittner had the slight edge in face-offs, but even when JSerra won the face-off, Foothill’s defense was often able to get the ball back quickly.

Foothill moved the ball well offensively and it was difficult for JSerra to key on just Foothill’s attackmen. Four different players scored multiple goals for the Knights and two long-stick players scored.

Ben Wehage and Connor Wolfe each had two goals and an assist. Tavin Russell, who scored five goals the first time Foothill played JSerra this season, scored twice as did Landen Rosenthal.

“It’s hard to stop us. The chemistry is unmatched,” Wehage said. “Even the JSerra players were saying our chemistry is looking really good.”

Jack Mills and Max Cavazos were the long-stick players who scored for Foothill. The goal was the fourth of the season for Mills and the second for Cavazos.

JSerra got off to a hot start to the game with two consecutive goals in the first seven minutes. Mason Stephens scored and had an assist to Gavin Goodrich, which prompted Fox to call a timeout.

“Our defense needed to take a breath and remember their assignments,” Fox said. “We also needed to remind our offense that it doesn’t have to happen on the first pass and to be patient to get a good look.”

Goodrich had two goals for JSerra and Gabe Seldow added a goal. Jack Pearl had nine saves for the Lions.

Foothill will find itself in a familiar place against a familiar opponent Saturday. The Knights will play Loyola in the semifinals for the second consecutive season. Foothill beat Loyola to win the championship in 2023 and Loyola beat Foothill to win the inaugural CIF Southern Section championship in 2021.

“When you get to the playoffs, you have to be tough on ground balls and get great looks on offense,” Fox said. “Loyola is so good in transition too so that will be a key to the game.”

“This is like a championship game for me. I’m ready to go,” Wehage said of Loyola.

Foothill is the only team in the Southern Section to reach the semifinals each season since CIF took over the playoff format in 2021.

In other quarterfinal games Tuesday:

Mater Dei 13, Westlake 7: Sinjin Kroener scored six goals for Mater Dei.

Harper O’Hara had two goals and three assists for Mater Dei (14-3) and goalie Sam Heafner had nine saves.

Mater Dei will play the winner of Wednesday’s game between St. Francis and Santa Margarita in the semifinals on Saturday. The Monarchs beat Santa Margarita 10-6 earlier this season.

Loyola 15, Corona del Mar 5: Corona del Mar had its season come to an end with a loss to top-seeded Loyola.

Owen Majit scored three goals for the Sea Kings and Garrett Ip added two.

Corona del Mar (12-7) won the Sunset League this season for the fifth consecutive year and coach G.W. Mix tallied his 250th career win.

​ Orange County Register 

Huntington Beach volleyball sweeps Redondo in Division 1 playoffs

• May 7, 2025

HUNTINGTON BEACH — The Huntington Beach boys volleyball team took care of business Tuesday night by sweeping Redondo, 25-23, 25-23, 25-19, to move one step closer to a CIF-SS finals appearance.

The Oilers (33-3) are now 2-0 in Division 1 pool play and can advance to the championship game with a win  Friday over Loyola or with a Newport Harbor victory over the Cubs on Wednesday.

Huntington Beach coach Craig Pazanti believed execution in the pivotal moments proved to be the difference, especially in the first two sets.

“We played them twice, so I don’t think there were any surprises for either team,” Pazanti said. “It was just a matter of execution, and you saw that in the first two sets, 25-23, 25-23.

“Both teams were playing at a pretty high level, I think our serve and pass game was just a little tighter and that’s kind of what got it (done). We just went on a couple runs late in both those sets.”

Pazanti added that the Oilers’ serving subs “did an amazing job tonight. Easton Ebmeyer and Nicky Brazao came in and really changed the tide from the service line, which is what we’ve been expecting from those guys all year. We don’t have a lot of jump servers, so those guys both jump serve and to have that happen is nice.”

Sophomore outside hitter Logan Hutnick led the Oilers attack with 15 kills while junior outside Colin Choi added 10 kills.

Pazanti was not surprised by Hutnick’s performance.

“You know, he doesn’t ever surprise me,” the coach said. “He’s just been steady for us. I mean in my eyes, I expect that out of him, you know.”

Pazanti called Choi “our unsung hero” and possibly the key to the team’s success in the postseason.

“He was amazing at the net tonight,” Pazanti said. “I always expect him to pass and play defense, but I don’t think they stopped him. … if he continues to play like that we’re going to be a tough out.”

Halfway through the opening set, Huntington Beach started to pull away on a kill from Hutnick and an ace from Ebmeyer.

The Sea Hawks (27-9) came right back to take a slim lead in the second set, 12-9, as they leaned on the play of Bobby Bennett and Cash Essert but the Oilers closed the gap before eventually taking control of the set and the match.

Pazanti stressed the importance of keeping their preparation the same despite what’s at stake.

“We play the game one way. It doesn’t matter what’s on the line,” he said. “I mean, our practices have been that way. We play the game one way, we play as hard as we can for as long as we can. That’s been our motto. So we’re gonna come out, we’re gonna prep tomorrow and Thursday and then we’ll come back out Friday night and we’ll go through the same routine we’ve been going through.”

​ Orange County Register 

What to know about the conclave to elect the next pope

• May 7, 2025

By VANESSA GERA, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — One hundred and thirty-three cardinals are sequestering themselves behind the Vatican’s medieval walls for the start of a conclave starting Wednesday to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion faithful across the world.

Why is the conclave being held now?

The conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth, and to let them get acquainted before entering the conclave, an ancient ritual steeped in mystery and ritual.

What happens in a conclave?

The cardinals are cut off from the world at the Vatican, between residences and the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in secret — and in silence — beneath Michelangelo’s famed ceiling fresco of the Creation and his monumental “Last Judgment.”

The process — fictionalized in the 2024 political thriller “Conclave” — is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and is designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference.

Taking no chances, the Vatican is asking cardinals to hand over their phones for the duration of the conclave and is deactivating cell phone coverage at the Vatican. It also plans to use signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Santa Marta hotel and adjacent residence where the cardinals will sleep, in order to prevent surveillance and communication with the outside world.

White or black smoke signals?

The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After two rounds of voting, ballots are burned in a special stove — black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.

Electors must be under 80 years old, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism’s growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe.

How long does it take?

The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, but it’s reasonable to assume that this conclave will be much, much shorter.

Cardinals this week said they expect a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. The conclave opens late afternoon Wednesday. Cardinals are expected to hold the first round of voting on Wednesday, but there is no requirement that they do so.

For most of the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days — was elected on the third ballot in 1978. His successor, St. John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013.

Who are the contenders?

There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope.

After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders. The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis).

Of the 133 cardinals expected to vote at the conclave, 108 were appointed by Francis. They may feel a loyalty to continuing his legacy — even though the late pontiff didn’t choose cardinals based on ideology, but rather for their pastoral priorities and geographical diversity.

Beyond that, the cardinals will consider practical matters, like age. Picking a relatively young man — say in his 60s — could result in a papacy of 20 years or longer.

Picking a pope from where the church is growing – Asia or Africa – could bring more upheaval to the Vatican’s Italian-heavy bureaucracy that is still smarting from the Argentine pope’s go-it-alone style.

What happens after a new pope is chosen?

Once a candidate receives the necessary votes and accepts, he chooses a papal name and enters the “Room of Tears” — named for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead — to don his papal vestments.

Minutes later, he is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the proclamation in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!”)

That will be immediately followed by the revelation of his baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has chosen.

A line that stretches back to St. Peter and Jesus

Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells him, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,” a verse that forms the biblical basis for the papacy.

According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted. He was said to be crucified upside down at his own request, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

St. Peter’s Basilica now stands over what is believed to be his tomb.

Why does the pope matter beyond the Catholic Church?

Though the pope leads a religious institution, his influence extends far beyond it. Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in his native Poland and encouraging resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. His moral leadership was credited by many with helping to hasten the end of the Cold War.

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, became a prominent voice on global issues from climate change to migration and economic inequality. He called for compassion toward refugees, warned against the dangers of nationalism, and urged action to protect the planet — stances that resonated well beyond church walls, and at times put him at odds with political leaders.

A name to signal a papal direction

The first sign of the new pope’s priorities will come in the name he chooses.

A Francis II might signal a new pope’s embrace of Francis’ legacy of prioritizing the poor and marginalized; a Pius would hint at a traditionalist restoration.

From John Paul to Benedict to Francis, each name has carried historical weight and theological intent. For the 267th pope, it will be his first message to the world.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

​ Orange County Register 

Corona del Mar volleyball beats Beckman, sets up big match vs. Mira Costa

• May 7, 2025

NEWPORT BEACH – Corona del Mar’s boys volleyball team defeated Beckman in four sets, 26-24, 25-17, 17-25, 25-17, on Tuesday in a CIF Southern Section Division 1 pool play match.

The victory set up a bigger match Saturday.

The Sea Kings will play at Mira Costa in the final round of pool play Saturday. Both teams are 2-0 in Pool A. The winner advances to the Division 1 championship match.

Corona del Mar has played Mira Costa twice this season. Mira Costa won both of those matches, 2-1 in a tournament and 3-0. The Sea Kings’ other losses were to Division 1 playoff teams, two to Huntington Beach in Sunset League matches and one to Loyola in nonleague play.

Mira Costa (31-2) swept San Clemente in another Pool A match Tuesday.

Beckman plays San Clemente in the final round of Pool A on Saturday.

Junior outside hitter Ben Brown led Corona del Mar with 18 kills Tuesday. He also had two aces.

Junior outside hitter Brady Gant had 10 kills. Sophomore middle blocker Daniel Booker contributed 10 kills, and junior outside hitter Hunter Hannemann added nine kills.

Junior setter Drake Foley had 48 assists. Libero Brogan Glenn, the team’s only senior on the floor, had 14 digs.

The front-like blocking of Gant, Brown and junior middle Jack Robinson was essential to Corona del Mar’s success.

Beckman opposite hitter Luke Morrison, a senior lefty who signed with Stanford, had 16 kills and a handful of blocks. Junior Gavin Looney and seniors Jack Frame and Dimitri Perez also were consistent contributors for Beckman’s scoring.

Corona del Mar took an early lead in the first set before the Patriots roared back, putting together a Morrison-led 11-3 run that put Beckman on top 14-11. Beckman later had a 21-18 lead but could not hang on as the Sea Kings won it 26-24.

The Sea Kings led throughout the second set on the way to their 25-17 win. Beckman showed plenty of resolve to get the victory in the third set 25-17. Corona del Mar reestablished control to win the fourth set 25-17 and capture the match.

“We battled through,” said Corona del Mar coach Katey Thompson. “We didn’t quite get the start we wanted. We still have a lot of juniors that are playing that haven’t played CIF (playoff) matches before.

“So one of our hurdles is having everyone understand it’s just another volleyball match. Yes, it’s CIF. But we’re going to be OK.”

Gant said the Sea Kings’ play at the net was solid.

“I think we were better at blocking than we’ve ever been,” Gant said.

So now it’s on to Mira Costa to play the top-seeded Mustangs, the No. 1 team in the MaxPreps.com national rankings that have Huntington Beach at No. 2 and Corona del Mar at No. 3.

“We’re a more improved team since the last time we played them,” Thompson said.

Corona del Mar played Mira Costa in the final round of Division 1 pool play last season. And like this season, that match determined which of those two teams advanced to the final. Mira Costa won it to get to the final, where it lost to Loyola.

“The history of Corona del Mar vs. Mira Costa will get everyone fired up,” Thompson said.

​ Orange County Register 

WeightWatchers files for bankruptcy protection to eliminate debt burden

• May 7, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — WeightWatchers said Tuesday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to eliminate $1.15 billion in debt and focus on its transition into a telehealth services provider.

Parent WW International Inc. said it has the support of nearly three-quarters of its debt holders. It expects to emerge from bankruptcy within 45 days, if not sooner.

WeightWatchers, which was founded more than 60 years ago, has struggled recently. In 2023, the company moved into the prescription drug weight loss business — particularly with the $106 million acquisition of Sequence, now WeightWatchers Clinic, a telehealth service that helps users get prescriptions for drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Trulicity.

Its latest earnings report Tuesday showed that first-quarter revenue declined 10% while its loss on an adjusted basis totaled 47 cents per share. However, clinical subscription revenue — or weight-loss medications — jumped 57% year over year to $29.5 million.

In September, WW International CEO Sima Sistani resigned, and the New York company named Tara Comonte, a WeightWatchers board member and former Shake Shack executive, interim chief executive.

Comonte, now CEO, said in a statement Tuesday that, “As the conversation around weight shifts toward long-term health, our commitment to delivering the most trusted, science-backed, and holistic solutions —grounded in community support and lasting results — has never been stronger, or more important.”

Shares of the company have traded at under $1 since early February. In after-hours trading, the stock plunged by half to 39 cents.

The bankruptcy filing was made in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

​ Orange County Register 

Harry Styles’ bandmates list Pasadena Queen Anne home for $2.8M

• May 7, 2025

A Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion owned by Harry Styles’ band members, songwriter and guitarist Mitch Rowland and his wife, drummer Sarah Jones, is on the market for $2.8 million.

The 3,009-square-foot home, known as the George E. Hutchins House, features a wraparound front porch and a historic plaque indicating it is a city cultural heritage landmark. It has five bedrooms and three bathrooms with a finished attic used by the musician couple as a creative space.

Records show it sold through a trust in Rowland’s name in November 2023 for $2.25 million, 12% less than the $2.55 million it sought in July of that same year.

Rowland and Jones have kept the house just as it was when they bought it, except for sourcing restored lighting fixtures from Pasadena Architectural Salvage.

The house was built between 1895 to 1899. Around 1906, movers transported it in its entirety using horses and wagons from around the corner to the quarter-acre lot where it now stands in the historic, tree-lined Arroyo Terrace neighborhood.

While the house maintains its historic charm, it also includes modern updates. A standout feature is the gourmet kitchen, which includes Viking appliances, a custom tin ceiling and granite countertops.

The checkerboard space transitions into a breakfast room filled with light, overlooking the gardens and gazebo.

Period-appropriate wallpaper decorates the interior of the house with nature motifs, including white rabbits, deer, birds, dragonflies and spider webs.

Large windows enhance the living and formal dining rooms. According to the listing agent, the space staged as the dining room is officially a bedroom.

The foyer staircase leads up to four bedrooms on the second floor.

Not included in the overall square footage is the 1,131-square-foot attic, accessible by a pull-down ladder, the detached carriage house featuring a two-car garage and a 351-square-foot loft, as well as the 131-square-foot  separate office with storage behind it.

Nina Kurtz of Compass has the listing.

Rowland, 35, went from a dishwasher at a Highland Park pizza parlor to co-writing and touring with Styles. Since 2016, he has collaborated with the former One Direction star on three albums and their hits. He co-wrote “Watermelon Sugar,” which won won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2021. He also contributed to the singles “Sign of the Times,” “Golden” and “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.”

In 2023, Rowland won an Album of the Year Grammy for his role as a songwriter and performer on “Harry’s House.” He also released his solo debut album, “Come June,” featuring Jones, 39, on drums.

The couple have two children.

​ Orange County Register