Hey, get your Notebook here! It’s our every-Friday look at girls volleyball throughout the state of California. Read all about it!
Saint Francis does not lighten up at ToC
Saint Francis of Mountain View placed 13th out of 64 teams at the Durango Fall Classic two Saturdays ago. The Lancers fell victim to a rally from Louisville Assumption rally during the Championship Qualifying Round, then lost to Xavier College Prep of Phoenix in the first round of the Silver Bracket before winning out.
One of the wins came against West Catholic Athletic League rival Archbishop Mitty, a team Saint Francis lost to the first time they played. Saint Francis (24-3) doubled up on the Monarchs five days later by registering a four-set league win at home. That gave me a feeling that the Lancers might do something special last weekend at the Nike Tournament of Champions-Southwest in Phoenix. Indeed, in last Friday’s Notebook, I wrote this:
Saint Francis also could figure after downing league rival Archbishop Mitty for the second time in five days on Wednesday.
Seven wins later, including the last four that all went to a third and deciding set, the Lancers are the 2023 National Division champions. Lake Merchen’s team downed defending champion Cornerstone Christian of San Antonio, a team that finished seven spots ahead of it at Durango, in the championship match.
“Beating Cornerstone Christian was largely in part to our reception and defensive efforts,” Merchen explained. “ [Libero] Whitney Wallace was incredible and as a whole we were passing the ball at a super high level all the way throughout the match, which let our setter (Hannah Maguire) run a really great offense and stay ahead of the big block and great defense of CC. We've put a ton of work in defensively over the past week and it definitely showed in that match as well. CC is a crazy physical team that I think is used to just being bigger/better than the teams they go up against, but their offense is a little slower than what we're used to seeing, so we were able to take advantage of that and consistently get great touches on the block and our defenders were working their butts off to give us second chance and transition opportunities. Overall (and I'm sure this is the most cliché response you can get but for us, it couldn't be more accurate) this tournament win was an entire team effort. Each and every player we had stepped up when their number was called and helped to take pressure off of their teammates.”
“I think our mindset going into Durango was to get the opportunity to match up against the top teams in the country, be challenged, and see where we stood compared to them,” Merchen said. “The loss against Assumption showed us that we were just as good, if not better, than a lot of those teams, but we needed to be more fearless in tight moments and especially at the end of matches. Our motto for the week and for this tournament was simply to be fearless when the moment was big. Big wins require big things, big swings, and big plays...and we stayed true to that throughout the tournament.”
Merchen said he wasn’t sure his team would make the final after losing Game 1 of the semifinal versus Liberty of Peoria, 25-11.
“They were a great team and it looked like the crazy amount of competitive matches we'd played in the past three weeks had caught up to us and we'd hit a wall,” Merchen explained.
The team, which was error-prone in that first set, then went down 10-3 to start the second.
“The comeback charge was led by Erin Curtis, especially with her offense coming out of the backrow; and Ella Fulton (Soph. MB) who had four blocks and a handful of kills…Definitely a moment where the fearless mindset came to play and got us out of a tough spot.”
Curtis and fellow outside Taylor Williams, Wallace, and Maguire made the All-Tournament Team for Saint Francis, with Merchen anointing Maguire as the MVP. That’s huge praise given that replacing stud setter Havanna Hoeft from last year’s 34-1 team was the biggest question mark for the team heading into the season.
Fulton and middle Sacha Touma also excelled, teaming for 64 kills and 24 blocks at the net.
“They were both able to carry the offensive load in matches where our pins looked like they had hit the wall and there's no way we could have made the run we did without the two of them,” Merchen said.
The rest of the Golden State in Phoenix
Many other California teams represented well at the ToC. Sacred Heart Prep placed seventh overall in the 32-team National Division. The National Division was for the top 32 teams competing; the Premier Division for the next 32.
Sierra Canyon and Marymount tied for ninth in National, with Beckman 10th, Bishop’s 20th, Vista Murrieta 27th, Eastlake 30th, and Oak Ridge 31st.
Mayfield was the highest-finishing Golden State team in the Premier, taking third overall. James Logan ended up sixth, Poway 10th, Norco 12th and Rancho Buena Vista 15th.
The biggest surprise of the event probably was Sacred Heart Prep’s win over Sierra Canyon in Platinum Bracket qualifying Saturday morning. The Gators went into that match 6-6 over their previous 12 and proceeded to win in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20.
“Sacred Heart was impressive,” exclaimed Sierra Canyon coach Stefanie Wigfall. “They were a well-coached, athletic team with a fast-paced offense and excellent ball control. They controlled the match from the very start and played so well! I was so impressed with their play.”
Four seniors, Elina Wheeler, Mia Radeff, Isabelle Marco, and Jillian Amaro, led the way in the win for Sacred Heart Prep.
It should be noted that Sierra Canyon played the tournament without its superstar junior libero Lauren Lynch, who was in Colorado Springs attending the National Training Development Program.
“This was the first time in three years we’ve played without Lauren,” Wigfall said. “Although we know how important she is to our team, it highlighted how integral a role she plays in our success.”
James Logan went 5-2 and finished in the Platinum Bracket of the Premier Division. The Colts (28-4) lost only to two Arizona squads. Sophomore OH McKenzie Anderson had another strong weekend for Logan, as did senior libero Julianna Bonduc and setters Kaitlyn Anderson and Leann Jung.
Standing in the Hall of Fame
Sara Dukes Johnson poses with her three kids and extended volleyball family at Monte Vista on her Hall of Fame night
Last Thursday, Monte Vista head coach Sara Dukes Johnson was inducted into Carondelet’s Athletics Hall of Fame. Johnson starred for the Cougars in the late 1990s, winning North Coast Section POY honors in 1999; then went on to win an NCAA championship playing for Stanford. She later played on the beach as part of the AVP Tour before turning her attention to coaching.
On the same day, her Mustang team rallied from down two sets to one to defeat Carondelet in five.
“On a night when the emotions were running high, it seemed very fitting and poetic to have a marathon, five-set thriller to beat them,” Johnson said. “The gym was really loud, the energy was electric and both teams showed up with an incredibly high level of play. I am a proud Carondelet alum, and am always cheering for the Cougars, except on the two nights we face off each season. I am incredibly honored by the recognition and could not have asked for a more exciting way to kick off the Hall of Fame weekend.”
Keep on Rocklin in the free world
Rocklin has earned its way back into the state top 25 by being unbeaten versus California competition for more than a month. The Thunder’s streak includes two wins over Oak Ridge, one over Folsom, one over Del Oro, and one over Granite Bay.
“This is a unique team as we have seven sophomores, three juniors, and a senior,” noted coach Dave Muscarella. “I have seen great growth in the sophomores as our season has progressed. They have been in some difficult situations this season and have found ways to pull through it. My only senior has been a great leader and supports the entire team. This is a really fun group of young players that are motivated and eager to get better. “
In action last night from the state top 25…
The state top 25 was busy yesterday, with 19 teams in action, including three matchups of state-ranked teams.
No. 6 Sierra Canyon got 14 kills and 22 digs from Danica Rach to get past No. 7 Alemany in four sets. Sade Ilawole finished with 50 assists and Lauren Lynch contributed 17 digs.
Alanah Clemente had a match-high 19 kills for Alemany. Gabi Polishuk added 14 kills and 14 digs.
Further south, No. 16 Palos Verdes defeated No. 17 Redondo Union in five sets for the second time this season. Playing on its Senior Night, Redondo led 23-21 in Game 4 and was on the verge of a 3-1 win, when OH Kendall Beshear authored two blocks followed by two kills to turn the set in PV’s favor. The Sea Kings won the fifth as well, thanks to a fast 9-2 start, to stun the Sea Hawks for the second time in succession. Beshear finished with 28 kills and four blocks.
Mallory Labreche had 48 assists for Palos Verdes. Molly Labreche came away with 20 digs.
Addy Benefield had 21 kills and four blocks on lead Redondo. Abby Zimmerman and Ella Zimmerman also played well, combining for 23 kills and six blocks.
Down in “The OC,” No. 23 JSerra survived No. 24 Santa Margarita Catholic in four sets. Reese Brown had 11 kills and three blocks and freshman Katherine Nowak contributed 10 kills, eight digs, and two aces for the victors.
There was an upset of sorts in the top 25, as Marin Catholic, No. 20 statewide and No. 4 in the North Region, fell to North Region No. 9 Redwood of Larkspur in three sets on the road. Jaden Hendrickson had 16 kills and Madeleine Wagner and Neeva Gaine teamed for 23 more for the Giants, who are 4-1 under new head coach Jake Spain.
Spain was the longtime head coach at Marin Catholic but stepped down after last season after a very successful 10 years on the bench.
All other state-ranked teams prevailed, including No. 5 St. Francis of Mountain View getting by Central Region-ranked St. Ignatius in three, No. 15 Campbell Hall escaping Mayfield in five, and No. 21 Rocklin upending Oak Ridge for the second time this season.
In a key North Region clash, Amador Valley, ranked tenth in the region, fell to No. 11 San Ramon Valley, 3-1. It was the first meeting of the season between the two teams.
News and notes…
Since last Friday’s Notebook, state No. 4 Huntington Beach has notched three tough league wins on the road, defeating Edison and state No. 12 Los Alamitos in five before dispatching rapidly improving Newport Harbor in four yesterday. The win at Edison was No. 900 all-time in the coaching career of Craig Pazanti (combined boys and girls). The win at Los Al clinched at least a share of the league title…
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Alex Sakamoto, in the 17 jersey, is the center of attention after Mountain View's 17th win of the season
Mountain View is 18-4 after edging Cupertino last night in five sets. That made freshman Zimo Zhou (No. 18 in your program, No. 1 in your heart) the center of attention in the post-match photo. The Spartans, you see, have started a new tradition this year of having players pose with the appropriate uniform numbers after any victory to showcase how many wins they have collected so far.
Bad news lies ahead though: Mountain View has a tournament on Saturday and four more league matches in the regular season. Emily Bennion, who wears jersey No. 19, is the last on the roster numerically. Guess you’ll have to lose all but one match? Or maybe get creative with some masking tape!
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Sunny Hills OH Kayla Taylor, a recent Dennison recruit, hit 1,000 career kills on Sept. 28. She has 326 kills this season for a 23-2 team. The Lancers are undefeated in the Freeway League and in search of their first league title in 15+ years…
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Keonahi'ilani Solaita has eclipsed 1,000 career kills for Oak Hills and still have one year and a little bit remaining
Oak Hills of Hesperia junior Keonahi'ilani Solaita also reached 1,000 career kills. Solaita is averaging almost six kills per set this year for a 16-2 Bulldog team.
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Oaks Christian is on a nine-match winning streak after sweeping Agoura yesterday. The Lions also are 9-0 in the Marmonte League, with just one dropped set.
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Pitman is a team that seems to be flying way under the radar this year. The Pride on Wednesday improved to 28-2 on the season with a sweep of Downey in their annual Pink Out match. Sophomore Aila Reich and Maryn Hall teamed for 23 kills to lead the offense. Setter Payton Rowell had 39 assists and four aces.
Pitman will be at full strength, for practically the first time all year, at Saturday’s Stockton Classic. The multi-division, multi-venue event will include state-ranked Saint Francis of Mountain View, Archbishop Mitty, and St. Mary’s of Stockton, plus a slew of Central and North Region-ranked teams all at one site.
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The Redondo/Mira Costa Varsity Power Classic starts today with 28 teams, including five state-ranked teams, the hosts plus Palos Verdes, Los Alamitos, and Marymount. The field also includes Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, the top-ranked team in Nevada; as well as Moore League powers Long Beach Poly and Long Beach Wilson, Central Section toughies Liberty of Bakersfield, and Clovis West, a South Torrance squad looking to build on its surprising showing at the Durango Fall Classic and a Hart squad looking to make the San Fernando Valley proud.
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Exeter Union is 21-9 on the year and in the midst of an 11-match unbeaten streak. The Monarchs last week won the Coast vs Valley Tournament without dropping a set and, on Monday, earned their best victory of the season in four sets over state Div. IV runner-up Central Valley Christian. Haven Rich had 13 kills and 20 digs in the win, backed by Cooper Piepgrass with 27 digs and Avery Barber with 35 assists, 17 digs, and six aces.
Barker now has 2,513 assists over her career, which breaks the previous known school record by more than 850!
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Sierra Canyon junior libero Lauren Lynch now owns the school’s career digs mark, with 1,025 and climbing. The previous record holder was Zoe Fleck, who starred for Texas last fall during its national championship run…
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Palo Alto started last year 13-3 before injuries to three starters derailed the Vikings’ season, leading to a 17-5 finish. After Monday’s sweep of Gunn, Paly (18-3) has exceeded last year’s win total after only 21 matches, with five matches left in SCVAL-De Anza Division play. Wins last week over Mountain View and Los Gatos have given the Vikings sole possession of first place in the league. The team has been boosted by the offense of Kylie Yen and Maura Hambly, setting from Sophie Miles, the defense of Noa Rochkind and Mackenzie Zhao, and the blocking of Sophie Pan and Naama Green.
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Indian Springs is on track to make the Southern Section playoffs for the first time in school history. The Coyotes are second in league play, having lost only to Jurupa Valley, the No. 1 ranked team in Div. 8. The team has 13 wins on the season after winning just three a year ago…
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Cathedral Catholic will face off against Prestonwood Christian Academy of Plano, Texas, tonight in a “Girls Volleyball Showcase” that will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks. The other match pits St. James Academy of Lenexa, Kansas, against Cornerstone Christian of San Antonio. The first match will be on ESPNU, the latter on ESPN+.
Surprising Seniors!
We asked coaches this week to tell us about their team’s “surprising senior.” A surprising senior is one who did not start on varsity before her senior year and is now a standout contributor.
Madelyn Downen, 6-0 OH, Oaks Christian – Downen played a little on the right as a junior, but coaches told her before the start of this season that she probably wouldn’t play much. Injuries opened up a spot for her and the determined Downen seized it. She has 112 kills, third most on the team. “She has learned to hit a faster set, tooling and seeing the block well, and sets up a solid block for us,” noted coach Julie Bennett.
Clarissa Taylor is an emerging senior standout for Orange Lutheran
Clairissa Taylor, 6-0 MB, Orange Lutheran -- Coach Henry Valiente said that Taylor has become a major contributor by transforming her game. “She has started every match this year, the coach said. “She is a very quick middle who is athletic when it comes to pin-to-pin blocking. She exudes confidence and leadership in her position.” Taylor is currently third on the Lancers in blocks and averages one kill per set.
Fabulous Freshmen!
We asked coaches last week to tell us about their freshmen making big impacts on varsity this fall. This is a recurring list. New additions are denoted with an asterisk (*).
*Anya Baklenko, 5-9 S/OH, Oaks Christian – A do-it-all player for the South Region-ranked Lions, Baklenko averages four assists and two digs per set and lately has also been hitting front row.
*Emmeline Sandgren, 5-11 S, Tamalpais – Sandgren has kept the Red-Tailed Hawks playing at a high level replacing a four-year starter now playing at the collegiate level. Tam has gone back and forth between having Sandgren set in six rotations and having her set in three and hit in three. She has been effective in either offense, averaging nine assists per set in a 5-1 and seven assists per set in a 6-2. She has amassed more than 400 assists on the year for a Region-ranked team, with 30 aces, 79 kills, and 12 blocks over the team’s first 31 matches.
*Kennedy Whyte, 5-10 OH, Monte Vista – Whyte is contributing 3.5 kills per set for a Mustang team that finished second at the Bay Area Classic Tournament. She is playing this year with her sister, India, a senior middle. The Whyte sisters have combined to contribute 195 kills for the MV squad this season.
Ryah Brock, 5-10 OH, Roosevelt (Eastvale) – Brock has been the go-to hitter all year for the 20-4 Mustangs. She has amassed 217 kills, 126 digs, and 34 aces on the season to date.
Halle Bryce, 6-2 OH, Camarillo – Arguably the top freshman in Ventura County, Bryce tops the Scorpions in kills, averaging 2.7 per set. She also is a team leader in aces, blocks, and digs.
Ella Dueck, 5-8 OH, Aptos – Dueck is averaging a team-high 3.1 kills per set and is second on the Mariners in digs in her first varsity campaign. The coaching staff describes Dueck as “an athlete who brings positive energy, competitive fire, and confident skill execution.” A high-level beach player, Dueck desires to play beach volleyball at the Div. I level.
Lucky Fasavalu, 5-9 OH, Lakewood – An impact starter since Day 1, this Texas transplant is back to her roots in the 562 and thriving as a complement to Jade Epps on the left. She missed time due to injury recently and just got back on the court Saturday at Durango, when Lakewood went 4-0.
Emery Gonzales, 5-9 S, Torrey Pines – Gonzales runs a 5-1 offense for one of the elite teams in the state. Does anything more need to be said? She averages more than eight assists per set and contributes 2.6 digs and almost one kill as well.
Gabby Guyon, 5-5 S, University, San Francisco – Guyon was told that she’d probably play JV this year. Then, after making varsity, she was counseled that she wouldn’t play much. This past weekend at the Durango Fall Classic, after the Red Devils’ starting senior went out with an ankle injury, Guyon stepped in to extended playing time and “facilitated our sophisticated, senior-heavy group,” said coach Bob Hillman. “In addition to her developing skill set, she brings unique energy that's worth a few points on its own.”
Maura Hambly, 5-9 OH, Palo Alto -- Hambly hit .345 with team-highs of 14 kills and 10 digs in her first high school match, and has been a fixture in the Vikings’ starting lineup all year. Through Paly’s 15-3 start, Hambly is hitting .309 with 150 kills, 92 digs, 16 blocks, and 17 aces in 46 sets. She leads the team in kills per set, is second in hitting efficiency, third in digs per set, fourth in blocks per set, and fifth in aces per set. “Maura has been exceptionally poised for a freshman since Day 1,” noted coach Chris Crader. “She loves to compete, and has an incredibly well-rounded skill set – and I think both of those things have been rubbing off on her teammates, too. She’s a lot of fun to have on our team, and I’m excited to watch her continue to improve over the next four years.”
Eva Jeffries, 6-3 MB/RS/OH, Sierra Canyon – Jefferies has played all three positions on the net this year for the 24-4 Trailblazers, who are ranked fifth in the state. She has a fast arm, shows excellent ball control and defensive speed for a tall player, is intimidating with her block and has a serve that’s tough to pass. On a team with five senior scorers, Jeffries has made the most of her chances, with 29 kills and nine blocks. This 10-0 toucher is the daughter of former NBA player Jared Jeffries and has the same kind of athleticism as her father. “At her height, I have never seen a player smoother or faster with that much athleticism at 14 years old,” said coach Stefanie Wigfall. “Eva’s ability to stay focused and train hard, combined with a work ethic way beyond her years, tells me that her ceiling is sky high.”
Abby King, 5-11 MB, Branson – Fearless despite being just 14 years of age, King led the Bulls in hitting efficiency at .407 this past weekend at the Durango Fall Classic. “Abby is a hard worker and a very quick learner,” said coach Michelle Brazil.
Emma Kingston, 6-4 MB, Mater Dei – A starter all year, Kingston is a high-energy middle with a massive ceiling. She was a key player for the Monarchs with the title on the line at Durango last weekend, proving that no moment is too big for her. On the year, Kingston leads Mater Dei with 70 blocks – a massive number – while also delivering 84 kills. “What has impressed me most is her ability to improve as the year has gone on,” said coach Dan O’Dell. “She was a tad error-prone early, but her decision making and termination ability have continued to get better along with her overall blocking. When the team needed her most in the Mira Costa match, she delivered with several blocks and big kills in set 3 to secure the win. It’s been fun watching her growth and knowing, with three more years, she will be such a dominant force for us in the coming years.”
Vladimira Kotzakov, 5-10 OH, Newport Harbor – Still just 13 years old, the younger sister of Anabel Kotzakov, the Orange County Senior POY for 2022, shows signs of being another great one. She has 183 kills through 25 matches and is stepping up more and more each match.
Kale’a Lee, 5-7 S, Cathedral Catholic – How good is Lee? So good that the Dons are now running a 6-2 offense with Lee and Div. I recruit Amanda Seager, who ran a 5-1 last year for the undefeated national champs. From a family of high-level setters, Lee has a great frame and the IQ it takes to know whom to set win. She has accumulated 262 assists and 107 digs on the season so far.
Makenna Linares, 5-9 OH, Paraclete – Linares has been a key player for the 13-win Spirits, both on attack and behind the service line. “She’s earned the respect of her teammates by being a player that can see the court when attacking and read hitters well,” said coach Roxy Neely. “She does a good job using her toolbox of shots and targeting her serve.”
Daniella Marrero, 5-5 DS, Campbell Hall – A tenacious defender in right back, Marrero is averaging 1.4 digs per set with 24 aces for the state-ranked Vikings. “Daniella has come in with a ton of maturity on the court, knowledge of the game, and grit,” said coach Kat Thyer.
Westley Matavao, 6-0 OH, Orange Lutheran – Matavao averages 5.1 kills per set for the Lancers and is approaching 300 kills on the season, which leads the Southern Section’s big schools. A dominating point scorer, Matavao also averages 2.3 digs per set.
Hanna McGinest, 6-0 OH, Sierra Canyon – A leaper who touches 10 feet, McGinest has been an impact player for the Trailblazers since the Ann Kang Invitational in Hawaii to open the season. The third McGinest volleyball sister proved that she was ready to contribute immediately and has not relented while playing for one of the state’s elite teams. She currently sits second in kills at 177, fourth in digs at 126, has 30 blocks and 19 aces. “Hanna loves a big game, plays well under pressure, and has her biggest moments when the match is on the line,” said coach Stefanie Wigfall. “She is fearless and will only continue to get better.”
McKenna McIntosh, 6-1 OH, St. Mary’s (Stockton) – One of the best freshmen to join the Sac-Joaquin Section in a long, long time, McIntosh has been key to the Rams’ 19-1 start. She leads the team in kills by a wide margin, averaging almost five per set; is second in digs and blocks and third in aces. A player whose name we will be hearing a lot of over the next few years, McIntosh is already MM good!
Brianna Nottingham, 5-8 RS/S, San Marin – Nottingham is stuffing the stat sheet for the 17-7 Mustangs. She leads the team with 174 kills, is third in aces and assists, and fourth in digs. Twice the Marin Independent Journal Prep of the Week, Nottingham joined the team, according to her coaches, “playing freely, with joy, and with confidence, always willing to fill whatever role is asked of her, and she has become a primary option who has earned the respect of her teammates and our opponents.”
Katherine Nowak, 5-10 OH, JSerra – Nowak has fit in seamlessly with a Lion team with four seniors leading the way. The freshman has 77 kills and 110 digs on the year. “She plays at a high level, she gets after it on defense, and she loves to compete,” said coach Mike Murphy. “Katherine has a powerful arm, is fearless, and has stepped up in some important matches for our team.”
Ella Olson, 5-9 OH, Newport Harbor – The rebuilding Sailors have a bright future with Olson leading the way. The freshman has 338 kills through 25 matches and recently was named MVP of the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions. “She does it all and has had many double double's kills and digs,” said coach Andrew Mabry.
Mackenna Palmer, 5-1 libero, El Capitan (Lakeside) -- Palmer has 69 receptions and 65 digs so far in 2023. “Mackenna has been able to come in and make a big impact solidifying our passing with a veteran cast,” said coach Brennan Pau. She is the only freshman on a seasoned varsity program that is 15-4 on the year. “We love her fire and passion to make a difference and her cool calm confidence that allows her to work well with older players,” Pau added.
Ireland Real, 6-4 MB, Santa Margarita Catholic – A natural outside, Real is playing in the middle to fill a need for the state-ranked Eagles. She has accumulated 94 kills and 33 blocks so far this season. “She’s physical at the net, strong and huge,” said coach Katy Daly. “When she gets her ball control down she will be a force.”
Marley Robinson. 5-9 S, Orange Lutheran – The team leader in assists, coach Henry Valiente said that his young setter “has been pivotal this year in running our offense.” Robinson has 416 assists (5.7 per set) and is second on 20-11 Lancers in digs.
Ella Rowe, 5-10 MB, Bullard – Rowe had a breakout performance at Bullard’s first tournament of the season and has been a key starter for the 21-8 Knights ever since. She leads the team in blocks and is fourth in kills.
Kaitlyn Vogel, 5-7 libero, Foothill (Pleasanton) – The team digs leader with more than 200, Vogel has anchored the Falcons’ defense and serve receive all year and has been a big part of our team's 25-1 start to the season.
Lailaa Williams, 5-11 MB, Campbell Hall – Williams leads the state-ranked Vikings in blocks and added 1.3 kills per set to the offense. “She makes it difficult for other teams to get through her,” coach Kat Thyer said. “She has increased her offensive game and continues to be a key offensive player for our team.”
Stat stars
We are compiling astounding single-game statistical achievements! We will keep a running tally of players who stat at these levels for a single match:
50 assists or more in a match
30 kills or more in a match
30 digs or more in a match
8 blocks or more in a match
10 aces or more in a match
Here’s what we have so far…
50 assists in a match
61 -- Katie Salonga, 5-7 Sr. S, Foothill (Pleasanton) – Sept. 19 v. Amador Valley
56 – Althea Morris, 5-10 Sr. S, Campbell Hall – Sept. 7 v. Chaminade
55 -- Drue Coberly, 5-5 Sr. S, Newport Harbor – Sept. 15 v. Edison
50 -- Lauren Reiter, 5-7 Jr. S, Redlands – Aug. 22 v. Serrano
50 – Sade Ilawole, 5-2 Sr. S, Sierra Canyon – Oct. 5 v. Alemany
30 kills in a match
33 -- Keonahi'ilani Solaita, 5-9 Jr. OH, Oak Hills – Aug. 30 v. Barstow
31 -- Julia Tolstova, 5-11 Sr. OH, Redlands – Aug. 22 v. Serrano
30 -- Amiah Cornejo, 5-11 Sr. OH, University Preparatory School (Redding) – Sept. 27 v. Colusa
30 – Westley Matavao, 6-0 Fr. OH, Orange Lutheran – Sept. 5 v. Ontario Christian
30 -- Eliana Urzua, 6-2 Jr. OH, Bishop Diego – Sept. 21 v. Foothill Tech
30 digs in a match
56 -- Maddux Rossman, 5-5 Sr. OH, University Preparatory School (Redding) – Sept. 27 v. Colusa
34 – Annika Ramirez, 5-5 Sr. OH, Bullard – Sept. 21 v. Sanger
33 -- Kendyll Winn, 5-6 Jr., Mountain View – Sept. 11 v. Monta Vista
33 – Jaedyn Houston, 5-7 Jr. libero, Orange Lutheran – Oct. 3 v. Santa Margarita Catholic
30 -- Kendyll Winn, 5-6 Jr., Mountain View – Oct. 3 v. Monta Vista
8 blocks in a match
11 – Emery Tubbs, 6-1 Jr., Santiago (Corona) – Sept. 20 v. King
10 – Manaia Ogbechie, 6-3 Jr. MB, Oaks Christian – Sept. 28 v. Thousand Oaks
9 -- Zoe Gaa, 6-1 Sr. MB, Newport Harbor – Sept. 23 v. Hart
9 – Daisy Manako, 5-9 Sr. MB, Santa Cruz – Sept. 14 v. Soquel
10 aces in a match
16 -- Jizelle Castellanos, 5-6 Jr. OH, Indian Springs – Aug. 28 v. Enterprise
12 -- Jizelle Castellanos, 5-6 Jr. OH, Indian Springs – Aug. 14 v. Bloomington
12 -- Keely Hummel, 5-10 Sr. S, St. Mary’s (Stockton) – Sept. 26 v. Tokay
12 -- Jizelle Castellanos, 5-6 Jr. OH, Indian Springs – Sept. 14 v. Pacific
10 -- Jizelle Castellanos, 5-6 Jr. OH, Indian Springs – Aug. 17 v. Public Safety Academy
10 -- Kelsy Garcia, 5-2 Sr. DS, Eagle Rock – Sept. 27 v. Wilson (Los Angeles)
10-- Arielle Arca, 5-3 Jr. DS/OH, Southlands Christian School – Aug. 24 v. Calvary Baptist
College-Bound!
In this space, we list those players, playing California high school volleyball in the current senior class and younger, who have made a commitment to attend a college or university of their choice and play volleyball. To date, we have 102 such players. Congrats! That’s a big number, but surely there are more! Please email jtawa@cifstate.org to add players to the list, using the format you see below, or to make any corrections.
Tea Abischer, 5-10 Sr. MB, San Luis Obispo – UC Davis (Beach)
Maya Baker, 5-9 Jr. S, Archbishop Mitty – Notre Dame
Jessie Bates, 5-11 Sr. S/RS, JSerra – UC Irvine
Addy Benefield, 6-0 Sr. OH, Redondo Union -- Boise State
Paige Bennett, 6-0 Sr. OH, Foothill (Pleasanton) -- Winthrop
Kendall Beshear, 5-11 Sr. OH, Palos Verdes – Cal Poly SLO
Fallyn Blotzer, 6-1 Jr. OH, Santiago (Corona) – Cincinnati
Camden Bolane, 6-2 Sr. MB/OH, Pacific Ridge – Yale
Laela Burgess, 5-7 Jr. S, San Luis Obispo - UC Davis
Katrina Catalan, 5-8 Sr. S, Vista Murrieta -- UCSB
Malyssa Cawa, 5-6 Sr. libero, Mater Dei -- Stanford
Isabel Clark, 6-0 Sr. OH, Mater Dei -- USD
Madison Clark, 6-0 Sr. MB, Redondo Union – UC Riverside
Madi Collins, 5-9 Sr. S, Redondo Union -- Long Beach State
Addison Collum, 5-11 Sr. OH, Kennedy (La Palma) – Arkansas State
Katelyn Cook, 5-10 Sr. OH, Archbishop Mitty -- Fairfield
Ximena Cordero, 5-10 Sr. OH, Otay Ranch – UC Davis
Dakota Conway, 5-8 Sr. DS, Cathedral Catholic -- FIU
Amiah Cornejo, 5-10 Sr. OH, University Prep (Redding) – Concordia-Irvine
Erin Curtis, 6-0 Sr. OH, Saint Francis (Mountain View) – North Carolina
Taylor Deckert, 5-9 Sr. libero, Mira Costa -- USC
Gabby Destler, 6-1 Sr. OH, Marymount – Loyola Marymount
Kate Duffey, 6-0 Sr. S, Ventura – UCLA
Niki Egan, 5-8 Sr. DS, Cathedral Catholic – Washington (Beach)
Jade Epps, 6-0 Sr. OH, Lakewood – San Jose State
Kate Fagundes, 5-5 Sr. libero, Oak Ridge – Vanguard University
Kyla Firestone, 5-8 Sr. S, Alemany -- Loyola Marymount University
Elena Fisher, 5-11 Jr. OH, Branson – Stanford (Beach)
Helena Foord, 5-10 Sr. OH, South Pasadena -- NYU
Reese Fraser, 5-10 Sr. S, Archie Williams – UC Davis (Beach)
Meghan Freck, 5-7 Sr. S/DS, Huntington Beach – UC Davis (Beach)
Charlie Fuerbringer, 5-11 Sr. S, Mira Costa – Wisconsin
Giselle Gallegos, 5-10 Sr. OH, Redondo Union -- Tulane (Beach)
Jenna Garner, 6-0 Sr. OH, South Pasadena -- Penn
Cymarah Gordon, 6-1 Sr. RS, Mater Dei -- Michigan
Gwen Grigsby, 5-3 Sr. libero, Harbor – Cal State Bakersfield (Beach)
Jenna Hanes, 6-3 Sr. MB, Cathedral Catholic -- Michigan
Brooke Hansen, 6-0 Sr. S/RS, Etiwanda – Cal Poly SLO
Cleo Hardin, 6-3 Sr. RS, Menlo – Yale
Victoria Henkel, 6-0 Sr. OH, Redondo Union – LSU (Beach)
Kaia Herweg, 5-8 Sr. S/OH, Los Alamitos – Grand Canyon
Abby Hoybjerg, 6-2 Sr. MB, Oak Ridge – BYU
Mikayla Hsieh, 510 Sr. S/RS, Flintridge Sacred Heart – Pomona-Pitzer
Keely Hummel, 5-10 Sr. S, St. Mary’s (Stockton) – Fresno State
Audrey Hyde, 5-10 Sr. RS/S, Redwood (Visalia) – Westmont College
Chloe Hynes, 6-1 Sr. RS, Mira Costa -- NYU
Kayla Johnson, 5-11 Sr. OH, Pleasant Valley – Utah (Beach)
Madison Johnson, 6-3 Jr. OH, Chaparral -- UCSD
Tatum Johnson, 6-0 Sr. MB, JSerra -- Colorado
Sadie Jeffrey, 6-0 Sr. OH, Santa Cruz – Cal Poly SLO (Beach)
Julia Kakkis, 6-0 Sr. S/RS, Mater Dei -- Brown
Charlotte Kelly, 6-3 Jr. MB, Amador Valley – Cal Poly SLO
Brooklyn Kostoff, 5-7 Sr. S, Santa Margarita Catholic – Azusa Pacific
Amiya Kuchibhotia, 6-1 Sr. MB, Archbishop Mitty -- NYU
Mallory Labreche, 5-11 Jr. RS. Palos Verdes – UCLA (Beach)
Molly Labreche, 5-7 Jr. libero, Palos Verdes – LSU (Beach)
Hayley LaFontaine, 6-0 Sr. OH, Huntington Beach – Cal Poly SLO (Beach)
Quinn Loper, 6-1 Jr. OH, San Clemente -- USC
Lauren Lynch, 5-6 Jr. libero, Sierra Canyon – San Diego
Isabella Marrero, 5-6 Sr. libero, Campbell Hall - American University
Kate Martin, 5-10 Sr. OH, Marymount -- UCSB
Trixie McMillin, 5-6 Sr. libero, Mira Costa – Cal
Grace Mcqoid, 6-0 Sr. OH, Foothill (Palo Cedro) – Vanguard University
Mila Mijailovic, 5-10 Sr. OH/DS, Campbell Hall – Yale
Mackenzie Miller, 5-11 Sr. OH, Redondo Union -- USC (Beach)
Elon Milroy, 6-0 Sr. MB, Los Alamitos – San Jose State (Beach)
Ayva Moi, 5-11 Jr. RS, Cathedral Catholic – Hawaii (Beach)
Althea Morris, 5-9 Jr. S, Campbell Hall – St. Edward’s University
Sadie Moore, 5-11 Sr. RS, Pleasant Valley – Arizona (Beach)
Noa Nuez, 5-8 Sr. libero, Los Alamitos – Georgia State (Beach)
Manaia Ogbechie, 6-3 Jr. MB Oaks Christian -- Northwestern
Ayva Ostovar, 5-6 Jr.. S, Mater Dei -- UCSB
Kennedy Osunsanmi, 6-2 Sr. RS, West Ranch – UCLA
Malia Parsons, 5-9 Sr. libero/OH, Tamalpais – St. Olaf College
McKenzie Parsons, 6-2 Sr. MB, Poway -- Cornell
Nicole Patton, 6-0 Sr. OH, Pacific Ridge - Marist College
Summer Pederson, 5-7 Sr. libero, Santa Cruz – Concordia- Irvine
Taylor Ponchak, 6-2 Jr. RS, Huntington Beach – Stanford (Beach)
Faith Rabb-Patterson, 6-2 Sr. MB, Christian Brothers – UC Davis
Danica Rach, 6-2 Sr. OH, Sierra Canyon -- Boston College
Mauriana Rayford, 5-9 Sr. OH, Chaparral – Lamar University
Stacy Reeves, 5-8 Sr. libero, Beckman – Pepperdine (Beach)
Charlotte Reff, 5-11 Sr. S, Buckley School – NYU
Kiki Remensperger, 5-9 Sr. S, Poway – South Carolina (Beach)
Amanda Saeger, 5-11 Sr. S, Cathedral Catholic – DePaul
Tmukisa Sagiao, 5-9 Sr. RS, Helix Charter – Cal State San Bernardino
Katie Salonga, 5-7 Sr. S, Foothill (Pleasanton) – Colorado
Bryn Shankle, 6-4 Sr. MB, Mira Costa -- TCU
Reagan Shields, 5-10 Sr. OH, Santa Margarita Catholic – Oregon State
Katelyn Sicklick, 5-11 Sr., MB/RS, Redwood (Larkspur) - Denison University
Sadie Snipes, 6-0 Sr. OH, Branson – Santa Clara (Beach)
Dani Sparks, 5-7 Sr. S, Huntington Beach – Cal Poly SLO (Beach)
Birdie Stone, 5-11 Sr. OH, San Juan Hills -- Montana
Cayla Sutton, 5-10 Jr. RS, Clovis North -- Stetson University (Beach)
Kayla Taylor, 5-9 Sr. OH, Sunny Hills – Dennison University
Zaria Thornton, 6-0 Sr. MB, Lakewood – Oregon State
Anaya Thrower, 6-4 Sr. OH, Vanden -- Oregon
Taylor Treahy, 6-1 Sr. RS, Sierra Canyon -- George Washington
Madison Triplett, 5-9 Sr. OH, El Capitan (Lakeside) -- UCSB
Victoria Turner, 5-7 Sr. S, Beckman -- UCSD
Logan Tusher, 5-11 Sr. S, Branson - Stanford (Beach)
Eliana Urzua, 6-3 Jr. OH, Bishop Diego -- UCLA
Miliani Villareal, 5-9 Sr. libero, Vista Murrieta – Sacred Heart University
Madeline Way, 6-2 Sr. MB, Sierra Canyon -- Hawaii
Elle Weaver, 5-10 Sr. OH, Oak Ridge -- Brown
Sofia Williams, 5-9 Sr. OH, San Clemente -- Yale
Taylor Williams, 6-2 Sr. OH, Saint Francis (Mountain View) -- Duke
Sophia Winter, 5-10 Sr. RS, Pleasant Valley – Arizona (Beach)
Taylor Yu, 6-0 Sr. S, Temple City -- Stanford
Ava Zamora, 5-10 Jr. S/RS, Westview – Stony Brook
Ashby Zubchevich, 6-0 Jr. OH, La Canada – Duke
Be back next week with more news and notes on volleyball in the Golden State…