Welcome to another year of The Notebook, our Friday weekly look at girls volleyball throughout the state of California.
“The List” in detail
Every Thursday during the fall season, beginning yesterday, CIF State publishes “The List” of the top 25 teams statewide and, beginning next week will include three region rankings as well.
Did you catch yesterday’s List, which has Mira Costa on top? You can find it at this link: https://cifstate.org/sports/girls_volleyball/notebook/t25_state.
No. 1 Mira Costa's fast start to 2023 includes wins over three California top 25 teams as well as the title at the Ann Kang Invitational
Below are brief summaries of each team on The List:
No. 1 Mira Costa had an outstanding 2022 campaign that included 38 wins, second place in the Southern Section’s Division 1 playoffs, and second place in the Southern California Open Regionals. While coach Cam Green’s team graduated three impact starters, it may be even better this season. The Mustangs return standout libero Taylor Deckert and the nation’s top senior setter in Charlie Fuerbringer. Middles Bryn Shankle and Rachel Moglia both return, as does RS Chloe Hynes. The team also reloads on the outside with two sophomore impact players, 6-2 Audrey Flanagan, MVP of last week’s Ann Kang Invitational; and 5-10 Simone Roslon. This is a deep, talented, and confident team.
Defending state Open Division and mythical national champion Cathedral Catholic suffered huge graduation losses. The No. 2 Dons bade farewell to six impact regulars, including state Player of the Year Julia Blyashov. This is a program, however, that now appears to reload rather than rebuild. Juliana Conn’s team brings back three standout starters, MB Jenna Hanes, libero Maya Evens and setter Amanda Seager, and fills in with 6-2 junior OH Mae Kordas, versatile hitter/defenders Ayva Moi and Niki Egan, Division I RS Tiana Owens and some talented new faces, including an impact freshman or two. Mira Costa will be tough to beat in-state, but Cathedral Catholic may have the talent and depth to repeat.
No. 3 Mater Dei has looked awfully impressive in the pre-season and rolled over state-ranked Lakewood in its regular season opener. The defending Trinity League champs graduated top middle Liv Hertzog and saw 6-3 OH Babi Gubbins transfer to Long Beach Wilson, but Dan O’Dell’s team will be formidable with setter/hitter Julia Kakkis (Brown) now eligible. Pair her with attackers Isabel Clark, Cymarrah Gordon, and Layli Ostovar and the Monarchs should be able to stand toe-to-toe with anyone. Libero Malyssa Cawa and DS Tessa Hurley also make Mater Dei a potent passing and defensive team.
No. 4 Huntington Beach returns every starter from last year’s 28-8 team that reached the SoCal semifinals in Division I a year ago before losing to Palos Verdes at deuce in the fifth set. The Oilers aren’t the tallest team, but have great setting with Dani Sparks and junior libero Olivia Foye will head up a back row that coach Craig Pazanti says will “control the ball as good as any team I’ve coached the last 30 years.” Offensively, veteran hitters Haylee LaFontaine, Taylor Ponchak and Kylie Leopard will lead the way.
No. 5 Sierra Canyon won the Southern Section Division 1 title a year ago, finishing with a 33-5 overall mark against a brutal schedule. The Trailblazers graduated three, including all-world pin Olivia Babcock; but they return almost as strong, thanks to three new additions. Senior RS Taylor Treahy has transferred in from Saugus for her senior year. Senior OH Halie McGinest is over from Long Beach Poly and brings with her 5-11 freshman OH Hanna McGinest, a 10-0 toucher. Those three, paired with MB Madeline Way, setter Sade Ilawole, libero Lauren Lynch, and, when fully healthy, OH Danica Rach, should produce a scary lineup for veteran coach Stefanie Wigfall.
Marymount won 30 matches again last year, which has become the standard for the Catholic school that sits on the doorstep to Bel-Air. The No. 6 Sailors have several holes to fill after graduation but should be good on the pins with Kate Martin, Gabby Destler, and Sammy Destler, and at libero with Pepperdine commit Ryan Gilhooly. The transfer in of two sophomores, however, is the reason Cari Klein’s team earned this high pre-season ranking. 6-3 OH/MB Frankie Jones and 6-5 MB Elle Vandeweghe, gives Marymount two more (along with Sammy Destler) in the Class of 2026 ranked among the top 100 prospects nationally.
No. 7 Saint Francis of Mountain View lost only once last year, to Cathedral Catholic in the Open Division state championship match. The Lancers took a hit when star setter Havannah Hoeft graduated along with two capable middles, but Lake Merchen’s team returns exceptional outsides Taylor Williams (Duke) and Erin Curtis (UNC–Chapel Hill) as well as a stupendous defense, anchored by libero Whitney Wallace. Saint Francis should have another strong middle attack, with senior Sacha Touma and insanely athletic sophomore Ella Fulton, and senior Hannah McGuire appears poised to make the setter position her own.
No. 8 Torrey Pines returns three of its top four hitters from last season’s Open Division runners-up in the San Diego Section, including sophomore outside Finley Krystkowiak, one of the top young attackers in the nation. The Falcons will need to replace standout libero Kat Lutz and setter Nikki Quinn, who graduated, but the cupboard is never bare and the squad has a strong veteran coach in Brennan Dean who knows how to get the most out of his squad.
No. 9 JSerra Catholic graduated five seniors off of its 22-12 team, but only one was an impact player. The Lions are poised to take a step into the upper echelon this year with a deep roster loaded with hitters. Key players include senior S/RS Jessie Bates, a UC Irvine commit; middles Tatum Johnson and Lauren Coady, RS Charlotte Nowak, and libero Payton Mossbarger. Mike Murphy’s team showed its potential by placing second behind Mater Dei at the pre-season Queen’s Court tournament two weeks ago.
The reigning Division I state champion Branson Bulls, No. 10 in the preseason, return all of their key performers. That includes setter Logan Tusher, a Stanford beach volleyball recruit; and hitters Elena Fisher and Sadie Snipes, two other beach stars themselves committed to Stanford and Santa Clara, respectively. The team has an experienced coach with championship experience in Michelle Brazil and the control and athleticism to hang with most of the big dogs in California despite their small school size.
No. 11 Redondo Union will miss graduated four-year starter Mele Corral-Blagojevich. The Oklahoma signee was the team’s go-to hitter and its most confident passer. Head coach Tommy Chaffins is bullish about his team, however. The Sea Hawks have experience and a veteran roster with a dozen or more seniors. The middle attack should be very strong with Taylor Boice and 6-4 Ella Zimmerman. Sophomore pin Abby Zimmerman should emerge as a force, teaming with leaper Addy Benefield and LSU beach commit Victoria Henkel to put balls away. Three-year starter Summer Suppik is an asset at the libero position for a team that is 2-3 deep at every position.
No. 12 Archbishop Mitty placed second in NorCal’s Open Division a year ago and is poised to challenge Saint Francis of Mountain View for the top spot in 2023. The Monarchs graduated star hitter Audrey Liddle as well as middle Sandy Thomas, but return a plethora of talent, including Notre Dame-committed junior setter Maya Baker and 6-1 senior middle Amiya Kuchibhotia. Look for the vastly improved Katelyn Cook to be an impact player her senior year and be a terrific complement to Camplindo transfer MaKenna Crosson, one of the nation’s top sophomore hitters.
No. 13 La Canada went 32-7 a year ago and was unbeaten in league play. The Spartans graduated just one, but she was a four-year starter now playing for UC Riverside. League MVP Haley Clark, a senior pin, returns, as does junior OH Ashley Zubchevich. She is poised for a breakout year. The team also boasts a Division I libero in Chloe Nussbaum, steady setter Tatum Purdy, and a young middle, sophomore Vani Tatoulian, who is also poised to raise her game a few pegs.
No. 14 Los Alamitos, 25-16 a year ago, made a loud statement last week at the Ann Kang Invitational, going 6-2, with losses only to the tournament champion and runner-up. The Griffins are a solid passing team with multiple offensive options but a lack of size may hinder them against more physical teams. Players to watch include senior middle Anna Sanzaro, senior S/OH Kaia Herweg, junior OH Ashley Repetti, and senior libero Noa Nuez.
Resurgent Wilson of Long Beach is No. 15 on our pre-season list. The Bruins finished second behind Lakewood in the Moore League last year but are poised to take the top spot with a strong core of returning players, led by 6-3 OH Chloe Pravednikov, a Pepperdine recruit. Two good setters, Camille Agrupis and Kieran Adams, and freshman outside Simrin Adams also are expected impact players. Mira Costa transfer Bai Gubbins, who will be eligible on Sept. 12, is a game changer as a 6-3 senior outside.
No. 16 St. Mary’s of Stockton was the No. 1 seed in the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. 1 playoffs a year ago, but the Rams were upset by St. Francis of Sacramento in a five-set semifinal. The team returns with something to prove. Setter/OH Keely Hummel, a Fresno State recruit; leads the team, which also returns hitter Eliana Williams and libero McKenzie Dobbins. Freshman outside McKenna McIntosh, lauded as one of the best freshmen the area has seen in some time, also should be an instant impact performer.
No. 17 Foothill of Pleasanton returns its two best players, OH Paige Bennett and setter Katie Salonga, from a 28-win team that last year reached the North Coast Section Division 1 title tilt. OH Kaycie Burdick, MB Lulu Hoenninger, and RS Ema Vukojevic also are back for the Falcons, who will need to replace a strong libero and impact middle lost to graduation to start thinking about matching last year’s finish.
No. 18 Beckman captured a league title for the fourth consecutive year in 2022. The Patriots graduated three regulars, including steady senior OH Madi Graves; but return six senior contributors. Veteran coach Darin McBain said that his team should be one of the best passing, serving, and defending teams in the state. Players to watch include S/RS Victoria Turner, a UCSD recruit; OH Camryn Hayek, S Joy Lee, and libero Stacy Reeves, a Pepperdine beach volleyball pledge.
Lakewood won 29 matches a year ago and reached the SoCal Open Division quarterfinals before falling to eventual state and national champion Cathedral Catholic. The No. 19 Lancers graduated their heartbeat, setter Fatimah Hall, now at San Diego State, plus two other impact players, but Mike Wadley likes what he has seen in his gym. Lakewood will rely on San Jose State recruit Jade Epps on a pin and Oregon State-committed Zaria Thornton in the middle. Senior Nyla Hankins, a starter in the middle last season, will be the setter, while sophomore Bronwyn Nihipali will start at libero and could be one of the best ever to come out of the school at that position. Also keep an eye out for 5-9 freshman OH Lucky Fasavalu, who may become “the face of the franchise” over the next few years.
No. 20 Newport Harbor graduated 90 percent of its offense from 2022, when it won 26 matches and was a state qualifier in the Open division. The new-look Tars will be young but talented, and still very competitive. Setter Drue Coberly, libero Fiona Gaffney and MB Zoe Gaa, all seniors, return as starters for head coach Andrew Mabrey. Newport has a very strong freshman class, with outsides Vladimira Kotzakov and Ella Olson likely to contribute right away.
No. 21 Sacred Heart Prep won 24 matches last year and reached the semifinals of the Central Coast Section’s Open Division playoffs in 2022. The WBAL champions return three top hitters, both starting setters and its top libero, making them formidable again. S/OH Isabelle Marco is the top player back. She led the team in kills and assists last season. OH Mia Radeft, who stands 6-1; and 6-2 senior MB Noamii Watson also bear watching, as do setter Jillian Amaro and libero Elina Wheeler.
No. 22 South Pasadena’s 36-win season a year ago included a second-place league finish and a quarterfinal appearance in Division 3 of the Southern Section. The Tigers lost only one, middle Ava Dorny. Expectations are high for a team with a veteran setter in senior Kendall Taylor and exciting pins Jenna Garner, Helen Foord, and Ingrid Zahn.
It’s easy to get lost playing in deeply talented Orange County, but teams would be foolish to sleep on No. 23 Edison of Huntington Beach. The Chargers have a new coach in Eli Perez, but the same core group that won 23 matches a year ago, including pins Summer Witherby, Molly McCluskey, and Adia McCown, middle Morgan Gillinger, and setter Sophie Vienna.
No. 24 San Ramon Valley captured the North Coast Section Div. 1 title a year ago. The Wolves graduated three starters, including their setter and libero, but return a tall core of hitters on a roster that is junior-heavy. Outsides Maddie Connelly and Lucy Chertock and RS Ellie Hunt give SRV power on the pins. If Brian Fujinaga’s team finds early chemistry with a new setter or two and the ball control is there, the Wolves could find themselves much, much higher on this list.
No. 25 San Marcos of San Diego won 29 matches a year ago with only one senior in the starting lineup. Coach Sherry Clouet says that her Knights will be deep and versatile this year. They are led by junior middles Olivia Durr and Lauren Feiler.
Here’s a look at a dozen other teams that might breach the top 25 this year…
Rocklin is a dark horse to break into the state top 25 at some point this season. Dave Muscarella’s squad boasts two exceptional sophomore hitters in Gianna Bogan and Addy Scheitlin and good size and athleticism in the middle. The Thunder are very young and may need time to develop but could be beastly by year end.
Otay Ranch won 34 matches a year ago and should be one of the best teams in the San Diego Section this year. The Mustangs return firepower on the pins in Ximena Cordero, the Mesa League POY; and Andrea Torres, and have talent around them. They will need to replace four-year starting setter Zoe Rachow – big shoes indeed – if they are to approach last year’s level of success. Junior Rian Huntress had 21 assists and Victoria Canapi contributed eight in Wednesday’s opening-match sweep of Christian.
University School of San Francisco won 28 matches a year ago and finished runner-up both in Div. 3 of the North Coast Section and in Div. II of the NorCal Regional. The Red Devils have high aspirations for 2023 after graduating only one starter on the most successful team in school history. Coach Bob Hillman’s squad returns senior outsides Kinnari Atluru, Mila Chan, and Madeleine Dimitre, senior libero Nicki Gaito, junior setter Dani Lee and junior middle Damysia Walls. Lee (11 assists per set) and Atluru and Chan (850 kills combined) are among the best players in the city.
Kills leader Nicole Zake has graduated. That leaves a void in a talented Oaks Christian lineup that, last year, finished second in Div. 3 of the Southern Section. The Lions nonetheless return a slew of talent and should be formidable behind middle Manaia Ogbechie, a highly recruited 6-2 junior; libero Hannah Brady and setter Maggie Rhew.
Oak Ridge won the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. 1 title a year ago and will be strong again despite graduating six contributors. Offense on the pin will be a strength, as OH Elle Weaver (Brown) returns for her senior season. Passing and defense, led by libero Kate Fagundes, should also be very strong. Others to watch include junior setter Avery Towne, senior middle/RS Kylie Gaunt, and senior OH/DS Kennedy O’Donnell.
Pleasant Grove should be a tall and experienced squad this season. The Eagles are led by 6-3 pin Malia Tanksley, a four-year contributor; 6-0 junior pin Isis Castille, 6-1 junior MB Lillian Rix and 6-2 senior pin Ella Snowbar. Hitter Jordyn Bowman and libero Margaret Ellis also return as starters for coach Gabe Leal, whose team won 20 matches a year ago and should easily eclipse that mark in 2023.
Look for strong offense from Chaparral under first-year head coach Gretchen Johnson. The Pumas will feature Div. I outsides in 6-3 Madison Johnson and 5-9 Mauriana Rayford. Junior middle Dominique McKay is a player to watch.
St. Francis of Sacramento won its league again last year. This year, the always-tough Troubadours are determined to make a deep run into the state tournament with a tall roster that includes 6-2 RS/MB Caroline Foraker, the team kill leader last season; and 6-1 OH Mila Stojavic, who is returning from a knee injury that cost her most of last season. Alynn Wright’s team also brings back setter Kelsey Magley and libero Jackie Smith.
Orange Lutheran had a difficult trip to Honolulu last weekend. The Lancers went just 2-5 and were 0-3 against California competition. Not to worry, said coach Henry Valiente. He is bullish on his team, which he thinks will deliver fast offense, scrappy defense, and put pressure on opponents with the serve. Four-year standouts Lily Underwood (setter) and Makalin Goehring (RS) lead a team that has six seniors and a good group of youngsters, headed by 6-0 freshman outside Westley Matavao.
Palos Verdes made history last year by reaching the state Division I championship match. There are lots of changes on the hill, however. Head coach Patrick Lynch has stepped down, replaced by eight-year assistant Lacey Minzlaff. The Sea Kings graduated their standout libero and setter and their superstar hitter, junior Kaci DeMaria, opted not to play this year. PV will still be good – OH Kendall Beshear, S/RS Mallory Labreche, libero Molly Labreche and MB Daniella Rusich are all true talents – but a repeat of last year’s glory may not be in the cards.
Eleven seniors graduated off of last year’s EBAL champions at Monte Vista. The team will build around senior MB India Whyte, the team’s block leader; and junior OH Abigail Krause, who led the team in kills. Coach Sara Johnson reports that, despite losing so many players to graduation, her Mustangs remain a deep and talented team.
Aliso Niguel’s 2022 season included a fourth straight South Coast League championship and an appearance in the Southern Section Div. 2 finals. The Wolverines graduated a lot of firepower and libero Danet Whiting but should be strong in the middle and along the back row. Players to watch include S/RS Riley Barr, MB Rian Barr, and libero Macey Smith.
Mustangs the mane event at Ann Kang
The 16-team field at the annual Ann Kang Invitational in Honolulu included six from California. For the second straight year, Mira Costa emerged as the champion. The Mustangs downed national power Cornerstone Christian of San Antonio in three sets, despite playing without superstar setter Charlie Fuerbringer.
“We had a great run in the playoffs,” said Costa coach Cam Green. “I’m really proud of them and how we started our season.”
Fuerbringer was missing because she was in Croatia leading the U.S. U19 Women’s National Team to Gold at the FIVB World Championship. Fuerbringer, a Wisconsin recruit, was the lone California high schooler on the 12-player roster.
Without Fuerbringer, Mira Costa went with a sophomore-heavy lineup in Hawaii and shook off a wrenching Day 1 loss to Hawaii powerhouse Punahou to take the event. Sophomore OH Audrey Flanagan, a JV player a year ago, was named tournament MVP.
Los Alamitos (6-2) and Sierra Canyon (5-3) both finished tied for third. Huntington Beach, which defeated Sierra Canyon in pool play, took sixth. Oaks Christian finished 4-4 and Orange Lutheran went 2-6.
In key action Thursday from the state top 25…
Top-ranked Mira Costa improved to 9-1 with a road sweep at No. 6 Marymount.
No. 3 Mater Dei stayed unbeaten with a sweep of San Clemente.
No. 4 Huntington Beach impressed with a four-set win over No. 19 Lakewood.
No. 5 Sierra Canyon outlasted No. 9 JSerra in a thriller, 15-12 in the fifth.
No. 14 Los Alamitos defeated No. 15 Long Beach Wilson, 25-19, 25-27, 25-20, 25-23.
No. 20 Newport Harbor is now 2-0 after a sweep of Woodbridge.
Finally, No. 25 San Marcos of San Marcos was stunned in its season opener by San Dieguito Academy. San Dieguito was 24-12 a year ago and returned their top passers and top two attackers.
Missing in action…
Three superstar attackers from last year will not be wearing their school colors in 2023.
Alemany OH London Wijay has foregone her senior season to enroll early at USC. She could find immediate playing time with the Women of Troy after a dominant club season with Munciana Samurai.
Junior OH Kaci DeMaria, the force behind Palos Verdes’ run to the CIF State Div. I championship match, will sit out the fall season, as will La Costa Canyon junior OH Jaidyn Jager. Both DeMaria and Jager are top national recruits in the 2025 class.
More season outlooks
American High of Fremont won its league last year for the first time in 35 years. The Eagles graduated five starters off that team but have a bunch of rising seniors eager to make their mark, among them outsides Isabel Wu and Tia Carlton, MB Lauren Lee and RS/S Ellie Huang. Gavin Scully’s team also has a slew of very talented sophomores, many of whom could impact the squad deeply this season.
Ripon Christian won the state Division IV championship last year, capping a 35-win season in which the Knights also won league and section titles. The Sac-Joaquin Section small-school power graduated four starters but a core group of talented players return, including OH Jordan Vander Veen, MB Sydney Hoffman, setter Megan Weststeyn and libero Leah Van Wyngarden.
Monta Vista of Cupertino won 23 matches and reached the Central Coast Section Div. II championship match last fall. The Matadors suffered significant graduation losses but return as a strong defensive team with lots of grit. Senior libero Mithila Chadhari and two sophomores, middle Samantha Tong and outside Kiana Marks, will lead the way.
Aliso Niguel’s 2022 season included a fourth straight South Coast League championship and an appearance in the Southern Section Div. 2 finals. The Wolverines graduated a lot of firepower and libero Danet Whiting, but should be strong in the middle and along the back row. Players to watch include S/RS Riley Barr, MB Rian Barr and libero Macey Smith.
Northern Section power University Prep won a section title for the third straight year in 2022, one year after winning the Div. IV state title. The Panthers graduated a lot of talented, losing core players Morgan Wilding (S), Reese Ampi (L) and Kaitlyn Cabral (OH). Senior OH Amiah Cornejo and defender Maddux Rossman are back for coach Tawni Kramer, whose team will be athletic with strong hitting options, but will need to be solid in serve-receive and find an efficient setter to approach the level of success they’ve enjoyed the past few seasons.
Reigning Central Coast Section Division III champion Sacred Heart Cathedral graduated the heart of its defense and energetic OH Kate Lau. The Fighting Irish return seven key contributors to a team that has great seep and always can be counted on to be tough in the back row. Size at the net for this San Francisco school is a perpetual problem that the team has managed well over the years. Players to watch include 5-6 MB Lydia Valle-Jhanda, 5-6 OH Sarah Caulder and 5-9 RS Rachel Mak, three of six seniors expected to be impact performers.
Clovis East had a magical 2022 season, which included 36 wins and a conference title for only the second time in school history. The Timberwolves graduated libero Fatima Diaz and setter Jayden Xiong, who made the team go; as well as two key pin hitters. The team returns junior hitter Maddie Feramisco and will be formidable in the middle with 6-1 bookend juniors Frisha Divingracia and Brooklyn Washington. This will still be one of the Central Section’s best teams, but just how good will depend on finding the setting and control that characterized last season.
Harvard-Westlake has a new coach in Mitch Kallick and graduated its three superstar players. This year’s Wolverine group will be very talented but also very young, one the coach said will be measured more by its growth than its success. The team will play its usual rugged schedule and be led by sophomore middles Maya Stillwell and Lauryn Lewis, setters Chloe Dolkart and Sofia Indelicato and OH Kelsey Kim.
Christian Brothers reached the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. III final a year ago but the Falcons have the potential to be much better in 2023. Coach James Todd is bullish on the talent in his locker room, including pins Simone Huarte, Sydney Wallin and Kemyah Harris. Faith Rabb-Patterson, a 6-2 junior middle and Div. I prospect, has transferred in, adding to the talent. The Falcons will be young, with only libero Elia Constancio figuring to be a senior contributor. This may be a building year for 2024, but if the players arrive a year early, look out!
Tamalpais won 30 matches last year and has been threatening to do big things since 2019. The Red Tailed Hawks, who made the NorCal Division II semifinals last year, graduated four, notably four-year setter Wesley Slavin, and will have holes to fill. With five starters back, including OH/libero Malia Parsons and MB Zoe Lyko, Ray Karter’s team will be competitive. A lack of size and inexperience at the setter position are the biggest concerns heading into the season on a team that has versatile players and a fair amount of depth.
Exeter Union is traditionally a small school power in the Central Section. The Monarchs went to the state championship match in Division IV two seasons ago. The team graduated offensive leader Hannah Baker, but much of the team from two years ago returns, including setter Avery Barber, OH Haven Rich and MB Jayla Iversen. Talented sophomore libero Cooper Piepgrass also is back. Exeter, which was 28-9 last year, has benefited from the move in of senior middle Cascade Norton, senior RS Meghan Brooks and junior OH Madison Gonzalez, which should help the team’s fortunes if the chemistry is there.
Division III state champions Archie Williams made history last year by becoming the first team in the 73-year history of the school to win both the NorCal and state titles. The Falcons graduated superstar hitter Elsa Snipes and two other starters, but have a good core back, led by setter Reese Fraser, OH Lindsey Jones and MB Katie Griffiths, all seniors. Look for Archie Williams to succeed with good defense and with Fraser feeding the middle tandem of Griffiths and sophomore Felicity Brown.
Carmel placed second in the PCAL Gabilan Conference last year. The Padres, who won 20 matches, graduated only libero Ashlynn Valdez. Pins Caroline Byrne and Riley Imamura and 6-2 junior middle Charlee Riddle will lead a team expected to be a strong hitting group with good ball control.
Junior OH Maddy Snow leads a Temecula Valley team expected to be strong offensively despite the graduation of attacker Aubrey Beaver. The Bears placed third in a competitive league a year ago and should be at least as competitive, especially with improved play from the setting and middle positions.
Chaminade graduated five from its 2022 Division II state championship squad, including standout setter Danit Cohen. There is talent back, led by attackers Keira Brady and Jade Fritzinger, and the Eagles will be good, but repeating last year’s 38 wins and magical run to the title appear out of reach for 2023.
Foothill of Palo Cedro exceeded 30 wins a year ago and returns standout hitter Grace McQuoid as well as experienced setter Evie Turner. The Cougars will need to find capable replacements for graduated libero Mia Rossman and OH Kylie Wilson if they hope to win their league again in 2023.
The return of outside Olivia Gleason and middles Aglaia Torres and Talyn McCaslin has San Joaquin Memorial looking to improve on its 24-win season of a year ago.
Slightly better than breakeven a year ago, Corona del Mar, the Sea Kings’ first-place finish in the varsity division at Queen’s Court early in the month foreshadows better things for Bailey Hume’s squad in her third season on the bench. Look for this smallish team, led by senior OH Reiley Murphy and senior libero Kristen Dauderman, to be terrific on first contact and have a diversified enough offense to give teams trouble.
Resurgent Kennedy of La Palma made its first appearance in the Southern Section playoffs last season since 2017 and qualified for the state tournament for the first time in 43 years. The Fighting Irish, who won 25 matches a year ago, graduated only one – impact middle Grace Beasley – but return an experienced group, led by D-I OH Addison Collum and junior libero Tiffany Ogaz. Defense, with seniors Miranda Vivas and Jazalyn Agular complementing Ogaz, will be a strong suit.
Bonita fashioned a 22-6 record a year ago, but six graduated starters have the Bearcats staring at a rebuild. Players to watch on what should be a good passing team include seniors Sarah Wilson and Stephanie Geoswirt and junior OH/libero Morgan Watkins.
Costa Mesa should be improved from its 12-10 record of a year ago. The Mustangs graduated four but got better in those positions. This isn’t a tall team, but an emerging one, led by setter Isabel Ortega Davidson and middle Kaitlyn Yagerlener.
Eight seniors and a talented, well-rounded squad give the Merced Bears hope of improving on last year’s 10-14 mark. OHs Sydney Perez and MacKenna Mondo lead the senior returnees along with RS Gabriella Buticci. Averie Stevenson, a 5-9 lefty setter/RS, is a freshman poised to make a deep impact.
Coronado returns 11 varsity players and every starter from last year’s 23-13 team. The “Nado” should be a strong blocking team behind 6-2 senior middle Ruby Deckman and Canadian import Raine Wilson and also will serve tough. Setter Emily Page and attacker Emily Wygal are two others to watch.
Look for St. Joseph Academy of San Marcos to be in building mode in 2023 with only S/RS Adley Fontaine, MB Maddy Kara and libero Katherine Wales returning as starters. The Crusaders finished 14-13 a year ago.
Hillcrest Christian won the Omega League last fall and should be the favorite again with four key returnees: setter Kate Vandel Pol, outsides Avonil Person and Eva Kouki and middle Emerson Burg.
How to see YOUR SCHOOL in The Notebook
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The summaries above represent only a fraction of the completed forms we have received to date. We will include the others in next week’s Notebook and pledge to write about all teams that submit forms to us.
Thanks! Be back next week with more news and notes on volleyball in the Golden State…