CIF-STATE Open: 3 Foothill vs 6 St. Mary’s – Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships Open Division commenced with an exciting showdown last night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig had its eyes on the clash between Foothill (seeded 3) and St. Mary's (seeded 6). In a compelling matchup, Foothill from Pleasanton, CA, emerged victorious in Wednesday's home playoff, securing a 3-1 win against St. Mary's from Stockton, CA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the top performers of the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":477020,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Paige Bennett","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Foothill","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Paige Bennett, 2024: 6' 0u0022 Outside hitter for FoothillrnrnPaige Bennett, committed to Winthrop University, emerged as a formidable force against St. Mary's. True to her reputation, she showcased an impressive ability to place shots precisely where she intended, effortlessly navigating through the opposing block. Even when not dominating the front row, Paige demonstrated her versatility by securing kills through back row attacks.rnrnPost-match, I asked Paige to share some advice for aspiring athletes looking to follow in her footsteps. Her response, u0022A piece of advice I have for athletes aspiring to play in college is to be a good teammate, work hard both on and off the court, and seek a school that values and appreciates you. Despite the lengthy and challenging process, don't give up on yourself—your perfect fit is out there!u0022 Paige's words serve as guidance of encouragement for those navigating the demanding journey towards collegiate play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":477021,"_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Kaycie Burdick","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Foothill","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Kaycie Burdick, 2026: 5'7” Outside hitter for FoothillrnrnKaycie, an outside hitter with an impressive vertical leap and a knack for consistent play, excels in delivering successful attacks regardless of the set. As a versatile two-sport athlete, she's destined for collegiate sports, showcasing her skills not only on the volleyball court but also on the softball field.rnrnPost-match, I engaged Kaycie in a conversation, seeking advice for athletes navigating the demanding realm of competing in two sports at such a high level. Her response reflects a mindset of resilience and enjoyment: u0022My best advice would be to keep working hard and find any available time to continuously improve! Even though it may feel overwhelming at times, finding the joy in both sports is the most rewarding part. If you've set goals, stay motivated and work diligently to achieve them!u0022 Kaycie's words serve as a guiding light for those juggling the challenges and joys of excelling in multiple sports.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Katherine Salonga","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Foothill","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Katherine Salonga, 2024: 5' 7u0022 Setter for FoothillrnrnKatherine just reached 1,000 single season assists with the Rams. Such an amazing accomplishment.rnrnKatherine possesses an exquisite touch on the ball, consistently delivering her sets to optimal hitting heights. Her court presence is marked by a low stance and relentless hustle, allowing her to skillfully get under the ball and execute well-balanced sets. I can't wait to watch Katherine in the next round.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["475609"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Mckenna Mcintosh, 2027: 6'1u0022 Outside for St Mary'srnrnMckenna earns the title of PrepDig Player of the Game for St. Mary's, standing out as the go-to hitter with a formidable approach characterized by a swift and powerful snap, often culminating in successful kills. Despite being a freshman, she navigates her position with remarkable skill, adeptly playing all 6 rotations, showcasing proficiency in both passing and solid defense. Notably, Mckenna's standout quality lies in her impressive shot placement, setting her apart on the court.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Eliana Williams","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"St. Mary's","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Eliana Williams, 2026: 5'11” Middle for St. Mary'srnrnEliana Williams delivered an outstanding performance at the net, proving to be a formidable force when pressing on her block. Foothill faced significant challenges breaking through her defense. In the Section Championship, Eliana showcased her skills with a team-high of 4 blocks. Concluding her regular season with an impressive 60% kill percentage, Eliana stands out as a two-sport athlete, actively participating in both volleyball and water polo. Undoubtedly, she is a player to keep a close eye on.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":477186,"_player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"Kaydence Bispo","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"St. Mary's","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_5_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Kaydence Bispo, 2024: 6'1 Outside hitter for St. Mary'srnrnKaydence showcased an impressive performance on the outside, displaying a powerful swing that translated into offensive kills for her team. Her on-court energy was nothing short of fantastic. Post-match, I asked her to reflect on the season and to share what lay ahead on the horizon for her, and she responded, “From the very beginning, our team set a goal to be section champions. We worked hard, maintained focus, and were able to achieve that. It means so much to me that we were able to prove ourselves and accomplish such an amazing task. I had so much fun and developed a strong bond with the girls, even as a senior transfer.rnrnInterestingly, my focus is now shifting towards swimming as I'm committed to San Diego State. While I'm not certain about playing club yet, I'm setting personal goals for swimming, such as going to state and making Olympic trials. It's an exciting shift, and I'm eager to pursue these new challenges.”rnrnKaydence's journey reflects dedication, accomplishment, and a readiness for new athletic pursuits.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654c9183218d4"} /-->