Durango Fall Classic Recap: California’s Dynamic Duo Stands Tall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig had the privilege of attending one of the most prestigious high school volleyball tournaments in the country—the <strong>Durango Fall Classic</strong>. This year's event was nothing short of electric, with top-tier talent competing in one of the best-run tournaments of the season. Every point mattered, as teams evolved and found their rhythm throughout the competition. The games were high-octane, packed with energy, and driven by a determination to win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tournament Results:</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Champions:</strong> Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, CA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Runner-Up:</strong> Marymount High School (Los Angeles, CA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3rd Place:</strong> Prestonwood Christian Academy (Plano, TX)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Silver Division Champion:</strong> Xavier College Prep (Phoenix, AZ)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bronze Division Champion:</strong> Torrey Pines High School (San Diego, CA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Competition Division Champion:</strong> Skyview High School (Nampa, ID)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Classic Division Champion:</strong> Huntington Beach High School (Huntington Beach, CA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Contender Division Champion:</strong> ‘Iolani School (Honolulu, HI)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Challenger Division Champion:</strong> Vista Murrieta High School (Murrieta, CA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Character Division Champion:</strong> Shadow Ridge High School (Las Vegas, NV)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Congratulations to the 2024 All-Tournament Team:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='228678' first='Layli' last='Ostovar'], Mater Dei High School, Committed to USC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='489519' first='Presley' last='Kiffin'], Mater Dei High School, Committed to USC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391084' first='Samantha' last='(Sammy) Destler'], Marymount High School, Committed to Washington Volleyball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elle Vandewege, Marymount High School, Committed to SMU Volleyball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391119' first='Olivia' last='Penske'], Marymount High School, Committed to Georgetown University</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/macaria-spears/">Macaria Spears</a>, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Committed to Texas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/taylor-cook-2/">Taylor Cook</a>, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Committed to Kansas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/megan-fitch/">Megan Fitch</a>, Cornerstone Christian Schools, Committed to Texas A&amp;M Volleyball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='706310' first='Lauren' last='Lynch'], Sierra Canyon School, Committed to San Diego Volleyball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/brooke-harwood/">Brooke Harwood</a>, Casteel High School, Committed to UCLA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391080' first='Abby' last='Zimmerman'], Redondo Union High School, Committed to Cal Volleyball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='391077' first='Audrey' last='Flanagan'], Mira Costa High School, Committed to Wisconsin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/vivian-hickman/">Vivian Hickman</a>, Xavier College Prep, Committed to UCLA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/sydney-whisenton/">Sydney Whisenton</a>, Cornerstone Christian Schools</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao'], Mater Dei High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='492684' first='Samantha' last='Capinpin'], Mater Dei High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">California's Dynamic Duo Shine Among Committed Giants</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f1e293ac784"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao']</strong>, from Mater Dei High School in California, earned the prestigious <strong>MVP title at the Durango Fall Classic</strong>, solidifying her status as one of the most dynamic outside hitters in the country. As the tournament progressed, so did Matavao's performance, with each match showcasing her growth and dominance on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the notable absence of her usually lethal top-spin serve, Matavao's impact was undeniable. Her powerful hitting and explosive athleticism helped her rise above the competition, earning her the distinction of the top player at the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beyond her physical gifts, Matavao's character and work ethic continue to make her one of the most coveted recruits in the country, as she consistently proves herself to be a game-changer for her team. Her MVP win further cements her reputation as a force ready for the next level. —Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["492684"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66f1e293ac7e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='492684' first='Samantha' last='Capinpin'] proved one thing at the Durango Fall Classic—she is not just capable, but fully ready to set at the next level. Her performance left no doubt that she has the skills, leadership, and composure to thrive in collegiate volleyball. When she took the court for Mater Dei, Capinpin displayed smooth consistency throughout the tournament, setting the pace and rhythm for her team. Her speed, disciplined fundamentals, and sharp court communication allowed her to stand out to tournament directors even among Mater Dei's deep roster of talented setters, including [player_tooltip player_id='228680' first='Ayva' last='Ostovar'], [player_tooltip player_id='227273' first='Soraya' last='Dennis'], [player_tooltip player_id='451716' first='Kate' last='Scherlacher'], and Emily Clark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='492684' first='Samantha' last='Capinpin']'s confident gameplay and leadership stood out to many at the Durango Fall Classic. As a reliable and dynamic setter, she's certainly catching the attention of college coaches. Her skill set can elevate any program, and her performance at Durango only solidified her status as a top recruit. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Durango Fall Classic lived up to its reputation, showcasing top talent from across the country. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and teams involved!</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Remarks:</strong> Every player mentioned in this article, as well as those not mentioned, should be incredibly proud of the effort they put forth during this tournament. For those who didn't see much playing time, remember that your hard work in practice is what enables the starting lineup to perform at their best. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/07/prepdig-club-season-has-endednow-what/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Be sure to update your player resumes with your achievements from the tournament to keep college coaches informed</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a>&nbsp;for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After following our page, take the next step and <strong>subscribe to PrepDig</strong>! 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