CIF SS Division 7: Laguna Beach Moves to Round 3

Laguna Beach High School's volleyball team advanced to the CIF Quarter Finals after a thrilling three-set victory over Barstow High School. Despite the straight-set win, it was a tight match from start to finish, with both teams battling for every point. Laguna Beach showed resilience and skill to secure the win, especially in the closing moments of each set. Barstow High kept the pressure on with crucial serves and talent, but Laguna Beach's teamwork and determination made the difference. The energy on the court was visible as both teams fought hard. Laguna Beach is coached by Sinan Cem Tanik and Frank Aronoff. Barstow is coached by Dorothy Ili, Monroe Ili, and Seiblesierra Ili. Meet some key players from both teams below.    [player_tooltip player_id='400625' first='Emersyn' last='Ebel'] is a talented setter known for her smooth hands and ability to reach balls not passed on point, making her an invaluable asset on the court. Her intelligence in reading plays allows her to spread the ball strategically, keeping the defense guessing and effectively opening up opportunities for her hitters. Emersyn's ball placement and quick decision-making help her offense run smoothly, often setting up key scoring chances. Her serve is another strong point, adding pressure on the opponent right from the start of each rally. Emersyn's court vision and technical skill make her a standout setter and a game-changer for her team.     Angelique Lealofi is a dominant middle blocker who brings a formidable presence to the net. Her high hands and solid blocking skills make her a tough obstacle for opposing hitters, often shutting down attacks with her well-timed blocks. Angelique excels in her transitions, moving to support her pins on the sides and adding an extra layer of defense. Offensively, she's just as impressive; her powerful swing and ability to get on top of the ball create hard-to-defend kills. Angelique's combination of blocking strength and offensive prowess makes her a key player on both ends of the court.     Freshman setter [player_tooltip player_id='524356' first='Sienna' last='Utge'] has quickly made her mark as a driving force behind her varsity team's offense, running it with confidence well beyond her years. Her smooth, well-placed sets are a testament to her skillful hands and game awareness, allowing her to deliver precise passes to her pins, middles, and pipe hitters. Sienna's ability to get to the ball and keep her offense fluid is impressive for any setter, let alone one so early in her high school career. Her poise and control make her an invaluable asset, as she seamlessly connects the team's plays, demonstrating maturity and leadership rare for a freshman.     Freshman outside hitter Jordyn Flynn plays with a fearless intensity. In back row, she is unafraid to dive and dig for every ball, fending off attacks and saving crucial points for her team. Her powerful swing makes her a threat on offense, as she skillfully tools or finds gaps between blocks to score. Jordyn's balanced strength on both offense and defense makes her a standout player, and her fearless approach, especially as a freshman, highlights her exceptional potential and competitive spirit.     Libero Savannah Farris is a dynamic force in the back row, bringing unmatched hustle as she digs, dives, and slides to keep the ball in play. Her commitment to covering the backcourt ensures her team is well-protected against tough attacks, often rescuing seemingly lost points. Savannah's passes to the setter lay the foundation for effective offensive plays. Her agility and fearless approach to defense showcase her dedication, as she goes all out to secure every ball and maintain her team's defensive strength. She reads the game well and positions herself to make key passes. Her effort to back-row coverage keeps the defense strong, contributing greatly to her team's overall success.     Outside hitter Layla Kollock is a versatile player with a solid hit from the pipe, showcasing a strong swing that keeps opposing defenses on their toes. Her power on offense is matched by her reliability on defense, as she can pass accurately and set up plays smoothly. She has a solid platform which helps controls the ball when passing. Layla's ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes her an asset to her team, balancing powerful attacks with solid back-row coverage. Her all-around skill and consistency make her a standout presence, providing strength in both offensive and defensive phases of the game.     Right-side hitter Ivy Bianchi, standing tall at 6'0", is an intimidating presence on the court. Her high hands make her a strong blocker, effectively challenging opponents' attacks. Ivy is skilled at tooling the block, using her height and reach to redirect the ball off defenders. She has a knack for placing the ball strategically down line – those hard-to-defend open spots – keeping defenses guessing and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Her combination of height, power, and placement makes Ivy versatile and valuable on the right side.     Middle blocker and hitter Sadie Holmes is a force at the net, creating a solid wall that opponents struggle to get past. With her high hands and precise timing, she supports her pins by reading the play and setting up blocks. Offensively, Sadie's skill in turning a well-placed set into a point is great; she gets on top of the ball with a powerful downward swing that's difficult to defend. Her combination of defensive strength and offensive firepower makes her a key player, consistently impacting both sides of the game.    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Laguna Beach High School's volleyball team advanced to the CIF Quarter Finals after a thrilling three-set victory over Barstow High School. Despite the straight-set win, it was a tight match from start to finish, with both teams battling for every point. Laguna Beach showed resilience and skill to secure the win, especially in the closing moments of each set. Barstow High kept the pressure on with crucial serves and talent, but Laguna Beach's teamwork and determination made the difference. The energy on the court was visible as both teams fought hard. Laguna Beach is coached by Sinan Cem Tanik and Frank Aronoff. Barstow is coached by Dorothy Ili, Monroe Ili, and Seiblesierra Ili. Meet some key players from both teams below.