Standout Performers Shine in CIF Regional Championship Opener

PrepDig traveled to Folsom for an exhilarating Division 1 CIF State Regional Championship Round I matchup between Folsom and Mercy, both teams battling for a chance to advance. The town of Folsom itself was picturesque, and the energy from the student sections was as fierce and competitive as the action on the court. Although I was excited to witness a potential showdown between promising 6'2" sophomore Avery Masters and senior powerhouse blocker [player_tooltip player_id='466906' first='Mia' last='Ferdinand'], Avery, unfortunately, was sidelined due to a sprain suffered the day before. Nevertheless, every player on both rosters played a vital role in their team's journey to this championship, embodying the dedication required to reach this level.   Below are my notes on the standout performers who made an impact in the game.    A consistent force for Folsom, [player_tooltip player_id='547547' first='Khloe' last='Wong']'s quick reactions and confident communication set her apart on the court. Her serves are dangerous, landing aces with precision, and she effectively disrupts the rhythm of the opposing team. Offensively, she delivers fast, angled cross-court shots that catch defenders off guard, while her clever roll shots down the line add versatility to her game. On defense, Khloe is reliable, digging tough balls with ease and keeping her team in play during high-stakes moments. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='778951' first='Jazmin' last='Ojo'] is a standout freshman with remarkable talent. Her presence on the right side is commanding; she's long, athletic, and exhibits a mature sense of the game. Offensively, she knows when to unleash powerful swings and when to utilize finesse with controlled shots. Jazmin's all-around skill set and game intelligence make her one to watch in the years to come. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='501336' first='Addison' last='Smith']'s lightning-fast arm speed and versatile shot selection make her a dynamic offensive threat. Whether delivering powerful cross-court shots or finessing the ball with well-timed tips, she remains effective on both sides of the court. Her strong wrist snap allows her to tool the block frequently, and her adaptability to different situations demonstrates her advanced game awareness. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Committed to American River College, Madeline Seabury showcases exceptional speed and arm swing, adding a quick tempo to Folsom's offense. Her disciplined serve receive allows Folsom to maintain control of the game, while her serves consistently put pressure on opponents, often resulting in aces. Madeline's poised and precise contributions solidify her as a key player in Folsom's success. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Emma Sumner commands her area of the court with remarkable authority. With her left-handed serve, she disrupts opposing defenses and initiates offensive plays that keep Folsom on the attack. Her leadership on the court is evident as she maintains focus and poise, creating a stable foundation for her team's championship run. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     A middle committed to San Francisco State, Lindsey Olsen demonstrates an impressive ability to read plays and anticipate the ball at the net. Her blocking skills are essential to Folsom's defense; she presses firmly on blocks, denying opponents clear paths for attack. Additionally, her strategic tips to the right side add another dimension to Folsom's offensive strategy. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Commanding the net, Hadassah Makama asserts her presence as a powerful middle. She showcases the authority needed to dominate the front row, blocking aggressively and challenging every opposing hitter. Her confidence at the net contributes to Folsom's defensive stability and helps deter the other team's attacks. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Grace Poort keeps the tempo high, ensuring her hitters receive well-paced, accurate sets that enable them to execute powerful plays. Her well-placed offensive tips add an unpredictable element, catching defenders off guard and giving Folsom a strategic advantage. Grace's court awareness and quick thinking make her an invaluable asset to the team's offensive rhythm. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Brooklyn Graham stands out on the right side as a strong, reliable hitter. Her cross-court shots are delivered with solid precision, and she consistently connects with the ball for impactful swings. Her passionate playstyle brings fire to the court, energizing her team and intimidating the opposition. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='466906' first='Mia' last='Ferdinand'] is a dominant middle who knows how to turn her shots into points. Her quick slide approach is hard to defend, allowing her to get in position for effective hits. At the net, Mia is a wall—her thunderous blocks are nearly impenetrable, halting the momentum of the opposing team and setting the tone for Mercy's defense. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     A force on the right side, Sadie McCulloh has a powerful presence that's hard to ignore. Her blocking skills are crucial in shutting down Folsom's attacks, and her fast swings on offense allow her to score points and keep up the momentum for her team. Sadie's intensity at the net makes her a key asset to Mercy's front line. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Ava Cacao is an impressive outside hitter with exceptional jumping height, giving her a strong advantage at the net. Her attacking skills are versatile; she effectively strikes from both the front and back row, keeping Folsom's defense on their toes. Ava's ability to move her shots around the court adds an unpredictable element to her play, making her one of Mercy's key offensive threats. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='580922' first='Isabella' last='Reyes'] brings an infectious energy to the court, digging with a smile that embodies her love for the game. Her defensive skills are sharp, and she covers her hitters with impressive speed and accuracy. Isabella's ability to watch the block rather than solely focusing on the hitter reflects her strong court awareness, making her an invaluable defensive player for Mercy. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Clare O'Brien is a reliable presence on the service line, frequently landing aces that set a challenging pace for the opposing team. As a setter, she brings a low, fast tempo to her sets, which enables Mercy to execute quick offensive plays. Her smooth, graceful jump sets add a fluidity to the team's attack and make her an essential playmaker on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Isis Ordaz is a talented outside hitter known for her smart shot selection. Rather than relying solely on power, she strategically places her shots to exploit gaps in the defense. Her calculated playstyle adds depth to Mercy's offense, allowing them to maintain pressure on the Folsom defenders. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     Daniella Perez is relentless at the net, effectively shutting down any offensive attempts that come her way. Her presence as a blocker is intimidating, creating a strong defensive front for Mercy and forcing the opposition to adjust their game plan. Daniella's commanding performance at the net contributes significantly to Mercy's defensive strength. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig    If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.   After following our page, take the next step and subscribe to PrepDig! By subscribing, you'll not only stay connected to the latest coverage of your favorite events, but you'll also be helping to shine a spotlight on rising volleyball talent.   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PrepDig traveled to Folsom for an exhilarating Division 1 CIF State Regional Championship Round I matchup between Folsom and Mercy, both teams battling for a chance to advance. The town of Folsom itself was picturesque, and the energy from the student sections was as fierce and competitive as the action on the court. Although I was excited to witness a potential showdown between promising 6'2" sophomore Avery Masters and senior powerhouse blocker Mia Ferdinand Mia Ferdinand 6'1" | MB Mercy | 2025 CA , Avery, unfortunately, was sidelined due to a sprain suffered the day before. Nevertheless, every player on both rosters played a vital role in their team's journey to this championship, embodying the dedication required to reach this level.