Durango Fall Classic: California Teams Shine on Day One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Durango Fall Classic opened with its usual electricity, and Silverado High School was buzzing as pools wrapped up on Friday. This tournament always attracts the nation's best, and California teams once again showed why the Golden State continues to set the bar. From disciplined systems to individual firepower, the athletes made every rally a recruiting moment. With my notes in hand, I zeroed in on some of the California programs that stood tall on opening day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sierra Canyon</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sierra Canyon lived up to expectations, finishing 3–0 in pool play with a 6–1 set record. Their ability to control the first touch and create balanced offense kept opponents scrambling. Even when pushed, the Trailblazers' composure and high-level execution stood out as a marker of a team built for deep runs in elite tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545258' first='Evangeline' last='Jeffries']</strong></strong> played polished, powerful volleyball, making big-time plays and putting up a strong block.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='458807' first='Madeleine' last='“Maddie” Zaragoza']</strong> was fearless in the back row, moving with ease and digging the hardest-hit balls effortlessly.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480605' first='Kalyani' last='Olive']</strong> showed improved speed and hustle, instantly ready to defend after serving.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest']</strong> stood out for her consistency, executing confidently from both the front and back row.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338908' first='Lucky' last='Fasavalu']</strong> was electric at setter, making magic with her location and one-handed dumps. She was one of the best setters I saw all day.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh']</strong> looked as fit as ever, dominating both offensively and defensively with her high-level blocking presence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kendall Omoruyi</strong>, a Nebraska commit, kept the sidelines buzzing with her explosive offense. Her ability to elevate and terminate at the net showed exactly why she deserves her role at the next level.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Saint Francis</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saint Francis put together one of the stronger second place pool finishes, closing 2–1 with a 5–2 set record. Their defense kept them in long rallies, and their hitters converted key points when it mattered most. The Lancers have the depth and discipline to frustrate opponents and should not be overlooked as bracket play intensifies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='542505' first='Ella' last='Fulton']</strong>, a San Diego commit, was on fire offensively, working the net with power and precision.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772504' first='Josie' last='Daniel']</strong>, a freshman outside, was a force. She hit with speed and power, blowing past even the biggest blocks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='510954' first='Abby' last='Cardenas']</strong>, a left-handed sophomore, showed great versatility attacking from the right side. Her down-the-line shots were particularly lethal.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='527935' first='Noe' last='Vanacht']</strong>, a Cal Poly commit, anchored the defense and put on a libero clinic in the back row.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Newport Harbor</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newport Harbor battled through a competitive pool and came away with a 2–1 record. The Sailors' strength is in their balanced offense, which allows them to spread the floor and keep blockers guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557446' first='Piper' last='Coady']</strong> was tested against Xavier's speed and power but still found ways to contribute, working around the block and finding seams.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545271' first='Ella' last='Olson']</strong>, a Texas commit, played with calm confidence, bringing a huge volleyball IQ and a cannon of an arm that made her effective whenever she touched the ball.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Vladimira Kotzakov</strong> was one of the most entertaining players on the floor, delivering a textbook tool off the block that turned heads.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499995' first='Talea' last='Berry']</strong>, a Utah Valley commit, set the offense with pace and precision, added ace serves, and displayed excellent footwork running the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Los Alamitos</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Los Alamitos looked sharp, finishing 2–1 with a 5–2 set record. The Griffins' offensive tempo and defensive intensity stood out as they earned key wins in their pool.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='510530' first='Kaitlyn' last='Herweg']</strong>, an Indiana commit, was steady and reliable in the back row, anchoring the defense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='818534' first='Audrey' last='Belikoff']</strong> read hitters well at the net, getting touches that slowed down opponents' attacks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569584' first='Charlotte' last='Hall']</strong> has successfully transitioned from middle to pin to expand her collegiate opportunities, and the move has paid off. Her firepower on the outside was a difference-maker.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391353' first='Brynn' last='Minter']</strong>, a Charleston Southern commit, gave her team big momentum swings with everything from pop serves to rocket swings on the outside.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other California Teams in Action</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Chaminade </strong>finished 1–2, but the Eagles' aggressive serving and pin hitters showed flashes of high-level potential.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Rocklin</strong> battled to a 2–1 finish, led by size at the net and smart shot selection that disrupted opposing offenses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Vista Murrieta</strong> went 0–3, but the Broncos' hustle and athleticism stretched rallies and showed promise for bounce-back performances.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Redwood </strong>posted a 1–2 record, with pin attackers able to score against quality blocks and a backcourt defense that kept them competitive in every match.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Championship Qualifying Rounds at Silverado High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8:00 AM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 1: <em>Skyview vs <strong>Sierra Canyon</strong></em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 2: <em>Assumption vs <strong>Cathedral Catholic</strong></em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 3: <em><strong>Mira Costa</strong></em> vs Xavier</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 4: Harrisburg vs <strong>Torrey Pines</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9:15 AM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 1: ‘Iolani vs <strong>Marymount</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 2: <em><strong>Archbishop Mitty</strong></em> vs <strong>Redondo Union</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 3: Marist vs Cornerstone Christian</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Court 4: Corona del Sol vs <strong>Mater Dei</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The stage is now set for the heart of the Durango Fall Classic. California teams have positioned themselves well, and Saturday's matches promise even more drama. Qualifying rounds begin at 8:00 AM, followed by division play at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":885470,"width":"125px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/image_cf4e03.png" alt="" class="wp-image-885470" style="width:125px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>✨ <strong>Help a player get discovered </strong>— share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en"><strong>PrepDigCa</strong></a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":770394,"width":"98px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_ff10cb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770394" style="width:98px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><strong>prospect index</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>September high school volleyball is in full swing, with players finding their rhythm as two of the nation's premier events approach. The Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas and the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona provide stages for athletes to showcase growth, leadership, and competitive drive. It is the perfect time to read, share, and support their journey as they compete in front of college coaches and elevate their game against top-tier competition.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🔥 <strong>Players</strong> — Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to go further? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📣 <strong>Club Coaches &amp; Directors</strong> — Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them loudly. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. 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