Ireland Real Bruised, Santa Margarita Still Wins: Game Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This article is made possible by PrepDig subscribers. Thank you! ~ You can join with 30% off using code: Coachable247</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Margarita opened Division 1 pool play with a 3-1 road win at Oaks Christian, 25-21, 29-27, 24-26, 25-22, and did it without Texas commit [player_tooltip player_id='500618' first='Ireland' last='Real'], who is out with an injury. Winning a tight four-set match on the road without your top player says a lot about who else is ready to carry the load.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Margarita (18-10) travels to Mater Dei (36-1) on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and I'll be there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division 1 pool play runs through Saturday, Oct. 31, with the final set for Saturday, Nov. 7 at Cerritos College.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/cif-d1-round-1-santa-margarita-at-oaks-christian/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepdig.com/2026/10/cif-d1-round-1-santa-margarita-at-oaks-christian/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Before first serve, athletes from both rosters shared what this postseason means to them</a>. After the match, here's what stood out on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Biggest Story of the Night</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["500618"],"_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-6ada21d769e19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='500618' first='Ireland' last='Real']</strong> | Santa Margarita | 2027 | 6'4" OH | [Club] | <strong>Committed to Texas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During warmups, I spoke with Real as she rolled around on a knee scooter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I know Michelle, I know. Thankfully it is only a Bone Bruise. I am out for 3 to 6 weeks but I am hoping to make it 3. I am hoping to be back in time for state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Real didn't sit quietly once the match started. Real stayed as involved from the bench as she is when she's racking up kills, advocating for calls, keeping her teammates in the right rotations and celebrating every big block of the night. She understands that leadership doesn't stop when the minutes do. Texas is getting a player who impacts a match even when she isn't on the floor, and after watching her Wednesday night, I'd add coaching to her long-term future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What They Said, What I Saw</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482046"],"_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-6ada21d769e43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"anchor":"acf-block-6ada21d769e43"} --> <p id="acf-block-6ada21d769e43"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482046' first='Tristyn' last='Bailey']</strong> plays with a focused confidence you can see from the first swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Bailey said committing to Notre Dame lets her play free and try new things without fear of mistakes. On the court, that showed up as a high, confident swing on the outside and strong blocks on both the right and left sides. She looked locked in with complete focus. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["742790"],"_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-6ada21d769e5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='742790' first='Andrijana' last='Beman']</strong> plays with a court presence beyond her sophomore year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Beman talked about staying calm in chaotic situations. On the court, I saw fire and confidence, and she wanted the set on the outside. A player who asks for the ball in a playoff match is showing coaches her mindset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["896341"],"_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-6ada21d769e71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='896341' first='Milena' last='Kirchner']</strong> is learning the middle by reading the game, and it showed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Kirchner said a middle's job goes beyond kills and blocks to reading the other team and communicating what she sees. I saw excellent footwork and clear communication with her setter. She wants the ball, knows how to place it, and is quick at the net on offense. MaxPreps lists her as Oaks Christian's season leader in blocks with 52.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["763787"],"_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-6ada21d769e87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763787' first='Kiley' last='Macias']</strong> has quick hands and quick feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Macias said her summer camps showed her different ways to run an offense, with one goal of maximizing her hitters. On the court, she got her feet set to deliver cleanly, moved the ball confidently to her hitters, and showed strong chemistry with them. Kiley is a sophomore setter with tons of next level potential. MaxPreps lists her as Oaks Christian's season leader in assists with 475.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903414"],"_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-6ada21d769e9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903414' first='Karla' last='“KC” Medina']</strong> plays with confidence in a big gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Medina said she was looking forward to playing high-level teams in front of a big crowd. The setting did not change her game. She was in the right spot, read hitters well, passed consistently in serve receive, and dug hard swings. In one impressive rally, she had four monster digs for the point. Her performance was top tier with no wasted movements. MaxPreps lists her as the Eagles' season leader in digs (265) and receptions (350).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["486486"],"_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-6ada21d769eb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Malie' last='Ogbechie']</strong> is a powerhouse who knows when to tip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Ogbechie said committing to Princeton lets her compete with more joy and that she studies film to refine her game. On the court, she hit fast, hard and heavy from the outside, served aces, and used her vertical to work around the block with ease. She read the block well enough to know when to tip, and her own block at the net was solid. Princeton is getting power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527781"],"_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-6ada21d769ed1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='527781' first='Ella' last='Opene']</strong> plays fast and finds the gaps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Opene said her team set a goal of another CIF title and that she has watched every teammate grow this season. On the court, her high reach on the block stood out, along with her ability to find her hitter quickly. She plays fast on offense, finds gaps, and beats blocks. But her best quality on the court might be the energy she brings with her performance. MaxPreps lists her as the Eagles' season leader in blocks with 39.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054079"],"_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-6ada21d769eec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1054079' first='Ari' last='Robinson']</strong> runs an offense like a hitter who has lived it, and it showed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Robinson said her outside hitter background shapes how she sets and that she treats every point as a battle. On the court, her hands gave her hitters a consistent target. She was solid on block press and reads, and she served aces. Ari is a fun player to watch as she orchestrates her offense. MaxPreps lists her as the Eagles' season leader in assists with 328.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["548314"],"_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-6ada21d769f02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='548314' first='Siena' last='Warren']</strong> sets with a soft touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Warren's advice to younger players was to trust the process and not compare their paths. On the court, she moved the ball with grace and gave her hitters all of their options. Beyond setting a beautiful game she hustles on defense. She is locked in on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["787777"],"_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-6ada21d769f18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787777' first='Elyse' last='Wong']</strong> is electric on the court, and she is smart about it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before the match, Wong said she wants coaches to notice her leadership, her calm after errors, and her shot placement. On the court, she worked her hits off the block, swung hard, and made great defensive ups. She found high, out-of-system sets and delivered, her snap carried real momentum, and she used her hands well out of system. Her volleyball IQ in placing shots was clear. [player_tooltip player_id='787777' first='Elyse' last='Wong'] was a player of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>I will be at Santa Margarita at Mater Dei on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to see how the Eagles follow this one up.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🔥 <strong>Athletes</strong><br><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">Update your PrepDig Prospect Index profile</a> so it's complete and current, with a photo, your club, your school and your latest film. Explore the player profiles featured in this article and see how other athletes are building their stories. Then share this article and tag your teammates. Visibility grows when you're part of the conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📣 <strong>Club Coaches &amp; Directors</strong><br><a href="https://prepdig.com/california/clubs/club-programs/">Keep your club updated in the California Club Program Database</a> and stay connected to every opportunity we create for exposure. Celebrate the athletes from your program who were featured, and use this article to start a conversation about trajectory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🎯 <strong>College Coaches</strong><br><a href="https://prepdig.com/college-subscribe/">Use a Premium College Subscription</a> to learn more about the whole athlete: full profiles, rankings, evaluations and the stories behind the stat line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🙏 <strong>Parents &amp; Supporters</strong><br>Download the Prep Network app (<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prep-network/id6761510133">iPhone</a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prepnetwork.app">Android</a>) to follow your athlete's journey and share this article with your family, your club and your community. Thank you for taking the time to read and support the exposure PrepDig provides for these athletes, and for helping us celebrate the work behind every name on this page.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong><br>Access exclusive rankings, deeper analysis, and the full Prospect Index to follow every athlete's journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/events" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepdig.com/events">If you Need More Exposure? Attend a PrepDig Showcase</a></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Use Code: MichelleBamford10 for $10 off on all Showcases</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our showcases are designed for athletes who want to take ownership of their recruiting journey and better understand how visibility, evaluation, and opportunity work together. These events offer more than competition. They provide athletes with a chance to learn how exposure works, compete in front of evaluators, build confidence, and gain valuable insight into what coaches are looking for at each stage of development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether your goal is to improve communication, showcase your skills, earn recognition, receive meaningful evaluation, or simply learn how to stand out in a competitive environment, each showcase is built to help athletes grow both on and off the court. If you're ready to invest in your development, tell your story, and put yourself on the radar, <a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase" id="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase"><strong>registration is open</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1039891,"width":"600px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.1790813549386594","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/image_44584c.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1039891" style="aspect-ratio:1.1790813549386594;width:600px;height:auto"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->