Standouts at the CIF-SS DI, II, III Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Follow every athlete, ranking and evaluation coming out of CIF-SS Final Day with a <a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">PrepDig+ subscription</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday at Cerritos College came down to who kept making smart decisions when the scoreboard tightened. Three finals, three titles, and two of them needed a fifth set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mater Dei beat Sierra Canyon in four sets for the Division 1 title. Long Beach Poly outlasted Redondo Union 16-14 in the fifth for Division 2. Corona del Mar edged Newbury Park 15-13 in the fifth for Division 3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Separation looked different in each match. In Division 1, it came from hitters who kept finding angles against two teams that blocked well. In Division 2, it came from [player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='McKennah' last='Iamaleava'], who carried Poly's offense with 29 kills. In Division 3, it came from [player_tooltip player_id='805663' first='Sofia' last='Dajnowiec'], who attacked from every spot on the floor, and from [player_tooltip player_id='731906' first='Olena' last='Harasymowycz'], who dug 29 balls as a freshman in a section final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are the scores, the athletes who separated in each final, and the committed players who took the floor. The underclassmen who stood out get a short mention here, and their own features run later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 1: Mater Dei 3, Sierra Canyon 1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final: Mater Dei def. Sierra Canyon 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sierra Canyon took the opener 26-24 behind [player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh']'s back to back aces, but Mater Dei won the next three sets. The match ran 2 hours and 14 minutes in front of 1,638 fans, with 27 tie scores and eight lead changes. Mater Dei out-hit Sierra Canyon .230 to .204 despite being out-blocked 10 to 8. It sided out at 72 percent in the third set and closed the fourth with the composure of a team that had been here before.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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-6af101c55569a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao'] finished with 19 kills, 14 digs and two aces. West has been a powerhouse for Mater Dei and she finished the CIF-SS Division 1 Final in the same fashion. She gave a solid performance on both offense and defense, moving her feet into position for great defensive passes, then turning that touch into offense. It was her heavy hitting arm swing, with a huge follow through from the outside to the open court, that beat the block and made the back row pay. West has the ability to find the weakness in the block, whether that be line, angle or tooling the block. The roll shot down the line that tied the first set at 18 showed how well she reads a block and capitalizes with finesse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig placed her on the 2027 California Top 10 with nearly 1,000 career kills, 730 digs and 113 aces. She has been a back-to-back Durango Fall Classic MVP and plays all six rotations. Before she brings that all-around talent to UCLA, she will start her run for a state title against Los Alamitos at Mater Dei on Wednesday, November 11 at 6 p.m.</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":["888357"],"_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-6af101c5556c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='888357' first='Kendall' last='Omoruyi'] hit .459 on 37 swings for 22 kills, added a solo block and five block assists, and her 26.5 points led all players. Her first set was five kills on five swings, including a hang time kill in the middle around the block. She works her angles out of the middle, beats the block to the right angle on the outside and tools it when the block is set. In the second set she owned the net, with three blocks in a row that left Mater Dei scoring only on tips. She hit from both the front and back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepDig No. 1 player in California told us last week that she leads with positive energy and composure. She played that way in a final and kept her team steady.</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":["455792"],"_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-6af101c5556e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='455792' first='Emma' last='Kingston'] came off the bench and played all four sets, hitting .476 with 11 kills on 21 swings. She gives herself room to work all of her hitting angles, then uses the full menu: an off speed kill to the corner, a tip to the left, a strong kill to right back, a high dump over the block and a swing off the top of the block. She also set a huge block on the outside with Seung. She plays with tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has been a PrepDig name since the 2024 Mater Dei win over Mira Costa, and Saturday showed how much her game has grown. She takes that growth to Cal.</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":["486781"],"_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-6af101c555700"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991470' first='Katherine' last='Nowak'] made the plays that change a match. She served four aces, scored on a solo block in the first set that sent her team on fire, and read defense with seven digs. She opened the match with a kill on the right side between the block, then kept playing read defense through the second set. She joined Mater Dei from JSerra and is now a starter. Earlier in the playoffs she hit .400 with nine kills against Santa Margarita. She plays with energy and will take it to Georgetown.</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":["475609"],"_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-6af101c55571a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh'] scored 15 points with 10 kills, four aces and 19 digs, and she looked like she was locked in. Her serve changed the first set: an ace brought Sierra Canyon back from 14-17, then back to back aces tied it at 17 and gave her team the lead. At the net she swings high on the outside to beat the block, picks her spots with a soft roll shot down the line and digs hard hits with the same calm. She and Omoruyi shut down the net together in the second set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has more than 1,400 career kills, 900 digs and 190 aces, and she takes that two way game to USC.</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":["545313"],"_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-6af101c55575d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest'] finished with nine kills, 13 digs and an ace. She works high and smart on back row attacks and finds the soft spot with a tip through the block. She also set a strong block with Gonzalez. She was an NTDP Winter invitee as a sophomore and an NIT All-Tournament selection, and this fall she has talked about playing with more confidence and holding a higher standard since committing to Texas Tech. She showed both on Saturday.</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":["338908"],"_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-6af101c555779"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='338908' first='Lucky' last='Fasavalu'] ran the Sierra Canyon offense with 43 assists and made four block assists, including a huge block on the middle and another on the outside. She also finished a free ball to the corner. She passed 2,000 career assists in the first round of the playoffs, and she has spoken about wanting to leave a legacy and connect with the younger girls. She will bring that leadership to Missouri.</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":["545258"],"_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-6af101c555792"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='545258' first='Eva' last='Jeffries'] scored 10 points with nine kills, 13 digs and two block assists. She hits the hard angle cross court with ease and is a problem from both the front and back row. She finished an overpass and made a great block on the right side. She told us this fall that she used to rely on her height and length and now adds court vision, power, off speed shots and tooling the block. With 149 career blocks and nearly 1,000 career kills, she has the numbers to match the growth. She takes that range to Tennessee.</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":["545359"],"_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-6af101c5557c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='545359' first='Saaliyah' last='Brown'], the Mater Dei senior opposite, finished the final with six kills on 14 swings (.286), two block assists and 7.0 points. She makes the right side look easy. She bounced a hit off the right side with no block in front of her, scored on the outside, and sealed the net with [player_tooltip player_id='748210' first='Jael' last='Smith'] for a huge block on the outside hitter in the first set. She plays smart and strong, and she kept the Mater Dei offense moving when Sierra Canyon's block was set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saaliyah on the win: “Something I will remember the most about last night is how competitive my team was and how determined we were to win that game. We had a game plan given to us, and we stuck with it, which led us to win. We stayed together as a team, trusted each other, and continued to push through even when things got challenging. This win was special because we all believed in each other and came together to achieve our one goal.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Also separating in Division 1</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='769741' first='Jimin' last='Seung'], the Mater Dei freshman, hit .303 with 14 kills and an ace, and she did not look like a freshman. [player_tooltip player_id='770397' first='Sienna' last='Cicero'] led all players with 23 digs. [player_tooltip player_id='515127' first='Riley' last='Stringer'] ran the offense with 26 assists and [player_tooltip player_id='533581' first='Kalea' last='Lee'] added 22 assists and two aces. [player_tooltip player_id='748210' first='Jael' last='Smith'] put up six block assists, including back to back blocks in the fourth set. More on the young names later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State matchups:</strong> Mater Dei hosts Los Alamitos on Wednesday, November 11 at 6 p.m. Sierra Canyon hosts Oaks Christian the same night at 6 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 2: Long Beach Poly 3, Redondo Union 2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final: Long Beach Poly def. Redondo Union 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 23-25, 16-14.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Poly hit .316, .357 and .429 in the first three sets and took a 2-1 lead, but Redondo would not go away. The Sea Hawks won the second and fourth sets, out-blocked Poly 15 to 7, and pushed the match to a fifth set. The final ran 2 hours and 13 minutes, with 28 tie scores and 12 lead changes. Poly closed it 16-14 for the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["492317"],"_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-6af101c5557b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='McKennah' last='Iamaleava'] was the clearest separator in Division 2. She finished with 29 kills at .390, 15 digs, two aces and 31.5 points. She hit .889 in the first set and .568 through three, and she carried the offense when Redondo's block took away other options. She powers through the block on the right side, corrects in the air and turns her wrist when the block gets there first, and she goes to the soft tip when it is open. Her volleyball IQ shows in when she swings, tips or rolls, and she frames her platform on defense to give her setter a clean ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She will take her game to UC Irvine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKennah on the title: “Winning the Division 2 title means everything, especially during my senior year. Being able to end our season with a championship is something I'll always be grateful for. After seeing how much we've grown since our sophomore year, it's so rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off. We were able to showcase that and carry ourselves with confidence. Being able to lean on each other, trust one another, and come together on such a big stage made this moment even more meaningful. It's definitely a memory I'll carry with me forever.”</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":["328173"],"_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-6af101c5557c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='328173' first='Cedra' last='Talaga'] finished with 20 digs, three aces and 10 assists, and she set the second ball with excellent hands. She stays ready to move and battle in the back row, and she sets the tone with her serve. We first wrote about her last August, when she talked about this group having heart, grit and a relentless mindset. This week she said she wanted to help her teammates control their emotions and pressure in a final. She did that. She will bring this perspective to Illinois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cedra on the fifth set: “What I'll remember most about that fifth set is the heart, fight, and determination we showed as a team. We knew everything was on the line, and no matter how much pressure we faced, we stayed together, trusted each other, and fought till the end!”</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":["755952"],"_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-6af101c5557e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='755952' first='Aleeya' last='Salima'] scored 18 points on 18 kills and seven digs. She hit with fire power on the outside. She goes cross body, takes a high touch off the block and uses a high deep tip down the line when the block sets up. Last August she told us she plays for more than wins, and she leaned on her faith and her family through a hard year. She is a senior still on the board.</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":["740877"],"_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-6af101c5557fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='740877' first='Alison' last='Wetteland'] scored 10 points with seven kills and six block assists. She hits a fast overpass swing that fires up her team, powers through the middle with a strong hit and closed a point with a huge block after three blocks in a row. She sets up the block nicely with [player_tooltip player_id='949338' first='Kerida' last='Leomiti']. Last August she talked about building routines and getting more reps together so the group grows in confidence. That showed in how she competed through five sets, and she takes it to Wesleyan.</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":["536929"],"_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-6af101c555813"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='536929' first='Abbie' last='Hairrell'] finished with 11 kills at .290, a solo block and five block assists, and 14.5 points. She is quick in the middle: a speedy one that beats the block and goes right up the middle, and kills through the block using her angles. She closed the outside with a huge block. Her joust at the net took the lead in the fifth set. This week she told us it was her last CIF game, and she played tough until the last point. She will carry this competitive habit to Oregon State.</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":["775554"],"_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-6af101c55582b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='775554' first='Sienna' last='Castillo'] hit .389 with seven kills, served an ace and added seven block assists, including a huge block on the outside hitter. She is quick on the one and turns the ball across her body for the kill. She gives herself room to work her angles or slows down with a soft tip over the block. She will bring this skill set to the sand at Cal Poly Beach.</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":["780729"],"_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-6af101c555844"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='780729' first='Leah' last='Blair'] had nine kills, 14 digs and a solo block. She pushes the ball pin to pin, swings strong through the block and reads out of system sets well. She also blocked the setter to stop a dump that had worked earlier. We put her on the AVCA Phenom Watch List last August, and she showed why on Saturday. She is verbal to the University of Washington for beach volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Also separating in Division 2</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='524595' first='Avery' last='Milburn'] hit .325 for 18 kills and 19.5 points. [player_tooltip player_id='944110' first='Mina' last='Orbiso'] ran the Poly offense with 32 assists and 11 digs. Asofiafia So'oto led Redondo with 17 kills and 18 points, and Brooke Bradford looked composed in a final with a solo block and three block assists. [player_tooltip player_id='949338' first='Kerida' last='Leomiti'] set 22 assists, [player_tooltip player_id='391411' first='Marlo' last='Libbey'] 25 and Mali Kottoor 18. Addison Choi dug 16 balls and talked all night. More on the young names later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State matchups:</strong> Long Beach Poly hosts Coronado on Tuesday, November 10 at 6 p.m. Redondo Union hosts Corona del Mar the same night at 6 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division 3: Corona del Mar 3, Newbury Park 2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final: Corona del Mar def. Newbury Park 24-26, 25-20, 25-15, 22-25, 15-13.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newbury Park took the first set 26-24 and the fourth 25-22, and it returned to a section final two years after its 2024-25 appearance, this time in Division 3. Corona del Mar won the second, third and fifth sets and hit .243 for the match, with 13 aces and 88 digs. Newbury Park out-blocked the Sea Kings 12 to 5 and answered every run. The final lasted 2 hours with 29 tie scores and 10 lead changes, and Corona del Mar finished it 15-13.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["805663"],"_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-6af101c555862"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='805663' first='Sofia' last='Dajnowiec'] put up the biggest number of the day: 36 kills on 84 swings at .286, with 17 digs, a solo block and 37 points. She splits the block, gets the touch off the top and speeds up her approach to hit a lower set that converts. She flew in from the back row to find the corners, tipped over the block in front of the defender and added a deep corner kill and a big back row kill in the fifth. Ten of her kills came in the second set, nine in the fourth and eight in the fifth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She played with absolute power and never let the match get away from her team. We saw her in February at Triple Crown on LOVB 17 Angel, and she has only added to her game since. College coaches looking at 2027 outsides should have her on the list.</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":["543713"],"_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-6af101c55587c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='543713' first='Savannah' last='Dennis'] scored 16 points with 14 kills, two aces and 18 digs. She knows when to swing and when to tip, and she tracked an out of system set to take it down the line for a kill. She also hit from the back row through the block and dug with one arm to keep rallies alive. This week she said she wanted to enjoy every remaining moment with her teammates, and she played like it.</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":["1061104"],"_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-6af101c555895"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1061104' first='Olivia' last='Rosowski'] dug 25 balls and talked with her teammates through every rally. She absorbs strong hits, gives her setter every option and reads the play in a way that makes her job look easy. Defense like this keeps a team in a five set final.</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":["697423"],"_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-6af101c5558ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='697423' first='Charley' last='Knupp'] led Newbury Park with 21 points on 18 kills, 15 digs and two aces. She passes with a solid platform, knows when to tip and when to swing, and found kills in the middle running the two set to change up her offense. In the fifth set she kept scoring with roll shots on the outside and in the middle. We wrote about her all rotation game at the Cardinal Classic in August 2024 and called her a potential cornerstone player. That description fit again on Saturday, and she heads to Saint Mary's College of California for academics and Division 1 beach volleyball.</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":["542201"],"_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-6af101c5558c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='542201' first='Keira' last='Overbeck'] ran the Panthers with 32 assists and a calm that did not change with the scoreboard. She calls out available hitters on serve receive, knows when to become part of the offense and scored on a deep setter dump in the middle. We have followed her since she started at setter as a freshman. This week she told us she wanted another chance to contend for a title two years later, and she led her team back to the finals.</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":["780037"],"_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-6af101c5558dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='780037' first='Sara' last='Vlaskovits'] scored 9.5 points with six kills at .385 and five block assists. Saturday she communicated on the block, telling her team to reset, and won a joust with conviction. She scored a left handed kill down the line and a smart deep tip in the fifth. She will bring her court composure to Pomona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Also separating in Division 3</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isabella Spinella set 44 assists and served seven aces, four of them in the third set. [player_tooltip player_id='731906' first='Olena' last='Harasymowycz'], the Newbury Park freshman libero, dug 29 balls and served back to back aces in the fifth set. [player_tooltip player_id='1057345' first='Emmery' last='Reynolds'] scored 10 kills and helped change momentum when her team was down in the second set. [player_tooltip player_id='1056631' first='Emma' last='Lundmark'] finished with a solo block and nine block assists. Delaney Knopp, Taylor Black, [player_tooltip player_id='1060995' first='Cooper' last='Piercey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1061113' first='Kyleigh' last='Jen'], Myrsini Charalabidi, Sarah Rosing and Eden Brown each made plays that showed up in my notes. More on the young names later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State matchups:</strong> Newbury Park hosts Mission Vista on Tuesday, November 10 at 6 p.m. Corona del Mar goes to Redondo Union the same night at 6 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Committed Players Who Took the Floor</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twenty players with commitments on file played in the finals, and nine of them were in Division 1. Here is every committed player we tracked, with what she did Saturday. If you are committed and not on the list, message @PrepDigCA and we will add you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Athlete</th><th>Team</th><th>Pos</th><th>College</th><th>Saturday</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao']</td><td>Mater Dei</td><td>OH</td><td>UCLA</td><td>19 kills, 14 digs, 2 aces</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='455792' first='Emma' last='Kingston']</td><td>Mater Dei</td><td>MB</td><td>Cal</td><td>11 kills at .476</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='991470' first='Katherine' last='Nowak']</td><td>Mater Dei</td><td>OH</td><td>Georgetown</td><td>4 aces, 7 digs, solo block</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='775543' first='Shewa' last='Adefemiwa']</td><td>Mater Dei</td><td>OH</td><td>LSU</td><td>Appeared in two sets in the title win</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='888357' first='Kendall' last='Omoruyi']</td><td>Sierra Canyon</td><td>MB</td><td>Texas A&amp;M</td><td>22 kills at .459, 26.5 points</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh']</td><td>Sierra Canyon</td><td>OH</td><td>USC</td><td>10 kills, 4 aces, 19 digs</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest']</td><td>Sierra Canyon</td><td>OH</td><td>Texas Tech</td><td>9 kills, 13 digs, 1 ace</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='338908' first='Lucky' last='Fasavalu']</td><td>Sierra Canyon</td><td>S</td><td>Missouri</td><td>43 assists, 4 block assists</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='545258' first='Eva' last='Jeffries']</td><td>Sierra Canyon</td><td>OH/OPP</td><td>Tennessee</td><td>9 kills, 13 digs</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='492317' first='McKennah' last='Iamaleava']</td><td>Long Beach Poly</td><td>OH</td><td>UC Irvine</td><td>29 kills at .390, 15 digs</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='328173' first='Cedra' last='Talaga']</td><td>Long Beach Poly</td><td>L/OH</td><td>Illinois</td><td>20 digs, 3 aces, 10 assists</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='740877' first='Alison' last='Wetteland']</td><td>Long Beach Poly</td><td>MB</td><td>Wesleyan</td><td>7 kills, 6 block assists</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='536929' first='Abbie' last='Hairrell']</td><td>Redondo Union</td><td>MB</td><td>Oregon State</td><td>11 kills, solo block, 5 block assists</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='775554' first='Sienna' last='Castillo']</td><td>Redondo Union</td><td>MB</td><td>Cal Poly Beach</td><td>7 kills at .389, 7 block assists</td></tr><tr><td>Linnaea Nielsen</td><td>Redondo Union</td><td>OH</td><td>Cal Poly Beach</td><td>2 kills, 1 block assist</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='780729' first='Leah' last='Blair']</td><td>Redondo Union</td><td>OH</td><td>Washington beach</td><td>9 kills, 14 digs, solo block</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='697423' first='Charley' last='Knupp']</td><td>Newbury Park</td><td>OH/OPP</td><td>Saint Mary's (beach)</td><td>18 kills, 15 digs, 2 aces</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='780037' first='Sara' last='Vlaskovits']</td><td>Newbury Park</td><td>OPP</td><td>Pomona</td><td>6 kills at .385, 5 block assists</td></tr><tr><td>Delaney Knopp</td><td>Newbury Park</td><td>OH/OPP</td><td>Pepperdine</td><td>8 kills, 10 digs, 1 ace</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='759305' first='Jenna' last='Vega']</td><td>Newbury Park</td><td>S/OPP</td><td>Millikin</td><td>9 assists, stepped in at 11-11 in the fifth</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corona del Mar had no committed players in our notes. [player_tooltip player_id='543713' first='Savannah' last='Dennis'], [player_tooltip player_id='805663' first='Sofia' last='Dajnowiec'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1061104' first='Olivia' last='Rosowski'] all played like players who deserve a college look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Final Day Told Us</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The separation came from habits more than highlights. Mater Dei closed with composure, Long Beach Poly found a way through a 16-14 fifth, and Corona del Mar held on in a 15-13 decider. The players who stood out trusted their routines when the match got tight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the first of several pieces coming out of the CIF-SS Finals. Over the rest of the week we will go deeper on the setters, the freshmen who played like veterans, the pins and the middles. Keep an eye on who keeps showing up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>All stats and results are sourced from <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.maxpreps.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MaxPreps</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Article Cover Photo Credit @kennee.photos</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</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"><a href="https://prepdig.com/events" data-type="link" data-id="prepdig.com/events"><strong>Need More Exposure? Attend a PrepDig Showcase</strong></a></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":1058263,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/11/image_16c1a8.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1058263"/></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 -->