La Canada on the Road to the 2023 CIF State DI Championships

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The La Canada Spartans (seeded 14) are making an impressive stride toward the coveted <a href="https://www.cifstate.org/sports/girls_volleyball/brkts_2023/d1">2023 CIF State Girls Volleyball Division I Championships</a>, decisively eliminating the 6th seed, Orange Lutheran, with a commanding 3-0 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig had the honor of being present for this thrilling face-off, where standout freshmen Westley Matavao and [player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Marley' last='Robinson'] went head-to-head with the formidable duo of [player_tooltip player_id='161313' first='Chloe' last='Nussbaum'] and [player_tooltip player_id='331833' first='Ashby' last='Zubchevich']. La Canada had already made a statement by eliminating the 3rd-seeded Bishop in their own house, with a 3-1 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans did not concede a single game and put together a sweep against Orange Lutheran (25-14; 25-23; 25-22).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/Czc09hALqvf/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/Czc09hALqvf/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Here are the top performers of the game</strong>:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331833"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='331833' first='Ashby' last='Zubchevich'], 2025: 6'1u0022 Outside for La Canadarnrnu003cstrongu003ePrepDig Player of the Game for the La Canada Spartans was [player_tooltip player_id='331833' first='Ashby' last='Zubchevich'].u003c/strongu003ernrnAshby showcased her impressive 10'2u0022 vertical leap in a dazzling display last night, leaving the Orange Lutheran blockers overwhelmed by her fast arm swing and ball placement. This extraordinary talent has rightfully earned her a coveted spot on the Blue Devils' roster at Duke University.rnrnWhat added an extra layer of excitement to Ashby's performance was her dominance at the service line. Unleashing a total of 9 serves, she forced the Lancers to call a timeout after five, only to return and serve four more.rnrnI inquired about Ashby's reflections on the game and her aspirations for the upcoming round. She shared, u0022I have been working on my topspin serve a lot and I hope the serving run that I went on, which helped us take the lead, helped set the momentum. As far as the next match, I love how close my team is and we all get each other hyped and excited for the matches. I want to help us come in with lots of enthusiasm and competitiveness. My setter, [player_tooltip player_id='161307' first='Tatum' last='Purdy'], and I work very well together. I am excited to strategize with her and vary the sets we run even more, so they are all over different places on the court to keep the other team on their toes.u0022","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["161313"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='161313' first='Chloe' last='Nussbaum'], 2024: 5'9u0022 Libero for La Canadarnrn[player_tooltip player_id='161313' first='Chloe' last='Nussbaum'] epitomizes the role of a libero, attacking each play with unwavering hustle and infectious energy. Chloe showcased the art of preventing any ball from touching the ground. From the back row, she quarterbacked the court with impeccable communication skills, and her serves were far from something opponents could relax over.rnrnI asked Chloe to describe her game and she shared, “I came into this game wanting to take more receptions on serve receive. During the game, I took more balls that were in the seams to my right and left. I think our energy was very consistent even when we were down. We always have fun out on the court and last night demonstrated it.” Chloe, with her exceptional skills, will be taking her talents to the University of North Carolina Greensboro.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["160964"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":477556,"_player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='160964' first='Haley' last='Clark'], 2024: Outside for La Canadarnrn[player_tooltip player_id='160964' first='Haley' last='Clark'], a left-handed right-side player, wields an impressive power that, combined with the speed of her approach, results in a serious performance at the net. Headed to Cornell University, I inquired about advice she could offer to aspiring players following in her footsteps. Haley wisely shared, u0022If you have dreams of playing in college be persistent and reach out to as many schools as possible.u0022","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":477562,"_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Luella Lewis","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"La Canada","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Luella Lewis, 2024: Middle for La CanadarnrnLuella Lewis didn't exhibit the typical play of a freshman; instead, she performed like a seasoned player with years of experience on the court. Luella soars on her approach, delivering powerful hits and contributing to a formidable block. One of the standout moments of the night was her solo block that went straight down, energizing up her team. Anticipation is high as we eagerly await the continued dominance of this impressive freshman standout.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Vani Tatoulian","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"La Canada","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Vani Tatoulian, 2026: 6'2u0022 Middle for La CanadarnrnVani Tatoulian has exceptional offensive awareness, skillfully choosing between powerful swings and delicately placed tips to exploit the corners. When not engaging with the opposing defense, she is a force at the net, constructing imposing walls of blocks that make her opponents reconsider challenging her.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["161307"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":477566,"_player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='161307' first='Tatum' last='Purdy'], 2024: Setter for La Canadarnrn[player_tooltip player_id='161307' first='Tatum' last='Purdy'] had an amazing game! She moved the ball around the court really well, making it tough for the other team to figure out her sets. Tatum has a great touch on the ball, and she knows just how far to let her teammates swing to hit it hard. She's quick, works on the court, and is always talking to her teammates. Even though she'll be leaving her freshman sister, Maya, next year, right now they're both excited for the next round of playoffs together!rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/IMG_1167-crop-2998x1969-1699676173.jpegu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022alignnone size-medium wp-image-477620u0022 src=u0022https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/IMG_1167-crop-2998x1969-1699676173.jpeg?w=300u0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022197u0022 /u003eu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":477570,"_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Marley' last='Robinson']","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Orange Lutheran","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Marley' last='Robinson'], 2027: Setter for Orange Lutheranrnrnu003cstrongu003ePrepDig Player of the Game for the Orange Lutheran Lancers was [player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Marley' last='Robinson'].u003c/strongu003ernrnMarley, a freshman setter, is one of the most impressive ones I've seen this season. She handles the court with the finesse of a seasoned player, almost like she's about to graduate. Marley's hands are smooth, and her jump set is quick and incredibly accurate. She doesn't play favorites with hitters, often opting for more challenging sets. One of my favorite plays of the night was when she executed a perfect two-hand dump on a spot-on pass, placing the ball right in the sweet spot of the court. She executed it like a smooth criminal. Keep an eye on Marley; she's definitely one to watch in the coming years!","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":477578,"_player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"Westley Matavao","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"Orange Lutheran","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_7_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Westley Matavao, 2027: 6'0u0022 Outside for Orange LutheranrnrnI previously highlighted Westley as the u003ca href=u0022https://prepdig.com/2023/10/freshmen-of-the-week-2/u0022u003eFreshman of the Weeku003c/au003e, but witnessing her power in action elevated my respect for her game to a whole new level. Westley, a two-sport athlete transitioning from softball, seems destined for volleyball greatness. Her athleticism alone makes her a formidable force on the court. Watching Westley hit in person is akin to observing a collegiate player in action—mind you, she's just a freshman.rnrnWhen she's not dominating on the outside, Westley transitions to the back row, unleashing a top-spin serve that will make you reconsider being on serve receive. With her sights set on prestigious schools like Oregon, UCLA, and USC, Westley's potential seems boundless. The only constraint on this exceptional athlete is time, because, dare I say, this freshman might be ready for the big leagues sooner than we think.rnrn[embed]https://x.com/coachable247/status/1723155735805366564[/embed]","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654f00b41591b"} /-->