Clash of Lancers: Players to Know in CIF-SS Division II Playoff

PrepDig recently traveled to Thousand Oaks, California, to cover the CIF-SS Division II Round 2 Playoff match between the Orange Lutheran Lancers and the Thousand Oaks Lancers. The game was a thrilling showcase of power and precision, marked by fierce offensive displays, strategic plays, and standout individual performances that college coaches should have on their radar. Orange Lutheran took control from the start, led by standout seniors [player_tooltip player_id='216056' first='Maylynn' last='Mitchell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='579978' first='Saniya' last='Kimbrough'], ultimately defeating Thousand Oaks in three sets. With this win, Orange Lutheran advances to face Murrieta Valley on Wednesday, bringing their well-rounded roster into the next playoff stage.   Here are some players to consider for your recruiting list:    Marley is poised to enter Division 1 conversations with several top college programs this spring, and it's easy to see why. As a setter and offensive coordinator, she combines mechanics with exceptional court awareness, making her a key asset to Orange Lutheran. Her footwork is consistently precise, positioning her perfectly to deliver fast-paced, accurate sets that drive the tempo of the game. Marley anticipates defenders, using her quickness and timing to disguise her next moves, effectively faking out blockers and keeping the opposing defense on their heels.   Marley demonstrates an serious understanding of how to create opportunities for her hitters. By baiting blockers and using deceptive approaches, she can pull defenders out of position, giving her attackers frequent one-on-one matchups at the net and confusing Liberos. This strategic edge doesn't just elevate Orange Lutheran's offensive efficiency—it showcases Marley's ability to adapt in real time and read the game with a maturity. Her dynamic playmaking, combined with her versatility and leadership, make her a prime target for top-tier college programs looking for a setter with both immediate impact and high developmental potential. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='537526' first='Saylor' last='Halvorsen'] is a freshman standout whose impressive skill set and poise on the court have set her on a Division 1 trajectory. Displaying a maturity beyond her years, she approaches the game with a fearlessness that sets her apart from her peers. Her exceptional wrist control allows her to adjust her shots effortlessly, allowing her to respond dynamically to the ball's trajectory rather than approaching to a zone. This adaptability gives her a unique edge, as she can execute a diverse array of attacks that keep defenders guessing.   Defensively, Saylor's blocking technique is remarkably solid for a freshman. She effectively shuts down outside hitters with ease, showcasing her ability to read plays and anticipate opponents' movements. Her timing and positioning allow her to make impactful blocks that not only disrupt the opposing team's offense but also energize her teammates and the crowd. Saylor's defensive talents complements her offensive capabilities, making her a dual threat on the court.   What's perhaps most exciting about Saylor is her immense potential. Despite her already significant impact on the game, she is just beginning to scratch the surface of her abilities. As she continues to gain experience and refine her skills, there's no doubt that Saylor will evolve into an even more formidable player. Her dedication to improving and her willingness to learn make her a prospect to watch closely in the coming years. With her combination of talent, maturity, and a relentless work ethic, [player_tooltip player_id='537526' first='Saylor' last='Halvorsen'] is poised for a long future in volleyball. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kenzie Houston</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/10/image_86a150.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-712018" style="width:336px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: IG @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kenziehouston29/?hl=en#">kenziehouston29</a></figcaption></figure>   Kenzie Houston was a standout at the service line, showcasing her ability to consistently deliver flat, fast-moving serves that tested and often disrupted Thousand Oaks' serve receive. Her aggressive serves not only put pressure on the opposing team but also set the tone for Orange Lutheran's defensive momentum, forcing opponents to play out of system from the start. Kenzie's strong serve was just the beginning of her impressive contributions.   Her court awareness and agility are unmatched, allowing her to quickly read the play, anticipate opponents' moves, and shift seamlessly to cover any gaps in defense. Kenzie's serve receive skills shine from both sides of the court, as she consistently delivers precise, accurate passes that allow her team to set up effective offensive plays. Her passes are sharp, dropping perfectly into the setter's hands, and her consistency helps maintain Orange Lutheran's offensive flow.   Kenzie covers an impressive amount of ground, often making difficult plays look effortless with her well-timed footwork and steady platform. With her defensive instincts and ability to read hitters, Kenzie is invaluable in keeping the ball in play, often digging up attacks that would otherwise hit the floor. Her blend of skill, hustle, and game sense makes her a key player and one that college scouts should keep on their radar as a versatile and impactful defender. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hailey Lauritzen</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/10/image_b9701b.png?w=586" alt="" class="wp-image-712019" style="width:123px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: IG @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/haileylauritzen.vb2026/?hl=en#">haileylauritzen.vb2026</a></figcaption></figure>   Hailey Lauritzen is a well-rounded powerhouse whose controlled touch, athleticism, and strategic play make her an invaluable asset on both sides of the net. Offensively, her strong, athletic build allows her to extend her reach and accurately direct the ball to targets, executing a diverse range of shots with precision. Her skill in tooling the block reflects her sharp court vision and quick decision-making, enabling her to exploit defensive gaps and set her team up to score.   Defensively, Hailey is a reliable and formidable presence at the net. Her timing and strength make her an effective blocker capable of disrupting opponents' offensive flow and forcing errors. Her blocking technique is well-honed, often neutralizing outside hitters and presenting a challenge for even the most skilled attackers.   Beyond her technical abilities, Hailey stands out as a natural leader. Her vocal, confident communication keeps her teammates organized and energized, fostering a cohesive team dynamic. For college programs seeking a player with both exceptional skill and strong leadership, Hailey's combination of athleticism, adaptability, and mature presence make her a standout prospect poised to make an immediate impact. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leah Curtin</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/10/image_af6a58.png?w=773" alt="" class="wp-image-712020" style="width:212px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: IG @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/leahcurtin_vb2026/?hl=en#">leahcurtin_vb2026</a></figcaption></figure>   Leah Curtin is an exceptional athlete who brings a high volleyball IQ to every match, consistently demonstrating her ability to make smart, calculated swings that effectively evade blockers. Her keen understanding of the game allows her to read the court and anticipate defensive strategies, enabling her to exploit openings and create scoring opportunities for her team.   Leah performs better with quick sets, which showcases her adaptability and quick decision-making. This ability not only keeps the tempo of the game high but also challenges opposing defenses, making it difficult for them to react in time. Leah's knack for timing her attacks perfectly with the setter's delivery creates a fluid offensive rhythm, significantly enhancing her team's overall performance.   Beyond her technical skills, Leah possesses strong leadership qualities that further elevate her impact on the court. She communicates effectively with her teammates, guiding them with encouragement and strategic insights during high-pressure moments. Her confidence and positivity create an energizing environment, fostering team cohesion and motivating her peers to elevate their game.   With her combination of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership, Leah is a player to watch closely for any program looking for a strong utility player. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig       <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</h2>   After following our page, take the next step and subscribe to PrepDig! By subscribing, you'll not only stay connected to the latest coverage of your favorite events, but you'll also be helping to shine a spotlight on rising volleyball talent.   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PrepDig recently traveled to Thousand Oaks, California, to cover the CIF-SS Division II Round 2 Playoff match between the Orange Lutheran Lancers and the Thousand Oaks Lancers. The game was a thrilling showcase of power and precision, marked by fierce offensive displays, strategic plays, and standout individual performances that college coaches should have on their radar. Orange Lutheran took control from the start, led by standout seniors Maylynn Mitchell Maylynn Mitchell 6'0" | OH Orange Lutheran | 2025 State #158 Nation CA and Saniya Kimbrough Saniya Kimbrough 5'11" | OH/RS Orange Lutheran | 2025 CA , ultimately defeating Thousand Oaks in three sets. With this win, Orange Lutheran advances to face Murrieta Valley on Wednesday, bringing their well-rounded roster into the next playoff stage.