Five area teams are still in the hunt for a CIF volleyball title. Here’s a list of the games and something on each.
DIVISION 2
Chino Hills (24-6) at Irvine Beckman (24-11) – The Huskies are the Baseline League champion and advanced to the semifinal with a quarterfinal upset of N. 3 seed Orange Lutheran. Senior Alexis Cardoza, whos has committed to Cal State San Bernardino, leads the team in kills (278) and is second in digs (265). The other notable standout is Utah commit Kenzie Koerber (217 kills), also a senior. Beckman was the third-place team in the Paciofic Coast League. It advanced with a 3-0 win over the No. 2 seed El Dorado.
DIVISION 4
Claremont (20-7) at Sierra Canyon (28-3) – The second-seeded Wolfpack come in with a nine-match win streak. They beat Glendora in the regular season finale to earn a share of the Palomares League title, the school’s first in the sport in 18 years. Senior Simone Bliss boasts a team-high 201 kills. USC commit Emilee Rohrer is second (177). The catalyst of the offense is setter Kyle Robinson who has committed to Oregon. Daniel Reighter, the team’s sixth coach in as many years, does also got to a 6-2 offense with Merisa Marquez the other setter. Sierra Canyon, the Gold Coast League champion, is the third seed. The Trailblazers are led by 6-2 sophomore May Pertofsky (377 kills) and senior Cameron Antoine Dillon (259 kills, 103 blocks).
DIVISION 7
Riverside Notre Dame (26-9) at Ontario Christian (20-5) – The teams are no stranger to each other, coming out of the same league. Ironically Notre Dame was only the third-place finisher in league and Ontario Christian the fourth. Notre Dame won both regular season matches 3-1 and 3-2 (15-12 in fifth). Sophomore Annaka Jorgenson (388 kills, 177 digs) is the dominant offensive weapon for the Knights. Notre Dame is more balanced with three players boasting 200 or more kills.
Division 8
Pomona Catholic (24-7) at Grace Brethren (19-6) – The Pacers are the third seed, with Grace Brethren the second. Pomona Catholic was only the fourth-place finisher in its league but the top team teams were ranked 1-2 in Division 7. Junior Franki Piloto is the offensive leader. Grace was the second-place team out of the Tri-Valley League. The Lancers are balanced, with three players boasting 150 or more kills and another at 110.
Division 9
Capistrano Valley Christian at Upland Christian (26-3) – The second-seeded Eagles were CIF champion and state runner-up last year and have mounted a nice run despite losing their top two players from that team. Freshman Jenna Holmes (371 kills) has been a key newcomer. She is the younger sister of one of the graduated players Rachel Holmes. Junior Makenna Lundquist (218 kills) has also excelled. CVC, Co-Champion in the Express League, is the third seed. Sophomore rightside hitter Keara Rutz is the marquee player.
