By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor All Matches on Tuesday Division 1: San Marcos (13-18) at Flintridge Sacred Heart (22-9) at 7 Two weeks ago, it looked like Flintridge Sacred Heart had, at best, a 50-50 shot at making the playoffs. The Tologs needed two Mission League victories to earn a spot. They got the two […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
All Matches on Tuesday
Division 1: San Marcos (13-18) at Flintridge Sacred Heart (22-9) at 7
Two weeks ago, it looked like Flintridge Sacred Heart had, at best, a 50-50 shot at making the playoffs.
The Tologs needed two Mission League victories to earn a spot.
They got the two wins, and now they have a first-round home game.
Future University of Pittsburgh star, Kayla Lund, will lead the way, as always.
Flintridge Sacred Heart Statement: “We are healthy. We are looking to play consistent volleyball. We started playing more as a team in the Redondo Tournament. Being able to stay in the moment is extremely important for us. We are not looking past San Marcos. If you are in Division 1, you are pretty darn good. This is Division 1 Volleyball, and if you do not bring your “A” game every time, you are going to get beat.”
Division 2: Mayfield (15-12-1) at Esperanza (27-6) Time: (TBA)
Mayfield has arguably been the area’s biggest overachiever all season.
The Cubs hung with everyone, and beat some teams that surprised many.
But Stephen Bernabe’s has his Cubs fighting for every point of each set, and they don’t care what outside expectations might be.
Mayfield’s Prep League battle all season will serve itself well as they travel to Esperanza.
Mayfield coach Stephen Bernabe: “Right now, we are a healthy team going into playoffs, and we have been having very focused/intense playoff type practices. My girls know that our goal is too get as much experience as we can each round. I am very excited to see what happens this playoff run”
Division 3: Poly (13-8) at South Pasadena (13-10) at 7
Poly heads into the playoffs in a bit of a rut.
The Panthers were in first place for the first three quarters of the Prep League season.
But losses to Westridge and Chadwick had Poly finish in a tie with Mayfield in third place.
Never underestimate the Panthers, though, as Chadwick and Westridge can also attest.
Poly beat both schools in the first round of league play to shock many.
Ella and Zoey Mao look to continue a very solid freshman season.
Division 3 ; Ayala (14-14) at La Salle (21-10) at 7
La Salle is headed to the playoffs after winning the Del Rey League and did so without dropping a match.
Coach Tiare Tuitama has arguably the area’s deepest roster and the Lancers have a legitimate shot at a CIF championship and a deep run in the state playoffs.
Division 4: Royal (11-16) at Westridge (24-5) Time: (TBA)
The Tigers’ core has been sick ever since their participation in a San Diego tournament approximately two weeks ago.
Coach Otto Lacayo said he’s seen improvement over the last 48 hours, but with a weekend to rest, the Prep League champions should be even more ready to go.
As always, outside hitters Allison Martinez and Makana Meyer will lead the way, but Westridge has a solid roster, all of whom play a big role in their success.
Coach Otto Lacayo: “After taking a look at the bracket, it became apparent that every road through CIF was a difficult one. Every team looks great and it will be a battle regardless of where we start. With that said, we’re looking forward to starting the postseason to see how far we can take it this year. We have Royal on Tuesday and right now, this is the only team we’re focusing on. What good is it to tell players to take it one match at a time if you don’t follow your own advice. Once Tuesday comes around, the focus will shift to execution and playing each point as if it were championship point. Its exciting for the team to have earned this opportunity.”
Division 5: Maranatha (16-8) at Templeton (15-8) at 6
Maranatha is entering the playoffs on a sour note.
The Minutemen were swept in the last week of the Olympic League race by Valley Christian and Village Christian.
They finished third.
On the up side, though, Maranatha, when playing well, can battle anyone.
They will go as far as senior outside hitter Mikaela Ashworth will take them.
Division 9: Ramona Convent (8-11) at St. Monica Academy (18-7) at 7
St. Monica finished the International League schedule undefeated at 10-0.
The Crusaders have won 14 of their last 15 matches and hope to keep it going at home.
St. Monica has been so dominant in league that they won 30 of the 33 sets they’ve played.
