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View Winners → Beacon Media 2016 CIF Volleyball Preview
Arcadia Weekly Nov 01, 2016
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Now entering the CIF playoffs, each of these teams look to come away with the ultimate prize of CIF Champions. – Courtesy Photo
By Christian Romo
The 2016 CIF volleyball playoffs begin tonight, with all games starting at 7 P.M. Beacon Media will be covering eight different schools representing five leagues in four divisions as they try to bring a title back to the San Gabriel Valley.
Arcadia Apaches (26-1, 1st in Pacific League)
Division 4, First Round: vs Bishop Amat
The Apaches breezed through their schedule, going undefeated in the Pacific League and only dropping one match all season. The biggest question, however, is how the Apaches will fare against tougher competition, especially with a potential semifinal matchup with Gold Coast winners Sierra Canyon.
La Salle Lancers (20-11, 1st in Del Rey League)
Division 3, First Round: vs Ayala
La Salle had their best season since 2013, going undefeated in league play and earning a top seed in the tournament. Junior Sophia Anderson will bring her all-around game to the playoffs, as a potential second round matchup with Crestview League champions Foothill awaits.
Maranatha Minutemen (16-8, 3rd in Olympic League)
Division 5, First Round: at Templeton
Maranatha travels north to Templeton, CA to face the favored Eagles. If they manage an upset, an even bigger test against Highland awaits them in the second round.
Mayfield Cubs (15-12-1, 3rd in Prep League)
Division 2, First Round: at Esperanza
The Cubs played better than their record indicates, and if they play to their defensive strengths, they have a good shot at upsetting Esperanza in Anaheim tonight. But the path gets no easier, with the 24-2 Westlake Warriors awaiting their arrival.
Monrovia Wildcats (22-6, 1st in Rio Hondo League)
Division 4, First Round: vs Paramount
Winning their first ever Rio Hondo League title, the Wildcats may have the best all-around team in the area. But without a star hitter, they’re going to need inspired performances from their underclass players to have a shot at a title, especially with a quarterfinal matchup against local power Westridge lined up.
Polytechnic Panthers (13-8, 3rd in Prep League)
Division 3, First Round: at South Pasadena
The Panthers surprised many by spending much of the Prep League season in first place. Runs by Chadwick, Mayfield, and Westridge brought Poly back down to earth, but the Panthers drew a favorable matchup at South Pasadena, looking to surprise even more fans with a deep playoff run.
South Pasadena Tigers (13-10, 2nd in Rio Hondo)
Division 3, First Round: vs Poly
The three-time defending Rio Hondo League champions gave way to Monrovia, but a disappointing season by recent standards still gave the Tigers a home playoff game to start the tournament. The Tigers are talented, especially with junior Molly Feldmeth leading the attack, and could make a deep run.
Westridge Tigers (22-5, 1st in Prep League)
1st Round, Division 4: vs Royal
This season’s division realignment makes the Tigers a CIF title favorite. Junior Allison Martinez is the best hitter in the area, and the team’s all-around talent looks built for a playoff run. If the Tigers can overcome Monrovia in the quarterfinals, a finals matchup with Arcadia, or local power Claremont, is not out of the question.
