The 2023 season was a dominant one for Bay Area girls volleyball programs.
Four teams from the region competed in last year’s CIF state championships, with Valley Christian and Crystal Springs Uplands winning titles.
This year is slated to be another competitive season for teams in the Bay Area News Group coverage area, and there are tons of storylines for many of the top programs.
Can Archbishop Mitty top the season it had last year and win a state championship, or will league rival St. Francis take their NorCal crown?
Is Foothill primed for another deep playoff run?
Can San Ramon Valley make a play for the East Bay Athletic League title?
The Bay Area News Group released its first girls volleyball rankings on Tuesday and you can check that out here.
Here’s a breakdown of the top storylines and where each of the Bay Area’s top contenders stack up:
The WCAL is the Bay Area’s top league
There is no league that is as deep top to bottom than the West Catholic Athletic League. Archbishop Mitty is a year removed from its Central Coast Section Open Division championship and a CIF Open Division state title game appearance. The Monarchs graduated just three seniors last season and are poised for another deep playoff run. Senior libero Nicole Macalintal is set to lead a dynamic attack along with all-league outside hitters Makenna Crosson and Isabella Romero. The Monarchs will be looking for their 25th CCS title this season. … St. Francis has all the potential to contend for a CCS Open Division title. The Mountain View school won a share of the WCAL title last year after going 35-6 and 11-1 in league play. The Lancers fell just short of a CCS Open Division title, losing to Mitty in four sets. St. Francis graduated five of its six all-league players from a year ago, but returned all-league middle hitter Ella Fulton. Senior outside hitter Grace Gowdy is a returning starter who will shore up the Lancers’ attack. St. Francis will have a young team this season as six of its 15 players are underclassmen. … Senior setter/outside hitter and all-league selection Carol Manu will look to lead St. Ignatius to another successful season. The Wildcats were a solid 22-14 last season, good for a third-place finish in league play. Sophomore Eileen Pfeffer provides solid defense from the middle blocker spot and senior setter Hannah Arcilla is a gifted setter. The San Francisco school has started this season 6-1. … Sacred Heart Cathedral is a dark horse contender to win a league title. The senior trio of middle Hazel Nelson, libero Livy Tangaan and right outside hitter Mackenzie Flinn will look to lead the Fightin’ Irish back to the CIF playoffs. Sacred Heart Cathedral finished the year 26-15 and made it all the way to the CIF Division II title game where it eventually fell to Campbell Hall. “Our biggest strength on the court is definitely our relentless defense and powerful middles,” Sacred Heart Cathedral coach Symone …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
