CIF-SS VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Long Beach Poly (28-7) vs. Redondo Union (22-11)
Where, when: Cerritos College, Saturday, 3 p.m.
Analysis: Long Beach Poly is the No. 2 seed in the Division 2 bracket and is 3-0 in the playoffs, having swept its first two opponents. The Jackrabbits finished first in the Moore League, swept Campbell Hall in the first round, beat Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in the quarterfinals, and defeated Murrieta Valley 3-1 in the semifinals to reach Saturday’s Division 2 championship against Redondo Union.
“Winning any playoff match is special, but to advance to the CIF-SS Division 2 championship while dropping only one set says a lot about the focus, preparation, and determination of this group,” Long Beach Poly coach Gerald Aquiningoc said. “What makes this run even more meaningful is this particular senior class. These girls came into the program the same year I did, and we’ve been on this journey together. They’ve had tremendous careers at Long Beach Poly, and to see them have the opportunity to compete for another CIF championship in their final season is something really special. They’ve helped build the standard and culture of this program, and I’m extremely proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Meanwhile, Poly’s regular-season finale was against Redondo Union on Oct. 14, in which they earned a hard-fought 3-2 win on the road. Jackrabbits senior outside hitter McKennah Iamaleava, senior libero Cedra Talaga and senior outside hitter Aleeya Salima are among the team’s top players. Redondo Union finished tied for second in the Bay League and beat Crean Lutheran 3-0 in the first round, No. 1-seeded Newport Harbor 3-2 in the quarterfinals and San Juan Hills 3-1 in the semifinals to advance to the Division 2 final.
Poly has been in this position before. They beat Bishop Diego 3-2 to win the CIF-SS Division 3 title on Nov. 9, 2024.
“More than anything, I want to see us play free, composed, and confident. I want our girls to trust each other, trust the work they’ve put in, and play our brand of volleyball,” Aquiningoc continued. “The chemistry and confidence we’ve built over the last few seasons, including our championship run in 2024, have prepared us for moments like this. Regardless of the outcome, I want them to embrace the moment, cherish the opportunity to compete together one more time, and leave everything on the court.”“Playing Redondo Union in the championship makes it even more special,” Aquiningoc explained. “There’s a lot of history between these two programs, and I think over the last two of three years, that rivalry has really been renewed. We know each other well, and although we were fortunate enough to beat them in five sets at the end of the regular season, we understand that Saturday is a completely different match. It’s two very good volleyball teams competing for a championship, and I expect it to be a battle. I’m excited for our girls to have this opportunity.”
However, the team’s playoff dominance and recent win over Redondo Union should carry over to a Division 2 final win.
Winner: Long Beach Poly
Head coach Gerald Aquiningoc of Long Beach Poly holds up the championship plaque as Long Beach Poly defeated Bishop Diego in five sets to win the CIF-SS Division 3 girls championship volleyball match at Cerritos College in Norwalk on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)