Corona del Mar Volleyball: First CIF Final in 15 Years
The Sea Kings defeated Crescenta Valley in four sets to secure a spot in the Division 3 championship game at Cerritos College.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
Corona del Mar girls' volleyball advanced to the CIF Southern Section finals for the first time in 15 years after defeating Crescenta Valley 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23 on Saturday. The victory sent the Sea Kings to the Division 3 championship, a stage the program has not reached since 2011. Myrto Charalabidi recorded the final kill to seal the win.
The team's path to the final has been marked by consistent early dominance. In each of their four playoff matches this season, CdM took the first two sets. This contrasts with the previous year, when the team played five sets in three consecutive rounds. Coach Max Gamboa noted that the squad is developing a stronger competitive edge. He described the semifinal as a rare instance where the team struggled with serving, but he believes the experience is preparing them for the final match.
Charalabidi, a senior, played a pivotal role in the final point. She had previously served as a setter for the team but shifted to the hitting position. Her decisive kill came off a back set from Isabella Spinella, a junior transfer from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. Spinella recorded 53 assists against Crescenta Valley, who finished the season with a 30-11 record.
Savannah Dennis, a senior outside hitter, had a perfect offensive performance in the semifinal. She recorded 23 kills without committing a hitting error. Dennis described the moment of the final kill as a feeling of relief after extensive preparation. She expressed satisfaction with how her final collegiate season is concluding.
Sofia Dajnowiec, the team's star outside hitter, led CdM with 25 kills and three service aces in the semifinal. She also committed 10 hitting errors. Gamboa referred to Dajnowiec as a driving force for the team's success, praising her maturity and leadership. He noted that she actively communicates with teammates during timeouts and after sets.
The team has focused on maintaining unity during difficult moments. Cooper Piercey, a junior middle blocker, said the team learned early in the season that internal conflict hurt their performance. He recalled a moment when a teammate urged the group to stick together to secure a win. Piercey recorded 11 kills in the semifinal.
Kyleigh Jen, a converted libero playing middle blocker, contributed to the team's defensive stability. Gamboa highlighted her ability to handle short balls and maintain the team's system. In the second set, Jen turned a dig into an assist that allowed Dennis to put the ball away, giving CdM a 19-18 lead.
Corona del Mar will face Newbury Park on Saturday at noon at Cerritos College in the Division 3 final. Newbury Park has not won a CIF title in girls' volleyball, with their last appearance in a final coming in 2024. CdM holds an all-time record of 7-11 in section finals. Their last section title victory was in Division III-A in 2004.
