CIF-SS boys volleyball playoffs begin; City teams wrapping up league play
The CIF Southern Section released its boys volleyball playoff brackets Friday, and this week teams will begin trying to make their way to the championship games.
In the CIF L.A. City Section, regular-season play concludes this week and playoff brackets will be released Thursday.
Here is a look at some of the notable CIF-SS playoff matches for local teams this week:
Division 2
This bracket, like the one for Division 1, features almost exclusively heavy hitters and just 16 teams. The other divisions have 32 teams.
West Ranch earned the fifth seed and will host El Segundo on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Eagles are an at-large team from the Bay League.
El Segundo has a vast height advantage over West Ranch, but the Wildcats (30-4) have faced similar circumstances all season and still won 30 matches during the regular season.
The Eagles (13-6) took a little bit of a skid recently during some vigorous Bay League play with matches against Division 1 and 2 teams. El Segundo remains undefeated outside of league play and will look to continue the streak on Wednesday at West Ranch at 6 p.m.
Other notable local Division 2 matchups to follow: St Francis (20-6) at JSerra (17-7), Servite (20-18) at Burroughs (28-6).
Division 3
Canyon will battle San Marino to open up Division 3 play on Tuesday.
Both teams enter the postseason on hot streaks. Canyon (29-8) has won its last five matches while San Marino (26-4) has won 16 straight, a streak that reaches to early March.
The Cowboys are hunting for their first playoff win in three years while the Titans are eager for a shot at redemption after falling to Sage Hill in five sets in the CIF championship game.
Canyon is loaded with nine seniors, led by captain James Audette, ready to make a run and extend one of the best seasons in program history.
The Titans welcome the Cowboys on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Other local Division 3 matchups to follow: Valencia (18-10) at Murrieta Mesa (27-4), Calvary Chapel (21-6) at Harvard-Westlake (16-5).
Division 4
Crescenta Valley is hosting Eastvale Roosevelt on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in what should be a high-flying matchup.
The Falcons (21-10) have won six straight matches and have been tough outs in all of their losses, with only two best-of-five straight-set losses to Burroughs this year.
Roosevelt (22-11) also enters the postseason playing well, as the team is on its second five-match win streak of the season. The victor will play the winner of Westlake vs. St. Anthony on Saturday.
Other local Division 4 matchups of note: Malibu (22-7) at Notre Dame (11-5), Western Christian (22-5) at Thousand Oaks (23-14), St. Anthony (20-8) at Westlake (17-9).
Division 5
Saugus has had its ups and downs this season, but notched its goal of earning a postseason berth. The Centurions will play host Chaminade in the opening round Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Saugus (15-14) will need more strong play from Luke Bergmann, Max Guardado and Josh Lane to power ahead of the at-large Eagles of the Mission League.
Chaminade (12-12) heads into postseason play with four impressive wins in its previous five matches.
Both teams are battle-tested through tough tournament and league play, so watch out for numerous big swings, rallies and blocking in this marquee matchup.
Other local Division 5 matchups to follow: Newbury Park (8-17) at Chino Hills (15-8), Redlands (15-8) at Glendale Adventist (22-4).
Division 6-9 local matches to watch
Culver City at La Canada on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Division 6; Pacific Lutheran at Trinity Classical on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Division 8.
Grant clinches fourth straight league title
Grant has yet to loosen its grip on the East Valley League. The Lancers won their fourth consecutive league championship last week with a sweep of Sun Valley Poly.
Grant played strong defense, holding Poly under .077% hitting on the day.
The Lancers kept busy in their final week of regular-season play, which included playing Saturday in the Sylmar Invitational.
Grant is the reigning City Division II champion but is looking to be in Division I or Open Division for this year’s playoffs.
Chatsworth finishes perfect West Valley League season
For the fourth time in five seasons, the Chatsworth went through West Valley League play unscathed.
Chatsworth (32-9, 10-0) completed the feat last week with sweeps of Granada Hills Charter and Cleveland. The Chancellors have numerous stars and ways to beat opponents. Grant Chang and Taj Unuakhalu each notched 10 kills and two blocks against Granada Hills.
Chang also led the way against Cleveland last week with 18 kills and a pair of aces. Chatsworth’s Kai Kalma and Noa Beauregard each tallied eight kills in the win.
Chatsworth will be striving for its third straight CIF L.A. City Open Division championship.