By Christine Jinbo

St. Louis High Performance Volleyball (St. Louis, Mo.) had the biggest brains in the gym at the Boys Classic in Anaheim, Calif.  It has become, somewhat of a recent trend, for Ivy League schools that host mens' volleyball, to send their coaches recruiting in the same arena as UC Irvine, USC and other top NCAA Div. I programs.

Two Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) High School graduates, Michael Dye and Sean Cotter will head to Princeton (N.J.) in the fall and three St. Louis (Mo.) area athletes, who all play on St. Louis High Performance, will head to MIT (Boston, Mass.) and Harvard (Cambridge, Mass.).

These three athletes Matt Hohenberger, Rob Lothman and, Patrick Vatterott  spoke to ESPN RISE Volleyball about their choice to attend these academically rigorous schools.  Check out their video below.

Video Link

By Christine Jinbo

Many volleyball athletes, both boys and girls are competing at a national tournament at this very moment.  These athletes play for many reasons, one of which is to get recruited to play in college.

UC Irvine Mens Volleyball team recently bested USC in the NCAA Div. I National Championship in Provo, Utah. UCI Asst. Coach Mark Presho spoke with ESPN RISE Volleyball about building a national championship team and the type of athletes college coaches want to recruit.  He answered many common questions athletes have about the recruiting process.

Video Link

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 5 Mater Dei earned its first CIF Championship in boys' volleyball this year.  Salvatore La Cavera III spoke to ESPN RISE about team, championships and the chain around his neck.

Video Link

By Christine Jinbo

Connor Hughes spoke with ESPN RISE Volleyball about playing in the CIF State Southern California Div. II Regional, the teams' strategy and playing his senior year.

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE Volleyball talked to Christian Workman of No. 1 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) High School about the CIF Sportsmanship Award and the meaning of team.

By Christine Jinbo

Loyola crowned ESPN RISE National Champion

ESPN RISE Volleyball FAB 50
FAB 50 Final Rankings reflect games played through June 2.

Loyola's (Los Angeles, Calif.) ESPN RISE FAB 50 National Championship season grew with six starters who returned, from its '08 squad, which finished last year ranked No. 10 in the FAB 50 national rankings.   The Cubs spent seven weeks at the No. 1 spot of the ESPN RISE FAB 50 and quickly climbed from its original No. 8 pre-season ranking.

	Christine Jinbo/ESPN RISE
	ESPN RISE National Champion, Loyola High School

With 20 of 32 matches against ranked opponents, the Cubs' claim to the title resides strongly in their strength of schedule, team play and commitment to excellence.  The Cubs' championship mentality led the squad to their fourth CIF Southern Section Div. I Championship in seven years.  Loyola also earned its spot in the record books as the first ever CIF State Div. I Regional Champion.

The tenacious Cubs chased championships with an active 22-match win streak, which started in mid-March.  Through injuries, lineup changes, an 18-man roster and a nine-man rotation (sometimes 10), the Cubs finished the year with a 30-2 record and avenged both early season losses in straight set victories.

Loyola High School works to instill the philosophy of "men for others,” in each student.  As part of this belief, Loyola students complete at least 155 hours of community service work before graduation.  The Loyola volleyball team represents the school's philosophy of men for others.

Senior defensive specialist, Christian Workman received the CIF Div. I Sportsmanship Award and echoed the feeling of community and of being men for others.

"Every day I worked to make the other guys on the team better and they would push me."

Players for Loyola feel they are part of something greater than themselves, as senior defensive specialist Gus Murray explained.

"It has tradition and everyone expects us to do well."

The Loyola Volleyball program earned 10 CIF Southern Section Div. I championships overall and four in the last seven years.

Workman summed up the Cubs' season, "It was always a team effort this whole year; it wasn't just one person.  I think that is the greatest part about our team, we are a team and not just a bunch of individuals."

By Christine Jinbo

The debate continues for the claim to the title of ESPN RISE National Champions.  Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Punahou (Honolulu, Calif.) own the current No. 1 and No. 2 spots respectively and both have strong claims to the national crown.

	Leonard Xu
	Matt Mirick, senior setter and team leader for Loyola.

By Christine Jinbo

Four schools have legitimate claims to the title of ESPN RISE FAB 50 National Champion, current: No. 1 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.), No. 2 Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii), No. 3 Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) and No. 6 DeSmet (St. Louis, Mo.).  These teams have the strongest claim to the title, as No. 4 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) and No. 5 Hawaii Baptist (Honolulu, Hawaii) Academy lost head to head to No. 1 Loyola and No. 2 Punahou respectively.

	Courtesy DeSmet Athletic Dept.
	DeSmet jousts its way to the top.

The case for No. 1 begins with the team farthest from the top spot, No. 6 DeSmet Jesuit.  The Spartans' compiled a 30-3 record and avenged two of its three losses.  DeSmet sustained an early season loss to Howell Central (St. Charles, Mo.) in its second match of the season. 

Howell Central continued on to an undefeated season until it met the Spartans in the finals of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championships.  In the second meeting of the two schools, DeSmet bested Howell Central in the state final, 23-25, 25-19, 25-19.  The Spartans racked up a 3-1 record against rival No. 18 St. Louis University (St. Louis, Mo.) High School (SLUH) with a sweep of the league series and knocked the Junior Bills out of playoffs.

One major victory and one uncharacteristic loss delineated DeSmet's season.  In early April, the Spartans traveled to the Tiger Classic and caught a tiger by its tail when it downed Wheaton Warrenville South in the finals of its own tournament (25-17, 25-19). 

This victory along with a win over SLUH propelled DeSmet to No. 3 in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 ranking, its best ranking all season.  A loss to unknown Marquette (Chesterfield, Mo.) (25-7), coupled with a tournament loss the next day to SLUH, dropped the Spartans in the ranking.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 1 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) honored the game and its opponents by continually putting the best team on the floor.  Through injuries, lineup changes, an 18-man roster and graduation ceremonies the day of the CIF State Championships, the Loyola coaching staff kept the team moving in the right direction.

	Christine Jinbo/ESPN RISE
	Loyola Head Coach Michael Boehle hoists the CIF SS Div. I trophy for the fans.

The coaches furthered the team concept through their coaching style and set the example for team unity.  When senior starting libero, Peter Jasaitis recovered from knee surgery, junior Michael Piechowski filled his spot.  When Jasaitis returned to playing shape, the coaches went to a two-defensive specialist rotation without a libero, which credited the exceptional play of both athletes and their contributions to the team.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

"Congratulations to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)," is not a phrase one hears often; at least not without sarcasm.  In all honesty, void of sarcasm, the CIF is to be congratulated for taking the first step to unite boys' volleyball in California.  

	Christine Jinbo/ESPN RISE
	A handful of dedicated fans from Westlake cheered on the team.

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE Volleyball FAB 50
FAB 50 Week 12 Rankings reflect games played through May 31.

The race to post season glory continues as Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) eclipses Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii) for the No. 1 spot on the ESPN RISE Volleyball FAB 50 ranking.

The Cubs earned a CIF Southern Section Div. I title in the most competitive section in California. Avenging both early season losses down the stretch, Loyola earned its spot at the top of the pack.

Punahou still has a chance to move into the top spot, if Loyola falters in the CIF Regional State Tournament. Wheaton Warrenville South still poses a threat from the Land of Lincoln.

The Cubs occupy the top spot, but still face challenges ahead from the CIF State Tournament, No. 3 Wheaton Warrenville South and Punahou still waits in the wings.

In the Buckeye State, No. 16 Moeller (Cincinatti, Ohio) defeated crosstown rival Elder (Cincinatti, Ohio) for the Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association Div. I Championships. 

The state playoffs in the Land of Lincoln, begin on Friday with No. 3 Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton) taking on Neuqua Valley (Naperville), No. 7 Marist (Chicago) versus Maine South and No. 14 Buffalo Grove versus No. Glenbard North (Carol Stream).

By Christine Jinbo

Nominations for the Player Spotlight of the Week on ESPN RISE Volleyball must compete with other national candidates and with staff recommendations.  Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) Head Coach Bill Schreier nominated two players, both worthy of national recognition.  With a plate full of candidates, two from No. 4 Wheaton Warrenville South made the cut. (Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

	Christine Jinbo
	Loyola celebrates its CIF SS Div. I victory over Mater Dei.

By Christine Jinbo

Neill Nystrom of Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) High School, a 6-foot-10 senior outside hitter is this week's ESPN RISE Volleyball player spotlight of the week and a diamond in the rough.  Named to the all tournament team at the Richards Invitational where the Tigers bested ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 7 Marist (Chicago) and No. 10 Glenbard East (Lombard), Wheaton Warrenville South took home the tournament crown.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

In their first meeting this season, ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 2 Loyola rode the roller coaster and edged No. 8 Wilson (Long Beach, Calif.) in the semifinal match of the CIF Southern Section Div. I playoffs.  The victory advanced the Cubs to the championship match played at Cypress College where they will face No. 11 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.).

After the favored Cubs dropped the first set (25-23), host Wilson looked poised for a hometown beat down.  Both student sections provided amplified energy that stirred the adrenalin radiating from the court.  In the first set, only one block was recorded in the books as hitters contacted the ball at such a high point the blockers could not touch it.  Loyola remained cool and composed in the second set and flipped the script, 25-21.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

It did not amount to what most people thought, including this writer.  No. 2 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) will not meet No. 3 Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) in the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Div. I finals.

The CIF SS Div. I semifinals concluded with an upset and almost an upset.  At this point in the season, the term upset may need to be redefined.  Any team to make it this far has a chance to go all the way, so the term upset may no longer apply.

In a shocker to most, but not to some, ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 11 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) upended No. 3 Mira Costa's (Manhattan Beach) season in three (25-21,25-20,25-22).

When Loyola (Los Angeles) Head Coach Mike Boehle heard of Mira Costa's loss he said, "It's shocking to hear they lost, but even more of a shock to hear they lost in three." 

No. 8 Wilson (Long Beach) almost sent the second shock wave through the rankings as they pushed No. 2 Loyola to a five set marathon, 23-25, 25-21, 12-25, 25-16, 16-14.  Loyola and Wilson battled in an aerial and defensive display that kept fans on their feet through much of the match. 

Come back soon for semifinal game coverage with video highlights and interviews of the Loyola-Wilson match.

By Christine Jinbo

 ESPN RISE Volleyball FAB 50

FAB 50 Week 11 Rankings reflect games played through May 25.

Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii) remained at the top of ESPN RISE FAB 50 National Boys Volleyball Ranking. With its state tournament concluded, Hawaii awaits challengers from other state competitions in California, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Ohio. 

The Show Me State recently concluded its state finale, and DeSmet Jesuit (St. Louis) erased all doubts when it topped St. Louis University (St. Louis) High School and Francis Howell Central (St. Charles) en route to the crown.  Revenge was sweet for DeSmet, as it avenged its early season losses to both schools.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Matt Mirick of ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 2 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) is one of two honorees this week

	Leonard Xu
	Mirick, from Loyola High School to Loyola University, Cub to Rambler

When asked who inspires him, Mirick answers simply, "My dad.  My high school and club coaches,” as those who inspire him.

As a setter and three-year starter on the varsity squad, Mirick's leadership is integral to the team's success. Loyola Head Coach, Mike Boehle commented on Mirick's role on the team.

"Matt has been our leader day in and day out running our offense and keeping the team focused throughout the year."

Boehle continued, "Being a three-year starter, his experience and leadership are two great qualities to have in a guy who constantly has the ball in his hands.&qu...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Taylor Fauntleroy, chosen as one of two players for the ESPN RISE Volleyball Spotlight Player of the Week, attends Santa Barbara (Calif.) High School.  The Dons are currently ranked No. 5 on the ESPN RISE FAB 50.

The NYU commit recorded 242 kills, 59 digs, and 38 blocks in the past two years as a varsity starter.  Over the last five years the Dons achieved a perfect 39-0 record in the Channel League.  His overall outstanding play, his leadership and ability to make everyone around him better helped the Dons en route to their perfect mark and made Fauntleroy a perfect fit for this honor.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

After a set back at midseason, Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii) came back with a renewed sense of purpose and team unity. A loss to rival 'Iolani, and the only loss of the season was the spark that ignited a state championship run, where no team earned a set off the BuffanBlu.

Around the country, coaches prepare end of season speeches and deliver them at banquets and rallies, where athletes glow with pride and parents pull out the kerchiefs.

Below Punahou Head Coach Rick Tune shared his end of season speech with ESPN RISE Volleyball.

"The 2009 season started with a mixture of high expectations and adversity. Although the season officially began in early February we didn't finalize our roster until five days before our first game March 14.

The beginning of the season was a whirlwind of trying to incorporate new players, integrate offensive and defensive systems, and deal with unexpected injuries and personal situations.

In the later part of March we competed in the Iolani Tournament and defeated host Iolani in straight sets to win the title.

We resumed our season with a hectic pace of games, sometimes playing as many as seven matches in eight days. We were undefeated heading into our last match of the first round against Iolani.

The game featured a rematch of the 2008 state title game and turned out to be our first home loss in six years. However many positives came out of the defeat. Our team made substantive and necessary changes to not only our approach to competition, but also to our lives.

The second half of the season saw a new and recommitted varsity team with convincing sweeps over St. John Bosco from California, Kamehameha, Iolani and an exhibition match over Hawaii Baptist.
   
The young men of the 2009 edition of Punahou Boy's Volleyball have learned over the course of the season that individual talent means nothing without team commitment and support and that the sum of all the individual parts is much greater than those individual pieces alone.

We hope to continue our solid play this week at the state tournament and capture a state boy's volleyball title and number 28 for the program.

Aloha to Jarrett Chang, Toby Ishizuka, and Maddison McKibbin.  They have been exceptional examples of leadership, fierce competitors, and class acts over their years here at Punahou.

We are saddened by your departures but are thankful for the opportunity to have crossed paths."
 

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE Volleyball FAB 50

Week 10 Rankings - Records reflect games played through May 16.

Punahou (Honolulu, Hawaii) overtook the No. 1 spot in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 ranking this week, when it avenged its loss to `Iolani and marched to the state final without losing a set. The BuffanBlu downed No. 9 Kamehameha (Honolulu) in the HHSAA Div. I state final and achieved a record 28 state championships for Punahou's boys' volleyball program.

Top teams from each state vie for the No. 1 spot, especially Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.), Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) and De Smet Jesuit (St. Louis, Mo.) who all still have a chance to lay claim to the title.

But for now, the BuffanBlu bask in the glow of state title number 28.  Punahou Head Coach Rick Tune spoke of his season and the attributes which combine to make a team successful.

"These young men...have learned over the course of this season that individual talent means nothing without team commitment and support and that the sum of all the individual parts is much greater than those individual pieces alone."

By Christine Jinbo

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Div. I playoffs began on Friday with one major upset.  ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 12 Newport Harbor (Newport Beach), known for its defensive tenacity and ball control, found itself across the net from an opponent with similar attributes. In the CIF Southern Section first round battle, visiting St. John Bosco (Bellflower) sunk the Sailors in a five game shocker (25-21, 18-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-13).

Newport Harbor Head Coach Dan Glenn said, "I felt like we were playing ourselves.”  He continued, "Bosco had 59 digs in the match and we had a season high 75.”

This kind of stunning upset is not a new phenomenon for St. John Bosco, which outlasted Orange Lutheran early in the season.  

Glenn complimented the Braves squad, "St John Bosco was well coached and ready to play.   Sid Davidson has done a great job there for years.”

The second round will feature matches worthy of most championship finals and, barring any upsets, the quarterfinals will be the toughest round.

St. John Bosco will host San Clemente (Calif.) in the second round tonight.

Other CIF Southern Section first round matches (scores from CIF-SS):

No. 1 Loyola (Los Angeles) – bye.
Loyola will host Dana Hills tonight.

Dana Hills (Dana Point) defeated Irvine (3-0), 25-21, 25-20, 25-21.
Dana Hills will travel to Loyola tonight.

Palos Verdes defeated No. 39 Dos Pueblos (3-2), 20+25, 26-28, 25-22, 28-26, 17-15.
Palos Verdes will host Orange Lutheran (Orange) tonight.

No. 15 Orange Lutheran defeated Woodbridge (Irvine) (3-0), 25-18, 25-16, 25-12.
Orange Lutheran will travel to Palos Verdes tonight.

No. 26 San Clemente defeated Redondo Union (3-0) 25-18, 25-12, 25-17.
San Clemente will travel to St. John Bosco tonight.

Foothill (Santa Ana) defeated Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood) (3-1), 24-26, 25-20, 25-20, 25-17.
Foothill will host No. 13 Wilson (Long Beach) tonight.

No. 13 Wilson defeated San Marcos (3-0), 25-13, 25-14, 25-14.
Wilson will travel to Foothill tonight.

No. 5 Santa Barbara defeated Lakewood (3-0), 25-15, 25-20, 25-21.
Santa Barbara will host Edison tonight.

No. 50 Edison (Huntington Beach) defeated No. 46 Crespi (Encino) (3-1), 25-23, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15.
Edison will travel to Santa Barbara tonight.

No. 18 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) defeated Aliso Niguel (Aliso Viejo) (3-0), 25-17, 25-20, 25-21.
Mater Dei will host No. 22 Corona del Mar (Newport Beach) tonight.

No. 22 Corona del Mar defeated Northwood (Irvine) (3-0), 25-14, 25-16, 25-23.
Corona del Mar will travel to Mater Dei tonight.

No. 23 Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita) defeated Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) (3-0), 25-12, 25-16, 25-12.
Santa Margarita will travel to No. 32 Esperanza (Anaheim) tonight.

No. 32 Esperanza defeated Long Beach Poly (3-0), 25-18, 25-16, 25-19.
Esperanza will host No. 23 Santa Margarita tonight.

Huntington Beach defeated Beckman (Irvine) (3-1), 25-23, 25-17, 24-26, 25-12.
Huntington Beach will travel to Mira Costa tonight.

No. 2 Mira Costa defeated Buena (Ventura) (3-0), 25-12, 25-11, 25-12.
Mira Costa will host Huntington Beach tonight.

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 3 Punahou controlled the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Div. I playoffs without dropping a set throughout the competition.  The BuffanBlu disposed of Leilehua (Wahiawa), without allowing the Mighty Mules more than 15 points.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

As the spring season winds to a close, the boys high school teams are at peak season.  Each team fights for the chance to bring their school the glory of a state championship trophy.

Hawaii is the first to begin and end their playoffs, with a four-day tournament format, which culminates on Saturday.  No. 3 Punahou (Honolulu) is the favorite to win state, with 22 state titles since 1980 and three in the last four years. Punahou, with only one loss this season will lay their claim to the No. 1 spot on the ESPN RISE FAB 50 rankings.

California's playoffs are a little more involved.  The state consists of ten sections, and eight run their own mini state tournament.  With divisional classifications, this combines for 16 playoff tournaments in one state.  Four of these sections, from Central and Southern California will participate in the first annual "regional state tournament.” The state tournament will offer three divisions.

The CIF Southern Section is the largest section with five divisions.  The Div. I tournament will pit 14 FAB 50 ranked schools in the 32 team bracket.  No. 1 Loyola (Los Angeles) received the first seed in the playoffs, but this means nothing in a bracket full of ranked contenders.  

In the Land of Lincoln, the regional tournaments begin May 25, sectionals May 29 and the state tournament on June 5 and 6.  Thirty-two regional tournaments funnel into eight sectional tournaments, with the winners of each section advancing to the state tournament.

Far and away the most difficult section of the eight will be the Villa Park Willowbrook Sectional.  No 8 Glenbard East (Lombard), No. 4 Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton) and No. 36 Hinsdale Central (Hinsdale) will battle for the right to go to the state tournament.  Wheaton Warrenville South is the top ranked team in the state, and will also lay its claim for the No. 1 spot on the ESPN RISE FAB 50 rankings.
 

ESPN RISE Volleyball FAB 50
Week 9 Rankings
Record reflects games played through May 10.

By Christine Jinbo

Week eight of the ESPN RISE FAB 50 brings with it few changes.  In Hawaii, Kamehameha (Honolulu) jumped into the top ten when it took down previously ranked No. 12 'Iolani (Honolulu) in its last league match of the season.  The Hawaii High School Athletic Association state tournament is next on the schedule for teams in the Aloha State.

No. 2 Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach) continued its dominance as it racked up another tournament victory at the Redondo/Mira Costa Varsity Classic over No. 18 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) in the finals, 25-22, 26-28, 15-13.  The Monarchs made a leap forward in the rankings after their second place showing at the tournament.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Redondo/Mira Costa Varsity Classic boys' volleyball tournament played 72 matches over two days at three schools on nine courts.  ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 2 ranked Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) earned its third tournament championship of the season and its second with its reconfigured line up.  New starting setter, 6-foot-4 junior Davis Waddell was named to the All Tournament team along with senior teammates, Ian Satterfield and Evan Licht.

Mira Costa defeated ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 18 ranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana) in the final, 25-22, 26-28, 15-13.  Mater Dei earned a spot in the finals after it defeated No. 11 Wilson (Long Beach, Calif.), 26-24, 25-19.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 4 Punahou defeated No. 12 'Iolani and brought the season series to 2-1 for the BuffanBlu.   The second of two league matches between the two squads, each team has won the other's home turf.

In the first ILH League match, 'Iolani took the bested BuffanBlu, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21 and Punahou returned the favor in their most recent meeting, 25-20, 25-20, 25-20.

Read more about the match in the Star Bulletin

Read more about the match from HawaiiPreps.com

 

By Christine Jinbo

Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.) High School is set to host the Varsity Classic Boys' Volleyball Tournament in a combined effort with Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach) High School and West Torrance (Torrance, Calif.) High School, May 1-2.
            
Eight pools of four teams will play in a best-of-three format with teams advancing to Gold and Silver Divisions for playoffs. First and second place teams from each pool will play in the Gold Division with third and fourth place teams in the Silver and Bronze divisions.

ESPN RISE FAB 50 teams entered in the tournament consist of No. 2 Mira Costa, No. 11 Wilson (Long Beach, Calif.), No. 18 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), No. 35 San Clemente and No. 44 Westlake, and No. 45 La Costa Canyon, which are seeded first in each pool.

Come back for more coverage of the Varsity Classic this week.

At Redondo
POOL 1
1. Mater Dei
2. Fountain Valley
3. Poly
4. Steele Canyon

POOL 2
1. Valencia
2. Redondo
3. La Jolla
4. Oxnard

POOL 3
1. San Clemente   
2. Rancho Bernardo
3. Santa Monica
4. North

POOL 4
1. Wilson
2. Mt. Carmel    
3. Mayfair
4. Canyon

At Mira Costa
POOL 5
1. Mira Costa
2. Oak Park
3. Carlsbad
4. Warren

POOL 6
1. Westlake
2. Poway
3. Torrance
4. Taft


At West Torrance
POOL 7
1. Thousand Oaks
2. Bishop Montgomey
3. Peninsula
4. Scripps Ranch

POOL 8
1. La Costa Canyon
2. Dana Hills
3. West
4. Millikan

By Christine Jinbo

Spring fever is upon us as teams dove into the beautiful weather and into week seven of the ESPN RISE FAB 50.  A slight jostle occurred amongst the top ten teams, but no new blood cracked the lineup and worth mentioning, are a few noteworthy matches and tournaments. 

No. 1 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) defeated previously ranked No. 28 Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, Calif.) in a non-league match up.  After the Cubs' two week hiatus, they came out a little less than sharp, but quickly rebounded for a 20-25, 25-15, 25-20, 26-24 victory.  Junior 6-foot-5 outside hitter Steven Irvin had a match high 23 kills, while senior setter Matt Mirick dished 56 assists.

Loyola Head Coach Mike Boehle said, "We made unforced errors that allowed them to score." 

He continued, "They are a good team, better than where they are, and I told the team, 'You cannot come out complacent against a team like this.'"

In Missouri, previously ranked No. 8 St. Louis University (St. Louis) High School had its cake and ate it too as it earned first in the Parkway Central (Chesterfield) Tournament and exacted its revenge on De Smet Jesuit (St. Louis) in the finals as well.

In Ohio, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati) hit its stride in the third week of competition for the Buckeye State.  Moeller edged its cross-town rival St. Xavier in a marathon final, 23-25, 25-17, 25-17, 24-26, 15-12. 

The Aloha state prepares for the upcoming state championships as teams are playing the last of their regular season schedules.  Punahou (Honolulu) traveled to 'Iolani (Honolulu) on Wednesday, April 29 for their third meeting this season.  The BuffanBlu bested the Raiders, though this will play out in next week's rankings. The two squads could be on a collision couse to meet again in the state tournament. Hawaii Baptist Academy cannot be counted out, with just one loss to Punahou, they will contend for the state championship as well.

Visit the ranking and see where your favorite teams moved. 

ESPN RISE Volleyball FAB 50   
Week 7 Rankings - record reflects games played through April 27.

Posted by Christine Jinbo

Before the ESPN RISE Volleyball National Rankings are released later today, sneak a peak at some regional polls from this week.(Read full post)