Not lost in the shuffle of football season is another sport during the Fall semester as school starts back up for a full week on Monday at San Pedro, Mary Star Of The Sea and Port Of Los Angeles High Schools, and that's girls volleyball.
All three teams made their respective CIF playoffs, with the two-time defending Santa Fe League champion Stars emerging with a first round CIF-Southern Section playoff victory before bowing out in the second round. The Pirates and Polar Bears both were eliminated in the first round of the CIF-Los Angeles City Section playoffs (San Pedro in Division 1, POLA in Division 4).
Here's an early look at the top ten players to watch, with few surprises as everyone returns the majority of their 2015 roster, and in the case of Mary Star, EVERYONE returns.
1) Ally Spillane, Mary Star, OH, sr.: The three-time all-league and two-time San Pedro News Pilot MVP is back for one final run. Spillane can simply do it all, and I've seen her do it all. Impeccable instincts, deadly jump serve, and when she gets a hold of a set towards her, the ball goes down to the floor faster than the Golden State Warriors' 3-1 lead in this past year's NBA Finals. Don't be surprised if we see yet another incredible year from Spillane.
2) Katie Bentovoja, San Pedro, OH/S, sr.: Another four-year veteran and three-time All-Marine League stud, Bentovoja gives the Pirates a chance against anyone they battle against because of her versatility and she never caves into the pressure. Expect another great year from her, and maybe an All-City selection.
3) Angela Pisano, Mary Star, S, sr.: Probably the best pure athlete in this list, Pisano had made all-league three years in a row in both volleyball and basketball, and is the best at delivering the occasionally opportunistic dump down when the opposition least expects it. Pisano is also capable of starting a long run of points with her serves. Don't believe me? Ask St. Genevieve High.
4) Lexi Andrie, Mary Star, OH, sr.: On a team full of jump serve specialists, Andrie is the best of the bunch with her unorthodox timing and motion which led her to three different matches where she had double-digits in aces. Andrie is another valuable weapon of attack that Pisano can feed to where Stars' opponents must be wary of.
5) Alison Lyons, San Pedro, L, jr.: Everyone will be really aware of how important a libero is and know what they're about, especially if you watch Lyons in action. The All-Marine League first team selection gained tons of respect by both her teammates and opposing league coaches alike by her willingness to put her body on the line to keep rallies alive for San Pedro, and her serve is also outstanding.
6) Julia Gersch, Port Of Los Angeles, L, soph.: Another talented libero who makes a name for herself by her serve and overall talent. Gersch will be a vital part to the Polar Bears' drive towards regaining the Crosstown League title.
7) Sara Peterson, San Pedro, OH, soph.: Easily the best freshman out of anyone last season, Peterson is another who is truly versatile and someone who can change any match with her amazing serve. The All-Marine League returner no doubt is bred for success this season.
8) Ticela Molio'o, Mary Star, OPP, sr.: Molio'o is a true wild card on the Stars' roster and yet another weapon who always is ready to step up when called upon to deliver when opponents focus on containing Spillane and Andrie. Molio'o shined brightest in the Santa Fe League finale against St. Genevieve where she ended the second and third sets with a kill to polish off a rousing sweep, and a share of their second straight league crown.
9) Areelle Navarro, Port Of Los Angeles, OH, jr.: Navarro was the most improved out of everyone and has emerged as POLA's best attacker and her height enables her to get some blocks as well, especially in the league matches where most of the schools in it aren't as tall.
10) Selene Ramirez, San Pedro, OH/MB, jr.: Ramirez is ready to step into a more prohibitive role in the Pirates' lineup this season and is another one who can attack with force. A future All-Marine League selection.
TOP FIVE HONORABLE MENTION TO WATCH: Sachi Verner (POLA, OH, jr.); Gianna Fletcher (Mary Star, MB, sr.); Rebecca Alvarenga (San Pedro, MB, jr.); Jena Denardo (Mary Star, L, soph.); Hadley Grooms (San Pedro, OPP, soph.).
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