Volleyball (Girls) | 9/12/2023 2:56:00 PM

Cathedral Catholic's girls volleyball team showcased their mastery in the championship match of the Dave Mohs Memorial Tournament at Edison High. The final showdown between these two powerhouses was nothing short of exhilarating, with Cathedral Catholic ultimately emerging victorious in a thrilling three-set match, the scores settling at 19-25, 25-19, and 15-10. This is the second year in a row that Cathedral Catholic has won this prestigious tournament. They were also able to avenge their loss to Mater Dei, from earlier in the season at Volleypalooza.

Mater Dei's head coach, Dan O'Dell, now in his 11th season leading the Monarchs, acknowledged the challenge posed by Cathedral Catholic's towering presence at the net. He emphasized the need for his hitters to refine their ability to read the blocks, assess the game's dynamics, and make strategic choices in shot placement. It was evident that Cathedral Catholic's 6-foot-3 senior middle blocker, Jenna Hanes '24, played a pivotal role in thwarting Mater Dei's kill attempts, showcasing her skills as a dominant force on the court. Hanes, a Michigan commit, not only played a pivotal role but also earned the well-deserved title of tournament MVP. Jenna was joined at the net with an outstanding performances by Tiana Owens '24 who was later named as a standout Athlete of the Week by The San Diego Union Tribune. 

Cathedral Catholic's victory over Mater Dei adds to their illustrious history, with the team boasting a flawless 42-0 record in the previous season and earning the prestigious title of national champion, as recognized by MaxPreps.com. In the current season, after a month of play around the country, MaxPreps.com ranked Mater Dei at No. 2 nationally, just behind the formidable Mira Costa, while Cathedral Catholic held the No. 8 spot, with a likely shakeup after this weekend's results.

The journey to victory in the Dave Mohs Memorial Tournament was marked by Cathedral Catholic's impressive performance against several Orange County Top 10 teams.  The Dons faced a challenging semifinal match against No. 2 Huntington Beach, ultimately triumphing with scores of 24-26, 25-14, and 15-12. Additional victories against No. 5 JSerra and No. 9 Edison solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with.

Dons' head coach Juliana Conn anticipated a demanding battle against the Monarchs, emphasizing the importance of their serving game and their defense. Their ability to execute their serves effectively throughout played a crucial role in the match's outcome much to the delight of Coach Conn. They played scrappy defense, were quick to blocks, digging tips and keeping the ball alive. Maya Evens '25, Cathedral Catholic's standout libero, spearheaded their defensive effort and was named to the All-Tournament team.



Cathedral Catholic's journey through the tournament was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As they hoisted the championship trophy, they solidified their reputation as one of the top high school volleyball programs in the nation.

Tournament Results for Cathedral Catholic:
- Sep 8 (Fri) 10:30 AM - San Juan Hills - W, 2-0 (26-24, 25-18)
- Sep 8 (Fri) 12:30 PM - Great Oak - W, 2-0 (25-10, 25-13)
- Sep 8 (Fri) 2:00 PM - JSerra - W, 2-0
- Sep 9 (Sat) 10:30 AM - Edison - W, 2-0 (25-16, 25-17)
- Sep 9 (Sat) 12:30 PM - Huntington Beach - W, 2-1 (24-26, 25-14, 15-12)
- Sep 9 (Sat) 2:00 PM - Mater Dei, Santa Ana - W, 2-1 (19-25, 25-19, 15-10)

Jenna Hanes '24, Middle Blocker, Tournament MVP
Maya Evens '25, Libero, All-Tournament