Volleyball (Girls) | 11/25/2024 9:56:00 PM

ORANGE, CA – In a season that began with tempered expectations, Cathedral Catholic High School's girls volleyball team defied all odds, claiming their seventh CIF State Championship in program history. The Dons swept Archbishop Mitty in the Open Division final, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16, at Santiago Canyon College to cap off a remarkable 46-3 season.

The victory marked Cathedral Catholic's second Open Division state title in three years and their 23rd consecutive match win, with the team dropping only three sets since mid-September. Led by standout performances from Yale-bound senior Mae Kordas and Notre Dame commit Maya Evens, the Dons extended their home win streak to over five years and continued to cement their place as one of the most storied volleyball programs in California history.

Championship Highlights
In a match defined by balance and resilience, the Dons overwhelmed the Monarchs with a well-rounded attack.

Mae Kordas dominated with 18 kills, hitting .457 while also contributing seven digs and five blocks. Maya Evens, the Dons' defensive anchor, tallied nine digs, nine assists, and two aces in her final high school match under her mother and head coach, Juliana Conn. Allison Dzieciuch added nine kills on an astounding .692 hitting percentage, with junior middle blocker Kensley Hennessy delivering five kills, five blocks, and hitting .714.
Sophia Johnson, Jojo Wilson, and Mady McCarthy rounded out the attack with impactful contributions, ensuring the Monarchs had no answer for the Dons' versatility.

Despite Archbishop Mitty's storied history, including 21 state finals appearances, Cathedral Catholic's depth and execution proved too much.

Resilience and Adaptability
Head coach Juliana Conn praised the team's resilience and growth throughout the season. "From Day 1, we knew we had a great team, but we didn't know how far we could come," Conn said. "Once they realized all we have to do is have fun, play hard, and play for each other, we got into a rhythm. By the time state hit, we were playing incredible volleyball."

Unlike the star-studded 2022 squad, which went 42-0 and won a mythical National Championship, this year's team thrived on balance and teamwork. Every hitter recorded at least five kills in the final, showcasing the depth that had been a hallmark of the season.

Journey to the Title
The Dons faced a challenging playoff path, including victories over nationally ranked Los Alamitos, Redondo Union, and Mater Dei. Their rigorous Southern California competition prepared them for the intensity of the state championship.

Cathedral Catholic's defense, led by Evens, was critical in funneling Archbishop Mitty's attack into the block. "We knew they were heavy on the pins and liked angles," Evens said. "We funneled balls to me and got a good block up front."

The Monarchs, led by Kacie Caoili's 29 assists and contributions from Makenna Crosson and Chayse Courtney, put up a fight but couldn't match the Dons' relentless execution.

Kordas' Legacy
For Kordas, the journey from role player on the 2022 National Championship team to senior leader in 2024 was especially meaningful. "Two years ago, it felt like winning was a given. This year, we had to work so hard, and I'm so proud of everyone," Kordas said. "It still doesn't feel real."

Her postseason run solidified her status as one of the program's greats, but the championship was a team effort. Setter Kale'a Lee praised Kordas' leadership: "Mae's a hero. She's always there to save the day, but we trust everyone to step up when needed."

Building a Dynasty
Cathedral Catholic's volleyball program continues to set the standard for excellence. With their seventh state title and a culture of perseverance, teamwork, and adaptability, the Dons remain a powerhouse on the California volleyball scene.

"This group wasn't the biggest or flashiest," said Conn. "But they played for each other and found a way to shine. They earned this title, and I couldn't be prouder."

As Cathedral Catholic celebrates another championship, the team's legacy of resilience and excellence remains firmly intact.
 

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Check out these various interviews courtesy of SportsStar Media:

Mae Kordas Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN1geLJDax8

Maya Evens Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XKPk1VevVg

JoJo Wilson Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_13yFqZUXvY

Sophia Johnson Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RREP4gy8dAg

Kensley Hennessy Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7doXHyjPqiA

Juliana Conn Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7emfHr4Ueo