Beach Volleyball (Girls) | 5/9/2025 1:44:00 PM

The Cathedral Catholic beach volleyball team is back where it has been every year since the sport became CIF-sanctioned in San Diego: the Open Division Championship match.

With another undefeated regular season and a commanding run through the winners' bracket, the top-seeded Dons (16-0) have officially punched their ticket to Saturday's final at Mesa College, where they will take on a familiar rival third-seeded Torrey Pines (21-2) at 3 PM.

It's the fourth consecutive season these two powerhouse programs meet in the title match, and if history is any indication, it's advantage Cathedral. Head coach Juliana Conn's squad has won all three previous Open Division finals over the Falcons, establishing a dynasty on the sand that mirrors their dominance on the indoor court.

This year's postseason format, a double-elimination bracket, added another twist to the rivalry. Cathedral edged Torrey Pines 3-2 on Tuesday in a rare nail-biter, this being first time all season the Dons had been pushed to a 3-2 decision. That win secured a direct path to the final. Torrey Pines rebounded by defeating #4 seed Point Loma on Thursday, setting up a rematch in what will be the Falcons' second match in five days against the Dons.

Cathedral Catholic has dropped only five pairings across all matches this season, a testament to the program's depth and discipline. Senior Gracen Daniels, a USC beach commit, anchors the lineup with her leadership and poise. Junior setter Lauren Hanson, a key piece of the state champion indoor team, brings strong court vision and consistency, while sophomore JoJo Wilson adds firepower at the net. Head coach Juliana Conn's lineup got even deeper with the addition of indoor standouts Mae Kordas (Yale), Maya Evens (Notre Dame), who all joined the beach roster this spring after a new CIF rule allowed indoor club athletes to participate in high school beach.

Conn, who also coaches for Wave Volleyball Club, has been a constant through the Dons' rise on the sand. Under her guidance, Cathedral continues to set the standard, but Torrey Pines, winners of 17 of their last 18 matches, remains the most formidable challenger.

Saturday's championship is more than just a title match, it's a showdown of tradition, grit, and elite level talent. Expect another instant classic in what has quickly become San Diego beach volleyball's premier rivalry.