Sierra Canyon Girls Volleyball Edges Marymount to Reach Finals

In a thrilling CIF-SS Division 1 semifinal match held on November 1, 2025, the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers defeated their league rivals, the Marymount Sailors, in a hard-fought five-set battle at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth. The final score was 25-13, 26-28, 24-26, 25-22, 15-9, securing Sierra Canyon’s place in the championship match.

Trailblazers Overcome Familiar Foe

The Trailblazers, boasting an impressive record of 38 wins and just three losses this season, faced Marymount for the fourth time. The two teams had developed a strong rivalry, with Sierra Canyon winning three of their previous encounters, including two victories that also went to five sets. Coach Stefanie Wigfall expressed her pride in the team’s determination, stating, “I’m so happy that we were able to get ourselves in that fifth set. I felt good once we got there.”

Junior setter Lucky Fasavalu orchestrated a balanced offensive strategy, leading to four players recording 13 or more kills. Eva Jeffries, standing at six feet three inches, topped the team with 14 kills, while Kendall Omoruyi, a Nebraska commit at six feet four inches, contributed 13 kills and a match-high four blocks. Omoruyi’s performance was particularly impactful in the decisive fifth set, where she delivered three crucial kills and added a block to propel her team to victory.

Reflecting on the match, Omoruyi noted, “We had to lock in and just play with urgency” as the team faced fluctuating energy levels throughout the sets. Despite leading by four points in several sets, the Trailblazers struggled to maintain their advantage as Marymount fought back fiercely.

Marymount’s Tenacity Shines

The Sailors, with a season record of 37 wins and six losses, displayed remarkable resolve. They trailed 18-12 in the second set before mounting a comeback, largely thanks to the efforts of outside hitter Samantha Destler, who contributed five of her 16 kills during this critical moment. Another standout, Makenna Barnes, also made significant contributions, matching Destler’s seven kills in the third set to help shift momentum.

Despite Sierra Canyon winning the first and final sets comfortably, they faced challenges in the middle of the match. Coach Wigfall acknowledged the difficulty of closing out matches against a familiar opponent, stating, “It gets harder each time to beat a team.” The Trailblazers’ early leads in the second and third sets were not enough to secure victory as Marymount capitalized on their mistakes.

The match showcased the intensity and skill of both teams, with each side demonstrating their ability to adapt and respond under pressure. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, with players and fans alike fully engaged in the contest.

As Sierra Canyon prepares for the championship match against the Mater Dei Monarchs, the team is focused and determined. Last season, the Monarchs defeated the Trailblazers in the title match, an experience that Coach Wigfall believes has prepared her team for this rematch. “We are gonna handle the moment better this time, I know for sure,” she stated confidently.

The championship match is set for Saturday at 18:00, where Sierra Canyon will look to claim the Division 1 crown and redeem themselves following last year’s loss. Omoruyi expressed optimism about the upcoming challenge, emphasizing the hard work and camaraderie within the team that has brought them to this point.

“We feel so good going into this game,” she said. “We’ve worked so hard to get to this championship. Being with these girls has been a great experience, and we’re excited.”