Redondo Union Proves to be a Top Contender in Girls Volleyball
In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top girls volleyball teams in the state, Redondo Union emerged victorious against Marymount, winning 25-23, 18-25, 25-21, 25-14. This impressive win solidifies Redondo Union’s position as a threat for its first Southern Section championship since 2019. The teams entered the nonleague matchup with a combined record of 22-1, making the Sea Hawks’ triumph all the more notable.
The win was particularly impressive given that Redondo Union was without libero Rowan DeVore, who was sidelined with the flu, and senior twins Avery and Addi Junk, who are focusing on beach volleyball and have committed to play at Florida State. Despite these setbacks, the team’s talent and determination shone through, with California commit Abby Zimmerman leading the charge. Zimmerman pounded a match-high 26 kills, while Leah Blair, committed to play beach at Washington, added 10 kills, and UC Irvine-bound Taylor Boice contributed seven kills.
A Strong Performance from Redondo Union
Setter Marlo Libbey played a crucial role in the team’s success, with 33 assists and three aces. Zimmerman, who led her school to the beach title in the spring, was nearly unstoppable on the court. “Indoor is my favorite, and we’ve put in so much work, it would be great to go out on top my last year,” she said. The team’s energy and fight were evident throughout the match, and if they can maintain this level of performance, they have a good chance of achieving their goals.
Both teams were coming off successful trips to Hawaii, with Redondo Union finishing runner-up to national power Byron Nelson (Texas) at the Ann Kang Invitational, and Marymount winning the Hawaiian Island Labor Day Classic championship without dropping a set. Junior hitter Makenna Barnes had 16 kills, Washington commit Sammy Destler added 14, Olivia Penske had 36 assists, and Declan Eastman recorded 11 digs for the Sailors.
A Wake-Up Call for Marymount
Destler, who plays on the same club team as Abby and Taylor and considers them best friends, acknowledged that the loss was a much-needed wake-up call for her team. “This was a whole different level than the teams we saw in Hawaii,” she said. The match featured many of the Southland’s most talented players and two of its most successful coaches, Redondo Union’s Tommy Chaffins and Marymount’s Cari Klein.
Klein’s team was off to its hottest start since 2021, when they finished 35-0 and won their 10th section title and seventh state crown under her leadership. The schedule only gets tougher for Redondo Union, which travels to reigning Division 1 champion Mater Dei on Thursday and hosts 2022 champion Sierra Canyon next Tuesday. Marymount will try to shake off its first loss when it hosts the Sea Hawks’ Bay League rival, Mira Costa, on Thursday.
As the teams move forward, they will rely on their strong bonds and teamwork to overcome challenges. “We’re very close on and off the court, and we bonded even more in Hawaii,” Boice said. With their sights set on the championship, Redondo Union and Marymount will continue to push themselves to be the best. For more information on this matchup and the teams’ upcoming schedules, visit Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
