Look: Mater Dei's girls volleyball team wins sixth Southern Section title, blocks Mira Costa from 16h

The nation's No. 2 team wreaks havoc at the net to finish off a dominating section playoff performance over the No. 3 Mustangs

NORWALK, CALIFORNIA — Mater Dei girls volleyball coach Dan O'Dell circled the 2023 season two years ago. From the Class of 2024, he knew he had a special group. 

The Monarchs proved their coach correct Saturday with another dominating performance, sweeping the No. 3 team in the nation Mira Costa, 28-26, 25-15, 25-20 to claim their sixth CIF Southern Section Division I title Saturday at Cerritos College.

It was their first crown since 2018. 

The blocking and hitting brigade up front proved decisive, according to O'Dell, led by Isabel Clark (18 kills, 12 digs) and 6-foot-4 freshman Emma Kingston (seven blocks). 

The win improved Mater Dei's record to 39-2, while Mira Costa dropped to 39-3. The victory turned around a 26-21, 25-21, 25-19 loss at Mira Costa on Aug. 29. The two teams will likely meet in two weeks in the CIF Southern California Regional final. 

(See below the terrific images from Heston Quan)  

Photo: Heston Quan

Photo: Heston Quan

File photo: Heston Quan

Photo: Heston Quan

Photo: Heston Quan