Mater Dei made it two in a row, winning the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 title in girls’ volleyball Nov. 3 with a four-set win over Marymount at Cerritos College,

The 25-14, 28-26, 22-25, 25-18 triumph gave the Monarchs (39-2) their third CIF title in the past four years. It was also their sixth straight championship match appearance under the leadership of coach Dan O’Dell.

Mater Dei received strong performances from its entire lineup, particularly Natalie Berty with 23 kills, Brielle Mullally with 12 (and 19 assists) and Mia Tuaniga with 10 (and 32 assists). Devon Newberry led Marymount with 12 kills.

A key point came in the second set, after Marymount (32-9) had rallied from behind to lead 26-25. But Mater Dei fought back to win the set, and — after the Sailors broke through to win the third — used a 10-2 run to take charge in the fourth.

This was the sixth time in the last two seasons the teams had battled, with Mater Dei holding a 3-2 edge in the previous five. The squads had split two prior encounters this season, and both had spent time atop the weekly CIF-SS D-1 polls.

Coach Cari Klein’s Sailors were seeking their first CIF-SS title since reeling off three straight in 2010-12. Both Marymount and Mater Dei are expected to compete in the Southern California Regionals that begin this week.

Boys’ water polo

Three Catholic school teams have reached the semifinals of the CIF-SS boys’ water polo tournament, and will play Nov. 7 for the chance to play for divisional championships on Nov. 9. The matchups:

  • D-1: Loyola (21-6) vs. Harvard-Westlake (22-5)
  • D-3: Servite (20-9) vs. Segerstrom (25-5)
  • D-7: Cathedral (14-9) vs. Cabrillo/Long Beach (15-7)

In the Nov. 3 quarterfinals, Servite beat San Marcos 17-7 (d-3) and Cathedral topped Paloma Valley 9-7 (D-7). Damien was edged 5-4 by Dana Hills in the D-2 quarterfinal.

Girls’ tennis

Bishop Montgomery, La Salle and Notre Dame Academy are still in the running for CIF-Southern Section team titles in girls’ tennis after second round victories Nov. 2.

The undefeated Knights of Torrance (14-0) defeated Bolsa Grande 14-4 in Division 4, and will play in the quarterfinals Nov. 5 against Trabuco Hills (9-6).

In D-5, La Salle (13-2) defeated Patriot 79-71 in games won, after the teams tied 9-9 in sets won, and will play Westminster (15-4) in the quarterfinals. Notre Dame Academy (12-8) downed Rubidoux 12-6, advancing to the quarters against Century (18-2) which beat Bishop Amat 14-4.

In D-1, Marlborough eliminated Santa Margarita 10-8. And in D-2, Ruben Ayala edged Chaminade, 70-69 in games after they tied 9-9 in sets.

Semifinals are Nov. 7 and finals Nov. 9.

Mike Nelson is the former editor of The Tidings (predecessor of Angelus News).

Start your day with Always Forward, our award-winning e-newsletter. Get this smart, handpicked selection of the day’s top news, analysis, and opinion, delivered to your inbox. Sign up absolutely free today!