Village Christian and Alemany show promise
Village Christian’s seniors on its girls volleyball team won a CIF State Division II title three years ago as freshmen. This season, they’re looking for another.
The Crusaders made a case for that by winning the Ann Kang Invitational Tournament in Hawaii in mid-August.
Outside hitter Emma Napoleon, who grew up in Hawaii, was named the eight-team tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
“She’s big time,” coach Brent Asuka said of Napoleon, who has yet to commit to a college.
Sienna Noordermeer, a setter, and Elizabeth Miller, a middle blocker, were also named to the alltournament team.
“We’re very balanced,” said Asuka. “In previous years, I think we’ve had dominant players, but this year, we have really good players everywhere.”
The Crusaders lost twice in the tournament — to Punahou and ‘Iolani. They beat Maryknoll, Hawaii Baptist, West Ranch and avenged their loss to ‘Iolani before beating Mira Costa in four games to win the championship.
It’s the first time Village Christian has won the tournament. Mira Costa has won it six times, with its first title coming in 2002. The tournament was not held in 2020 due to concerns over COVID-19.
Village Christian has two more tournaments ahead of the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas and the Nike Tournament of Champions Southwest in Phoenix.
Alemany proves itself by winning in Vegas
Bishop Alemany returned from the Las Vegas High School Girls Volleyball Tournament with a 5-2 record, despite a handful of players battling injuries and a young roster.
“The nice thing about tournaments is you’re always learning,” said coach Morgan Wijay. “Learning your team’s personality, how they handle the game, how they gel with each other, what their weaknesses are, what their mental game is.”
London Wijay, this week’s Daily News girls athlete of the week, led the Warriors in kills throughout the weekend with 33 in three matches before being sidelined with an injury. She also added seven aces and 27 digs. Freshman Alanah Clemente stepped in for Wijay and had eight kills in two matches.
Havyn Rolle played a major part with 19 kills and nine blocks. Sophomore outside hitter Gabi Polishuk chipped in 32 aces, 15 kills and nine aces, while sophomore Kyla Firestone had 55 assists and 16 aces.
“I was excited to see so many freshmen and sophomores step up big in this last tournament,” Morgan Wijay said.
Alemany will also be competing in the Durango Fall Classic in September. Sierra Canyon will also take part in the Las Vegas tournament.