The road to the CIF-Southern Section boys volleyball finals is set, and two local programs are making history in their own ways. Royal High School returns to a familiar stage, while Foothill Tech earns its first-ever championship appearance after thrilling semifinal victories Saturday night.
For Foothill Tech, this is a breakthrough moment. The Dragons (15-8) swept Rialto in straight sets (25-22, 25-18, 25-16) in the Division 7 semifinals, showcasing a complete team effort that has defined their season. Head coach David Benedik summed it up perfectly: "We are a small school, but I think that when we play together and play as a team, we can play some really good volleyball and compete with anybody."
The Dragons had to battle through slow starts in the first two sets, relying on collective grit to secure pivotal wins. "In the past, our offense has been cooking more and we have been able to rely on individual contributors. Tonight, I felt, was really a team victory," Benedik added. Standout performances included Zach Ohl with 26 digs, Styles Haley Kettler with 11 kills, Colton Salles with 10 kills, and setter Royal Knox dishing out 34 assists.
Foothill Tech now faces Oakwood of North Hollywood (19-6-2) in the Division 7 championship on May 15 or 16, a moment that signals a bright future for the program. "Now, the guys have this expectation of, 'Yeah, we are a playoff team. We are going to make deep runs into the playoffs,'" Benedik said.
Meanwhile, Royal High School is no stranger to the big stage. The Highlanders, one of Ventura County's most decorated programs, punched their ticket to the finals for the 11th time—and they're chasing their sixth section title. Royal defeated Village Christian 3-1 (25-17, 29-27, 20-25, 25-22) in a hard-fought semifinal on the road.
Grant Herzer led the charge with 24 kills, 16 digs, and three aces, while Donnie Fleming added 21 kills, nine digs, and three aces. Vaughn Rizzo chipped in nine kills, and setter Micah Park orchestrated the offense with 50 assists. The Highlanders' experience and depth will be key as they aim to add another championship banner to their legacy.
Whether it's a historic first or a return to glory, these two teams are proving that hard work and teamwork pay off when it matters most. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable finals showdown.