The new CIF-SS playoff groupings for girls volleyball were announced Friday, and Division 1 includes all of the usual powerhouses as Mater Dei, Redondo Union, Huntington Beach and Santa Margarita recorded the four highest point totals.
Edison, Corona del Mar, Aliso Niguel, Los Alamitos, San Clemente, Tesoro, San Juan Hills, JSerra, Dana Hills, Villa Park, El Toro, Woodbridge, Trabuco Hills and Newport Harbor are the other county schools in Division 1.
Newport Harbor (240.45) was the last school in Division 1, narrowly avoiding the drop to Division 2. The Division 2 group starts with Hart of Newhall at 239.88.
Perhaps the most noticeable move is Orange Lutheran dropping to Division 2. The Lancers are the lone Trinity League in the new group. Rosary Academy is in Division 3.
Three-time consecutive CIF champion Saddleback Valley Christian remains in Division 3. The Warriors won their first title in 4AA and the last two in 3A. SVC’s opponent in last year’s final, Templeton, drops to Division 5.
Beckman also drops to Division 2.
Academy defending champion St. Margaret’s moves down to Division 5, as does Crean Lutheran. Sage Hill remains in Division 3.
Another Division 1 school dropping is Marina, which will be in Division 3.
The rankings are based on a two-year weighted power point total, taking into account the strength of the regular season and playoff results. According to CIF, points are earned regardless if the match is won or loss. A victory in Division earned a team 60 points and a loss against a Division 1 team earned 50.
Teams that made the playoffs received additional bonus points.
Teams will be able to move up or down in divisions after each year.
