Glendale Adventist volleyball’s Singleton named Division IX player of the year
Nearly a month after the Glendale Adventist Academy girls’ volleyball team won its first CIF championship, the Cougars continue to bask in their historic glory
Paige Singleton, Elyse Knipschild and Camille Pizarro of Glendale Adventist, along with Holy Family’s Meghann Velasquez, earned All-CIF Southern Section Division IX recognition after the CIF office released teams for all 10 divisions Monday.
Singleton led the way, being selected the division’s player of the year. Glendale Adventist’s Gared Luquet was tabbed the division’s coach of the year after the top-seeded Cougars defeated Santa Clarita Christian in the championship match Nov. 10 in Orange County.
The Cougars finished 24-6, 5-3 in the Liberty League to tie for second with Providence and advanced to the CIF State Division V Southern California Regional Final.
Singleton, a senior outside hitter, paved the way for the Glendale Adventist. She finished with 212 kills, 209 digs, 55 aces and 11 blocks.
“It’s so great to win a CIF championship and we had so many good players who were able to make it happen,” said Singleton, a four-year starter. “It’s so mazing to get an honor like this one because there are so many great players in the division.
“A goal of ours was to win league. We didn’t do that, but we were able to win CIF and go far at state. These are things we’ll always be able to remember.”
Luquet, whose team didn’t qualify for the playoffs in 2016, said Singleton provided leadership and maturity to steer the Cougars in the other direction.
“Paige improved every year and we have always been able to count on her,” Luquet said. “She’s always been able to get the big kills when we’ve needed them.
“To see her go out like this with a championship and being the [CIF] player of the year is great.”
Knipschild, a freshman outside hitter, finished with 281 kills, 259 digs, 53 aces and 13 blocks and teamed with Singleton to provide a powerful 1-2 punch.
“Elyse came in and exceeded all expectations,” Luquet said. “She always brought that consistency to the game and she’s got a lot of experience playing at the club level. She’s a truly amazing player.”
Pizarro, a senior libero, had 498 digs and 37 aces.
“She always set the tone for the team and she went above and beyond on addressing the little things,” Luquet said. “She was the heart of the team.”
Velasquez, a sophomore outside hitter, contributed 296 kills, 433 digs and 45 aces.
Holy Family (17-11, 8-2 in the Horizon League for second place) qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2011 and reached the second round of the playoffs.
“She brought a lot of leadership and a great work ethic to the team,” Holy Family coach Robert Bringas said. “I think the players fed off of that.
“Meghann knew how to put the ball in the right place and it’s great to see her be recognized like this by CIF.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
