Glendale Adventist Academy volleyball’s Paige Singleton is league MVP
Glendale Adventist Academy’s Paige Singleton adjusted well to her new position at outside hitter. She helped GAA win the Independence League championship and advance to the CIF-SS Division V-AA quarterfinals.
After being moved from middle blocker to outside hitter prior to the start of the season, Paige Singleton struggled a bit.
During practices, the Glendale Adventist Academy sophomore volleyball player began to learn her new position and her comfort level began to rise. Once she got used to the position, Singleton and the Cougars enjoyed a banner season.
Singleton became a major offensive threat and helped GAA capture the Independence League championship and advance to the CIF Southern Section Division V-AA quarterfinals.
“I knew it would take a lot of work to learn the new role,” said Singleton, who was tabbed the league’s most valuable player by the league’s five coaches. “I enjoyed playing outside hitter and I was glad I could help my team win.
“It’s been a goal of mine to be the league MVP and I’m happy that I accomplished it. We had a great season.”
Glendale Adventist Coach Gared Luquet said Singleton provided a major presence throughout the Cougars’ breakthrough season.
“She helped the team out so much,” Luquet said. “She made the transition to the outside and was our go-to player most of the matches.
“She’s tall and aggressive and her skill rubbed off on the other players. She did so many things well.”
Glendale Adventist (17-3, 8-0 in league) saw sophomore libero Camille Pizarro and freshman setter Liana Salvador secure all-league first-team accolades.
Luquet said Pizarro and Salvador figure to be two pillars in the Glendale Adventist lineup in the next several seasons, along with Singleton.
“Camille seemed to stand out every match and I had coaches throughout the season say to me that she’s an excellent player,” Luquet said. “She’s got a great touch for the ball, plus she can dig and pass.
“Liana played beyond her years and handled herself well. She knew how to make the right decisions on the court and was a top defender. It’s going to be great having them back.”
The Cougars opened the postseason with a victory against Trinity Classical Academy before falling to Upland Christian, which won the championship. Glendale Adventist finished third in league and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2014.
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Charles Rich, charles.rich@latimes.com
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
