Centennial Seeks Second State Title in a Row in Girls’ Volleyball Final

After winning the state Division II title last year, the Bakersfield Centennial girls’ volleyball team will try for the top division championship today when it plays Stockton St. Mary’s in the Division I final at Cal State Fullerton at 7 p.m.

Centennial, 34-1 overall, was the top-ranked team in the state before the tournament began and has not dropped a game in its three matches since.

St Mary’s (32-6) is making its third consecutive appearance in the Division I final, having lost to Newport Harbor in 1994 and to San Jose Archbishop Mitty last season.

Huntington Beach (23-2) seeks its first state title when it plays Napa (34-1) in the Division II final at 5 p.m. The Oilers, who finished second in 1994 to Mountain View St. Francis, have lost only one game in seven playoff matches.

Napa is led by setter Alynda Franco, the Monticello Empire League player of the year the last two seasons. Franco is the daughter of Coach Barbara Franco.

In other state final matches, also at Fullerton: Torrance Bishop Montgomery (23-6) will play San Jose Del Mar (33-7) in Division III at 1:30 p.m., Santa Ana Calvary Chapel (20-7) will play Linden (31-5) in Division IV at 11 a.m., and Hesperia Christian (26-0) will play Atherton Sacred Heart Prep (38-4) in Division V at 9 a.m.