Bakersfield Centennial Wins Division I Title in Top Form

The Bakersfield Centennial girls’ volleyball team finished its remarkable season Saturday with a 15-4, 15-12, 18-16 victory over Stockton St. Mary’s in the state Division I final at Cal State Fullerton.

Centennial, 35-1 overall, was ranked first in the state all season and did not lose a game in the playoffs.

Centennial, which won the Division II title last year, was led by Janae Henry with 16 kills. St. Mary’s (32-7) was led by Shannon Stemler with 14.

DIVISION II

Huntington Beach won its first state volleyball title with a 15-6, 15-9, 15-12 victory over Napa (34-2).

The Oilers (24-2) were led by setter Allison Ciarelli, selected the most valuable player of the division final, and middle blocker Julie Hinsche, who had 14 kills and a .526 hitting percentage.

DIVISION III

Bishop Montgomery won its first girls’ state volleyball championship with a 15-11, 15-6, 15-7 victory against San Jose Del Mar.

The Southern Section III-AA champion Knights (24-6) were led by Katie Olsovsky and Jaimie Kinard, who each had 12 kills. Annie Pogue had 12 kills for Del Mar (33-7).

DIVISION IV

Calvary Chapel was three points from winning its third consecutive state title when Linden charged past and won, 9-15, 15-5, 10-15, 15-12, 15-7.

It was Linden’s second state title, having won the Division III championship in 1990.

Linden (32-5) set several state Division IV final records: 106 digs by the team, including a record 26 each by Gina Troxell and Suzanne Stonebarger; 15 aces by the team and 56 assists by setter Erika Selsor.

Calvary Chapel (20-8) defeated Linden in the Division IV final last year.

DIVISION V

Denise Sheldon had 10 kills to lead Atherton Sacred Heart Prep to a 15-5, 16-14, 15-10 victory over Hesperia Christian and its second consecutive state title in the division.

It’s the second title in five appearances in the division final for the Northern Region champion Gators (39-4) dating to 1991. It was the first appearance in a final for the Southern Region champion Patriots (26-1).