Poly’s Michael Saeta surprised to be named All-CIF Player of the Year

Pasadena Poly senior Michael Saeta turned in one of the more dominating seasons among area players and yet the news he heard still came as a shock.

The UC Irvine-signed opposite hitter, who had expected to be chosen to the All CIF Southern Section Division V first team, was instead informed his name was atop the list, as Saeta was selected the Division V Player of the Year.

Overall, Saeta was only one of two locals lauded by the CIF Southern Section as South Pasadena’s Thomas Adamson was named a Division III first teamer.

“It really was a surprise because those awards usually go to the CIF champions,” Saeta said. “I knew I had a really good year, but I really didn’t think I’d win the award. I still don’t know what to say.”

Saeta, who was named co-MVP of the inaugural 2012 San Gabriel Valley All-Star game on Saturday, concluded a terrific senior season in which he led the area in overall kills (536), kills-per-game average (6.0) and owned a solid kill ratio of 52%.

“I looked forward to doing whatever my team needed of me,” Saeta said. “Obviously, getting kills was a big part of what was expected of me and I did my best to lead the team.”

Saeta also showcased an interesting overall game that kept him on the court, including averaging a team-best 2.4 digs (218 total) per game, a team-high 89 aces and 45 total blocks.

“There was no secret where a lot of our offense was going,” Poly first-year Coach Mark Mina said. “It was no surprise he was going to be fed a lot and that much of our offense was going to run through Mike. I think the interesting thing about his stats is that teams knew he was going to attack and still had problems stopping him.”

Saeta led the Panthers to an 18-11 season, a runner-up finish in the Prep League to eventual Division V champion Chadwick, and advancement to the quarterfinals.

Poly and Rio Hondo League champion South Pasadena advanced as far as any local boys’ volleyball team in the playoffs.

Adamson helped pave the way for the Tigers’ success as the senior outside hitter averaged 3.2 kills and 2.3 digs per game.

“Individual awards are always great, but it’s even better to have team awards to back them up,” Adamson said. “We had a really great year and that’s what I’ll enjoy most.”

Adamson, who also was a participant of Saturday’s all-star game, and was the Rio Hondo League’s lone representative on the CIF first team.

As for the Tigers, they clinched the only local boys’ volleyball league championship, winning the Rio Hondo League crown for the first time since 2008 as South Pasadena finished with a 16-6 mark.

“You always hope to go a little further in the playoffs,” Adamson said, “but overall, this was a great season and I’m happy that we were able to get that league championship.”