News Summary
The Huntington Beach boys volleyball team faced a tough defeat in the CIF championship, losing to Rancho Christian Eagles in two sets. Despite the loss, the Oilers had a remarkable season, dominating the Sunset League and showcasing their competitive spirit. Coach Pazanti praised his players’ resilience. The season ended with a record of 10-10, and the team prepares to bounce back in their next match against Marina.
Huntington Beach Boys Volleyball Team Falls Short in CIF Championship, Ending a Promising Season
In a bittersweet ending to what has been a promising season, the Huntington Beach boys volleyball team faced a tough defeat as they fell to the Rancho Christian Eagles in the CIF championship. The match took place over the weekend, marking the end of a remarkable run for the Oilers.
The game was intense, with Huntington Beach losing a hard-fought battle in two sets, with scores of 25-23 and 25-22. It was a nail-biter, as every set was decided by just a few points, showcasing the competitive spirit on both sides. This latest loss brought Huntington Beach’s record to 10-10 for the season.
Looking across the net, the Rancho Christian Eagles have been on a winning streak themselves, securing 13 of their last 14 matches to end their season on a high note, bringing their overall record to 15-4. On the heels of that victory, the Eagles quickly got back to action by defeating Etiwanda in another match.
Earlier in the week, Huntington Beach had a thrilling championship match against Mira Costa at Cerritos College, where both teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation, went head-to-head. Mira Costa managed to clinch the CIF Division 1 title by winning a suspenseful five-set match, with scores of 25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 29-31, and 15-11. This victory marked Mira Costa’s first CIF title since 2021, while Huntington Beach last tasted championship glory back in 2015.
Mira Costa’s triumph also meant they extended their winning streak against Huntington Beach to seven matches. During an electrifying fourth set, Huntington Beach rallied from a significant deficit, overcoming multiple championship points to pocket that set 31-29, with a decisive kill from junior outside hitter Colin Choi making it memorable. However, the tension carried into the fifth set; it was neck-and-neck at 5-5 until Mira Costa finally pulled ahead. Grayson Bradford sealed the deal with a final kill, bringing home the championship for Mira Costa.
Bradford’s performance was impeccable, leading his team with an impressive 29 kills during the match. On the other hand, the Oilers had their own star in sophomore outside hitter Logan Hutnick, who also led his team with 29 kills and highlighted the urge and commitment that the team displayed throughout the match. Coach Craig Pazanti praised his players for their remarkable resiliency, especially given their rocky start.
Despite the recent setback, it’s important to remember that the Oilers had an outstanding season overall. They dominated the Sunset League with an undefeated record of 12-0 and registered an impressive 25 shutouts this season. Before this final, Huntington Beach was on an eight-game winning streak, with their only previous loss occurring back on April 5 against Marist of Chicago. Their playoff run was also commendable, as they dropped only one set in their initial three matches.
While Huntington Beach wasn’t selected to host the surfing competition for the 2028 LA Olympic Games, which will be held at Lower Trestles Beach, the city still showcased its strong ties to the Olympics conversation. Beach volleyball will instead take place in Long Beach, leaving those in Huntington disappointed but optimistic for future events.
Looking ahead, Huntington Beach is set to take on Marina at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday. Fans are certain to rally behind the team as they aim to shake off this tough ending and march forward with head held high.
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Additional Resources
- OC Sports Zone: Huntington Beach Drops Thrilling CIF Final
- LA Times: Huntington Beach and the 2028 LA Olympics
- Sports Business Journal: LA28 Eyes Huntington Beach for Beach Volleyball
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Volleyball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
