On the volleyball court, much of the focus is on the hard-swinging, point scorers but the accolades would not be possible without the precision timing and placement of the ball by the team’s setter.
Redondo setter Norene Iosia, considered among the best in the nation, was recognized Monday as the CIF-Southern Section Division 1AA Player of the Year.
Despite two heart breaking losses, Redondo head coach Tommy Chaffins kept his team focused leading the Sea Hawks to an unpredictable second consecutive CIF State Division 1 championship earning him CIF-SS Division 1AA Coach of the Year honors.
Senior outside hitter Megan Rice, who led Redondo in scoring and was the team’s co-captain with Iosia, was also selected to the All-CIF team.
Iosia’s Player of the Year award was a fitting tribute to the senior who not only was a four-time All-CIF selection, but coached Redondo’s frosh-soph team during her four years at Redondo alongside her father Moe.
“It’s been a blessing to receive the recognition,” Iosia said. “But it wouldn’t be possible without all of the great teammates I have played with.”
Chaffins was not surprised with Iosia’s selection.
“Norene’s demeanor is perfect for the setting position,” Chaffins said. “Her knowledge and vision of the game is better than most college setters.”
Chaffins said he was proud of his team’s resilience to fight back and consistently improve throughout the season.
In the final match of the regular season, the Sea Hawks were defeated by rival Mira Costa for the first time in four years for a share of the Bay League crown and, despite earning the top seed in the CIF-SS Division 1AA playoffs, fell to Mater Dei in the championship match.
Seeded fourth in the Southern California Regional tournament, Redondo went on the road and upset Torrey Pines, the top ranked team in the state, on its road to the state title.
The Sea Hawks then rolled through Huntington Beach and Northern California champion Menlo-Atherton to claim the state championship.
Named to the All-CIF Division 2AA team were Chadwick’s Clare Lenihan and Courtney Bond along with South Torrance’s Karly Eastley.
Vistamar’s Ryan D’Angelo was selected to the Division 4AA team.
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Mira Costa’s Jake Miller-Tolt and Palos Verdes’ Duncan Mactavish were named to the CIF-SS Division 2 All-CIF team while El Segundo’s Nick Paz and Kyle Crist made the All-CIF Division 4 team.
