GVB: CIF pairings unveil postseason paths

CIF girls volleyball playoff pairings were released on Friday. Five local teams made the postseason, with league champions San Marcos, Cate and Laguna Blanca looking to make some noise.

The Royals, co-Channel League champions who enter as the league’s No. 1 seed, will host Agoura in the first round of the Division 1A playoffs on Tuesday. The Chargers are an at-large team from the Marmonte League. The winner of that match would advance to the second round on Thursday to face the winner between Yucaipa and St. Lucy’s.

CIF BRACKETS: DIVISION 1A || DIVISION 4A || DIVISION 4AA

Cate is the defending CIF champion in Division 4A. The Rams maintained their No. 1 ranking throughout the season and were awarded a first-round bye. The Rams are guaranteed a home match in the second round against either San Gabriel Mission or Edgewood.

Laguna Blanca received the No. 4 overall seed in Division 4AA and will look to improve on a disappointing early exit from last year’s playoffs. The Owls host Milken Community on Tuesday. If the Owls make the second round, they would see either Rolling Hills Prep or Grace Brethren on Thursday at a location to be determined.

Santa Barbara High was third in the Channel League and will have to travel to Norco for the first round. Norco has a higher state ranking from Maxpreps with an overall record of 17-8.

Providence, in Division 4AA with Laguna Blanca, picked up a playoff spot by finishing second in the Condor League. The Patriots have a tough first-round opponent in St. Bonaventure, which is the second place team from the Tri-Valley League.

The Championship matches for all CIF divisions are scheduled for either Friday, November 20 or Saturday, November 21 at Cerritos College or Rio Hondo College.