Long Beach Poly Advances in CIF-SS Volleyball Playoffs
The Jackrabbits rely on a high-powered serving game to overcome height disadvantages in Division 2.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Volleyball
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Long Beach Poly remains a force in the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs after securing a state playoff berth with a 26-7 season record. The team currently holds a No. 9 state ranking by MaxPreps as they prepare for quarterfinal competition.
Why it matters
Lacking the height of taller opponents, the team uses aggressive serving to limit setter options and disrupt offensive rhythms. This tactical focus has become the cornerstone of their success in both the Moore League and the postseason.
The team went 8-0 in the Moore League and recorded 17 aces against Millikan, 13 against Redondo Union, and nine during their first-round sweep of Campbell Hall. Long Beach Poly enters the quarterfinals as the No. 9 ranked team in the state.
The players
Long Beach Poly
This is a competitive high school girls' volleyball program based in Long Beach that consistently fields high-performing teams.
MaxPreps
This organization tracks and publishes high school sports rankings, statistics, and game results across the United States.
CIF-SS
The California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section is the governing body for high school athletics in the region.
The details
Players practice max jumping and high ball tosses daily to execute a serve that consistently puts opponents on the defensive. By focusing on service pressure, the team compensates for the lack of a six-foot-five front-line blocker.
Timeline
The team is competing throughout the 2026-27 school year.
The CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinal game takes place on 2026-10-27.
Season Trajectory
Long Beach Poly's performance secures their position within the CIF-SS Division 2 playoff bracket this year. This run validates their tactical shift toward serving efficiency to remain competitive against taller, elite-level programs.
The team will face Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in the next round of the playoffs to determine who moves forward in the bracket. Their ability to maintain a high ace count will be the key metric to watch for in determining their chance of reaching the semifinals.
The takeaway
Success in high-level volleyball can be built on specialized skills like service pressure even without traditional physical height advantages. Mastery of one specific element of the game can effectively neutralize an opponent's natural strengths.
Further reading
Stay updated on the team's postseason progress at Long Beach Volleyball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The562.
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