Cleveland Claims West Valley League Volleyball Title
Cleveland secured the league title by defeating Taft in a clean sweep on Monday night.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Volleyball
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Cleveland High School clinched its first outright West Valley League volleyball title since at least 2004 after defeating Taft in three sets. The win keeps the team undefeated in league play as they head toward the CIF LA City Section playoffs.
Why it matters
The victory marks a significant turnaround for a program that struggled in previous seasons. Motivated by being underestimated, the team has embraced a disciplined philosophy under head coach Alex Barr to secure a top-four playoff seed.
Cleveland secured the match with set scores of 26-24, 25-11, and 25-18. The team finished its league season with a perfect 10-0 record and a 30-11 overall standing, notably achieving this success despite having no players over 6-foot tall.
The players
Alex Barr
He is the head coach of the Cleveland High School volleyball team.
Cate Freedman
She is a key player for Cleveland who recorded nine kills in the title-clinching match.
Mayli Hernandez
She is a standout player for Taft who led her team with 10 kills.
The details
Cleveland relied on precise shot placement and a defensive strategy centered on diving and digging to overcome Taft. Key contributions included nine kills from Cate Freedman, alongside eight kills each from teammates Jenna Weiss and AnaJoleen Bell.
Timeline
Monday night, October 19, 2026: Cleveland defeated Taft to win the league title.
2004: This year marks the start of the recorded period for the team's league title drought.
2023: Cleveland finished the previous season with a 21-23-1 overall record.
Season Trajectory
This title win significantly elevates Cleveland in the CIF LA City Section playoff hierarchy. After finishing 3-7 in league play in 2023, the team has now established itself as a top-four contender for the upcoming postseason.
The victory guarantees Cleveland a top-four seed in the CIF LA City Section playoffs, providing a more favorable path in the bracket. With no players on the roster standing over 6-foot, the team's reliance on defensive digs and tactical ball placement remains the primary metric to watch as they enter postseason competition.
The takeaway
Cleveland proves that technical discipline and defensive grit can overcome a lack of physical height in high school volleyball. The team's journey from a losing league record last year to an undefeated title run highlights the importance of year-over-year player development.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming playoffs, visit Los Angeles Volleyball.
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