Venice Rallies to Beat Palisades for League Title
Venice overcomes a two-set deficit to secure its third consecutive league crown.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Volleyball
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Venice defeated Palisades in a five-set comeback victory at the Palisades gym, finishing with a final score of 26-28, 29-31, 25-21, 25-20, 15-7. The win allows Venice to clinch its third consecutive league title and secures the top seed in the Open Division playoffs.
Why it matters
The result determines the competitive landscape for the upcoming Open Division playoffs in Los Angeles. By finishing the league season undefeated, Venice enters the postseason with significant momentum.
Venice maintained a 32-5 overall season record, while Palisades finished at 33-14. Ashlynn Sells recorded a match-high 25 kills during the contest.
The players
Venice
The high school volleyball team successfully defended its league title to reach a 32-5 overall record.
Palisades
The high school volleyball program holds a 33-14 overall record and hosted the match at its home gym.
Ashlynn Sells
A high-performing volleyball player who recorded 25 kills during the league finale.
The details
After dropping the first two sets, Venice rallied to win three straight, bolstered by a 7-2 run to close the fourth set and an 8-0 scoring surge in the fifth. A decisive block against Ashlynn Sells ultimately sealed the match point for Venice.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Venice defeated Palisades in the league finale.
October 22, 2026: Playoff seedings are released.
October 23, 2026: The eight-team Open bracket begins.
Season Trajectory
This outcome directly establishes Venice as the team to beat in the upcoming Open Division playoffs. It shifts the regional balance of power after Palisades won its 31st section title in November 2025.
Venice secures the number one seed for the upcoming postseason, ensuring home-court advantage for the opening round. Palisades must wait until October 22 to learn their official placement in the playoff bracket.
The takeaway
Rallying from a two-set deficit demonstrates high-pressure endurance critical for deep postseason runs. Athletes looking to improve should focus on the mental resilience required to execute scoring runs in deciding sets.
What happens next
The eight-team Open bracket competition is scheduled to begin on October 23, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Further reading
For more news on the local circuit, visit Los Angeles Volleyball.
Live Poll
Does participating in high-intensity rivalry games help high school athletes perform better in postseason play?
