By Justin HAGER

None of the girls on the CVHS girls’ volleyball team were alive the last time the high school won a CIF volleyball playoff match. But on Tuesday night, the Falcons’ 20-year playoff drought came to an end when the Falcon girls upended the Linfield Christian Lions in straight sets, winning 25-21, 25-13, and 25-20 to win their CIF Southern Section Division 4 Wildcard slot. Linfield travelled nearly 100 miles for the match, from Temecula, only to see their playoff dreams swept away by a dominant CVHS squad.

For their part, the Falcon girls looked to be in prime form, with opposite hitter Ashley Lineses leading the team in kills, and libero Sofia Morris and setter Bee Marnell leading the squad in points from serve. As always, Coach Matt Simons was cool, calm and collected on the sidelines.

But historic playoff victories are not new to Simons. The three-time Coach of the Year Award recipient led the Calabasas High School team to the school’s first playoff victory in 2015 and the de Toledo High School team to the school’s first league championship and playoff victory in 2017.

The Falcons now advance to the first round of CIF bracket play where they will face a difficult test in the Los Altos Conquerors. The Conquerors won the Hacienda League with a 9-1 League record and an overall record of 26-7. They are currently ranked in the top 10 in Division 4 of the CIF southern section while CVHS is ranked 35th. Los Altos will host the match in Hacienda Heights tonight, Thursday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m.

This story was made possible by significant contributions from CVHS parent Bret Marnell. CVHS parents, we want to share the stories of your child and their clubs, sports, activities and organizations. Email Justin@CVWeekly.com with any news tips, stories or photos you think we should know about.