The Santa Margarita varsity volleyball team (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) will host a home playoff match against Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, CA) today at 4 PM. This game is part of the 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division I tournament.

Santa Margarita vs Oaks Christian Volleyball Game Info:

What: California High School Volleyball
Who: Santa Margarita vs Oaks Christian
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 4 PM
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships – Division I
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Game preview: Santa Margarita vs Oaks Christian

As the high school volleyball season continues to heat up, two teams that have consistently made waves in the state rankings—Oaks Christian and Santa Margarita—are poised to make an impact in their respective sections and divisions. With contrasting records, strengths, and challenges, both teams bring a unique set of dynamics to the court. Here’s a closer look at these two powerhouse programs and how they stack up against each other.

Season Overview

Oaks Christian has had a stellar 2024-2025 season with a 26-10 overall record, including an impressive 9-1 league performance. The team has proven to be dominant at home with an 8-1 record and has also been competitive on the road, posting a solid 12-3 away record. Their neutral-site games, however, have been a bit more of a challenge, with a 6-6 record. Oaks Christian holds a strong win percentage of .722 and a league percentage of .900, which puts them in a solid position for the playoffs.

In contrast, Santa Margarita has faced a more challenging season with a 23-14-1 overall record. Their league performance has been less dominant, sitting at 2-5, while their home and away records are somewhat mixed—5-3 at home and 4-6 away. However, their neutral-site record stands out at 14-5-1, showing that they perform well under varying conditions. Their win percentage stands at .618, with a league percentage of .286.

Team Comparisons

When it comes to team statistics, both teams have their strengths. Oaks Christian has accumulated 1,204 kills, 273 serving aces, and 1,279 digs—making them a well-rounded team with solid offensive and defensive capabilities. On the other hand, Santa Margarita leads in several categories, with 1,355 kills, 268 serving aces, and 1,384 digs, indicating a slight edge in both attacking and defensive efforts.

In terms of assists and receptions, Oaks Christian has 1,130 assists and 1,524 receptions, while Santa Margarita has 1,292 assists and 1,999 receptions, further suggesting Santa Margarita’s ability to sustain longer rallies and capitalize on offensive opportunities.

Key Players

Both teams feature standout players who make a difference on the court.

• Oaks Christian’s standout player is #15 Manaia Ogbechie, who has accumulated 240 kills. Defensively, Hannah Brady leads with 335 digs, while Maggie Rhew has contributed 723 assists, guiding the team’s offensive flow.
• Santa Margarita’s key player is #15 Ireland Real, who has been a dominant offensive force with 495 kills. Isabella Simon is also a standout with 56 serving aces and 376 digs, while Marley Bemus has contributed 585 assists, making her a key playmaker for the team.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

When it comes to common opponents, Oaks Christian holds a slight advantage with a 2-4 record against teams that both schools have faced, compared to Santa Margarita’s 1-6 record. Both teams have faced off against tough competition like Huntington Beach, Sierra Canyon, and Palos Verdes.

Notably, both teams secured victories over JSerra Catholic, with Oaks Christian winning 2-0 and Santa Margarita winning 3-2. However, against top teams like Torrey Pines and Palos Verdes, both teams faced losses. Oaks Christian’s 3-2 win against Murrieta Valley stands out as a highlight, whereas Santa Margarita struggled against them, losing 2-1.

Record Breakdown

• Oaks Christian has been dominant in league play with a 9-1 record, while Santa Margarita has struggled in the league with a 2-5 record.
• Oaks Christian has proven to be a force at home (8-1) and away (12-3), while Santa Margarita has had mixed results in both areas (5-3 at home and 4-6 away).
• Both teams are competitive in neutral-site games, with Oaks Christian at 6-6 and Santa Margarita at 14-5-1.
• Looking at playoff potential, Oaks Christian has a strong 4-1 playoff record, while Santa Margarita holds a solid 4-1-1 postseason record, showing they both know how to perform under pressure.

Conclusion

Both Oaks Christian and Santa Margarita have demonstrated their resilience and talent throughout the 2024-2025 season. Oaks Christian has been a dominant force, especially in league play, while Santa Margarita, though inconsistent in the league, remains a formidable opponent with a strong offensive and defensive lineup. As both teams prepare for postseason play, expect these programs to continue to make a mark on the state and division rankings. Whether in a league showdown or neutral-site tournament, these two teams will undoubtedly be in the spotlight.