2023 CAMS Girls Varsity Volleybal Team Finish Beyond Expectations

By Harry Bugarin

The 2023 CAMS Girls Varsity Volleyball team at California Academy of Mathematics and Science just completed an outstanding season after defeating Pacifica Christian High School at Santa Monica, 3-0, and just waltzing into the CIFSS DIV 7 finals, set for Nov. 4 at 6pm at Long Beach Millikan High School. CAMS  finished the regular season with 28 wins and 11 losses. 

Ranked as the Coastal league’s No. 2 team, CAMS Volleyball team will face Wildwood, the league’s No. 1 team― making Saturday’s match a crucial one. 

Led by head coach, Joemar Abetong, this achievement is historic for the CAMS Volleyball program. Coach Abetong expressed his amazement at the team’s journey, highlighting that just three years ago, he started as an assistant coach. Last year, the team secured the Coastal league’s championship. This year they are in the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section finals. The coach told this reporter that he couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Starting libero #19 Emma Tran, a senior, shared her pride in the team’s accomplishments, noting that reaching the finals is a school record. Doing so in their senior year is a source of great pride for the players.

Starting setter,  #49 Camille Abetong, also a senior, emphasized the hard work the team has put into reaching this point, highlighting their strong camaraderie and dedication.

Starting outside hitter, #13 Kayla Jeong, a senior, recognized the significance of this moment, especially for the underclassmen who have never played at this level. She expressed her desire to win not only for themselves but for the entire program.

It’s worth noting that the CAMS Volleyball program has faced strong competition both within and outside their league. In addition to CAMS and Wildwood competing in the finals, Geffen High School, also in the Coastal League, is playing in the finals for the Division 8 title on the same Saturday. Best of luck to all the teams, and may the finals be a memorable and successful experience for everyone involved!

CIFSS Girls Volleyball: 2023 Girls Volleyball – CIF Southern Section (cifss.org)