Francis Parker, Point Loma will play for state championships after winning regional volleyball titles
The Francis Parker Lancers are headed to the state championship after a dominant 25-21, 25-18, 25-15 sweep of Orange Lutheran in the CIF State Division 2 Southern California Regional Championship. Despite the individual brilliance of All-American honorees Miles Custer and Kevin O’Brien, the victory highlighted the team’s collective depth and defensive prowess.
Francis Parker (31-10) is now set to face Sanger (31-13) in the Division 2 state title match at Fresno City College. While the match is currently slated for Saturday at 4 p.m., the logistics remain in flux as the team hopes to adjust the schedule to avoid a conflict with the seniors’ graduation ceremony.
Did You Know?
Francis Parker setter Iker Salgado facilitated a highly efficient offense during the regional win, tallying 44 assists and demonstrating total confidence in his teammates’ ability to finish points from anywhere on the court.
A Versatile Offensive Attack
Custer, a 6-foot-6 outside hitter headed to the University of Oregon, led the Lancers with a match-high 19 kills and two aces. He noted that the team’s ability to spread the offense across the entire lineup has been a key factor in their success throughout the season.
The defensive effort was equally significant. Kevin O’Brien, who recently returned from winning a silver medal with the USA Volleyball U19 team at the 2026 NORCECA Continental Championship, anchored the front line with 12 kills and three stuff blocks. Seniors Abisai Martinez and Ben Dragasits also contributed six kills each, with Dragasits adding three blocks to stifle the Orange Lutheran attack.
Expert Insight:
Samantha Carter notes that while star power often draws headlines, the Lancers’ success underscores the tactical advantage of a balanced roster. By refusing to rely on a single offensive option, Francis Parker has forced opponents to defend the entire court, a strategy that has proven difficult to contain as they move into the final stage of the state tournament.
Broader Regional Impact
The San Diego volleyball scene saw mixed results in regional play. Point Loma (23-12) secured its spot in the Division 4 state championship match after outlasting Christian in a four-set battle. They are scheduled to face Placerville El Dorado at 11 a.m. At Fresno City College.
Meanwhile, the Mission Bay Buccaneers saw their 10-match winning streak come to an end in a narrow five-set loss to Central East. Despite a strong performance from senior Erik May, who hit .428 with 24 kills, the team finished their season with a 31-7 record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Francis Parker face in the state championship?
Francis Parker will play Sanger in the Division 2 state title match at Fresno City College.
Why might the date of the state championship match change?
The match time and date are in flux because the team’s seniors have a graduation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, and the school is exploring the possibility of moving the match to Friday.
How did the Lancers perform defensively against Orange Lutheran?
The team relied on a ferocious defence, highlighted by three stuff blocks each from Kevin O’Brien and Ben Dragasits, to help secure the sweep.
How do you think the potential scheduling conflict will impact the team’s preparation for the state final?