PALOS VERDES ESTATES — Kaci Demaria stepped away from high school girls volleyball prior to her junior season in 2023 to focus on academics after committing to Stanford. The star outside hitter led Palos Verdes to its first-ever CIF State Division I championship match appearance the previous year. “That’s been my dream forever and I obviously have to get into the school and I’ll do whatever that takes,” Demaria said, reflecting on the decision.
In Demaria’s absence and under the guidance of coach Lacey Minzlaff, the Sea Kings were able to make a return appearance. Both times, however, they fell short of claiming the ultimate prize. Now back, Demaria and the Sea Kings will be looking to finish unfinished business after securing a third consecutive trip Tuesday night.
Demaria recorded a match-high 23 kills to lead fourth-seeded Palos Verdes to a 25-21, 25-18, 25-13 sweep over 10th-seeded Santa Margarita for the CIF Southern California Regional Division I championship. “Our program is so strong and amazing,” Demaria said. “The girls that come in know exactly what to do — work hard, keep up our reputation and represent PV High strong.
“This regional win was amazing, but our job is not done. Nowhere near finished.” The Sea Kings (26-9) will play Northern California Regional champion Foothill (30-10) for the Division I state championship Friday at Santiago Canyon College.
First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Minzlaff, fighting back tears, wanted to take in.
