Masterful performance by top-ranked Mira Costa boys volleyball team in sweep of Archbishop Mitty in inaugural Division 1 state final

FRESNO – Mira Costa knows it belongs in the discussion when it comes to highlighting the best boys volleyball teams not only in the school’s great championship legacy, but in California prep history.

When it comes to determining the elite high school program in the country this season, the Mustangs believe following their performance Saturday in the inaugural CIF Division 1 boys volleyball state final, there shouldn’t be any debate.

Mira Costa capped a dominant postseason run with a 25-14, 25-16, 25-21 triumph against Archbishop Mitty at Fresno City College, concluding the year with 10 consecutive victories, including nine sweeps.

Post-match interviews

The Mustangs (37-2) received 41 assists from USC-bound senior setter Andrew Chapin, who orchestrated a balanced attack that had four teammates produce at least eight kills, as Archbishop Mitty (40-3) was able to mount little resistance against the depth of Mira Costa’s lineup.

Mira Costa captured the first Division 1 boys volleyball state crown at Fresno City College | Erik Boal photo

Alex Heins, a senior middle blocker committed to New Jersey Institute of Technology, had five of his team-high 10 kills in the opening set, as Mira Costa broke an 8-8 tie with five consecutive points and never relinquished control.

The Monarchs were limited to only three kills in the first set, in comparison to 15 for Mira Costa.

Archbishop Mitty had more success getting senior William Dryden and junior Oscar Klement involved in its offense in the second set, recovering after surrendering five of the first six points to cut the deficit to 9-8.

But Mira Costa produced another three-point run and scored seven of the next nine to quickly pull away.

Connor Kaiser, a senior outside hitter, came off the bench for the Mustangs and produced a pair of kills to contribute the final two points and establish a two-set advantage.

The Monarchs fought back from a five-point deficit in the third to pull within 22-21, attempting to extend the match, but UCLA-bound right-side hitter Grayson Bradford delivered his eighth kill of the match and Mira Costa benefited from back-to-back net violations to secure the title.

Mira Costa boys volleyball players celebrate 10th straight victory by lifting the Division 1 state championship trophy | Erik Boal photo

The Mustangs’ celebration was briefly paused after Chapin landed on the foot of an Archbishop Mitty athlete during the final sequence, but the Mira Costa senior was able to eventually walk away unscathed and enjoy the championship experience with his teammates and coaches.

Bradford went from not winning a postseason match earlier in his career at Crespi High to joining the Mira Costa program this year and contributing to a CIF-Southern Section Division 1 crown, in addition to Southern California Regional and state titles.

Thatcher Fahlbusch, a Hawaii-bound senior outside hitter who began his prep career at Loyola High, helped the Mustangs erase the disappointment of losing to the Cubs in both the Division 1 section final and regional championship match last year by defeating Huntington Beach twice during a nine-day span to secure both crowns this season.

Mira Costa, which also received eight kills from Mateo Fuerbringer as well as Wyatt Davis adding four kills and Justin Wariner contributing 10 digs, used that momentum to roll past Archbishop Mitty in the first meeting among the programs since the 2013 quarterfinals at the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions in Santa Barbara.

The Mustangs needed five sets to outlast Archbishop Mitty in that showdown 12 years ago, but there was no drama or anxiety present for Mira Costa coach Greg Snyder in Saturday’s rematch.

Mira Costa boys volleyball head coach Greg Snyder talks with his players during a timeout in the Division 1 state final at Fresno City College | Erik Boal photo

Following a five-set loss to Marist High from Illinois (34-2) in the April 5 final of the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions, the Mustangs dropped only two sets the rest of the season, both against Huntington Beach in the Division 1 section championship match May 16 at Cerritos College.

Marist competes Tuesday against Mt. Carmel in the Illinois section finals, with a victory helping the RedHawks advance to the state quarterfinals June 6, followed by potential appearances June 7 in the semifinals and state final.

Mira Costa achieved an April 3 sweep of Marist prior to both teams competing in the tournament in Santa Barbara.

Marist also suffered a 25-22, 25-21 loss May 10 against Roncalli High of Indiana at the Midwest Battle at Fishers High, but remained ranked No. 2 in the country behind Mira Costa entering the postseason, as the Mustangs’ only other setback came in a 15-25, 25-20, 15-11 loss March 8 against Loyola in the final of the Best of the West Invitational at Alliant University.

Dryden finished with seven kills, Klement added five kills and Antony Niu contributed four kills for Archbishop Mitty, which endured a state championship loss in its third sport during the school year, along with girls volleyball Nov. 23 in the Open Division final against Cathedral Catholic, and girls basketball March 15 in the Open Division title contest facing Etiwanda.