Redondo Union girls volleyball team secures runner-up for second year in a row at Ann Kang Invitational, as Byron Nelson of Texas repeats as champion

For the second year in a row, Redondo Union demonstrated that it was the top California girls volleyball program competing at the Ann Kang Invitational at Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawaii.

But for the second straight season, the Sea Hawks encountered a roadblock in the Gold Bracket championship match competing against Byron Nelson from Texas.

Byron Nelson became the seventh repeat champion in the tournament’s 36-year history, producing a 25-18, 25-19 victory against Redondo Union to extend its winning streak to 46 in a row.

Byron Nelson (10-0) suffered a 25-17, 14-25, 15-13 pool-play setback against Highland Park of Texas last year at the Ann Kang Invitational, before rebounding to win its final five matches at Iolani School – including a 25-16, 25-17 triumph in the Gold Bracket final against Redondo Union – and run the table the remainder of the season in Texas.

Byron Nelson of Texas became the seventh repeat champion in the history of the Ann Kang Invitational Tournament, in addition to extending its winning streak to 46 in a row | Photo courtesy of Byron Nelson

Ashlyn Seay, a senior outside hitter, was selected tournament MVP for Byron Nelson, which dropped only one set in nine matches in Honolulu, a 25-21, 20-25, 15-9 pool-play victory Friday against Sierra Canyon.

Kylie Kleckner, a senior outside hitter, was an all-tournament honoree for the Bobcats, with junior setter Sophee Peterson and junior libero Savannah Sterna also receiving all-tournament recognition.

Redondo Union (8-1), which last captured the Ann Kang Invitational title in 2019 following its first victory in Hawaii in 2009, fell behind 6-1 in the opening set against Byron Nelson.

The Sea Hawks cut the deficit to 22-18, before Byron Nelson earned the final three points to seize momentum.

Redondo Union led 12-11 in the second set, but the Bobcats responded with three consecutive points.

The Sea Hawks rallied to tie the score at 14, but a late four-point run by Byron Nelson created a 23-17 advantage and Redondo Union wasn’t able to extend the match.

Abby Zimmerman, left, along with Rowan DeVore, center, and Taylor Boice were all-tournament selections for Redondo Union at the Ann Kang Invitational at Iolani School | Photo courtesy of Redondo Union

Redondo Union had a trio of senior standouts, outside hitter Abby Zimmerman, middle blocker Taylor Boice and libero Rowan DeVore, chosen as all-tournament selections.

The Sea Hawks held off Sierra Canyon with a 25-23, 25-23 triumph in the semifinals, with Byron Nelson knocking off host Iolani by a 25-20, 25-14 margin to return to the final.

Sierra Canyon (6-2) had junior right-side hitter Eva Jeffries and junior outside hitter Hanna McGinest recognized as all-tournament honorees.

Sierra Canyon suffered a 25-23, 25-23 loss to Redondo Union in the Gold Bracket semifinals at the Ann Kang Invitational in Honolulu | Photo courtesy of Sierra Canyon

Redondo Union outlasted Bay League rival Mira Costa, an eight-time champion at the Ann Kang Invitational, with a 25-21, 21-25, 15-11 quarterfinal victory.

The Sea Hawks also prevailed with a 25-23, 25-23 triumph against Mira Costa in last year’s semifinals, after the Mustangs had won back-to-back Gold Bracket championships in Honolulu in 2022-23.

Byron Nelson achieved a 25-16, 25-22 quarterfinal win Saturday against JSerra, with Sierra Canyon earning a 25-18, 25-22 victory against Los Alamitos to also advance to the semifinals.

Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas defeated Cardinal Newman with a 25-19, 25-10 sweep Saturday in the Silver Bracket semifinals, before Cornerstone Christian of Texas prevailed 25-20, 25-13 against Nevada’s top program in the Silver Bracket final.

Stratford of Texas outlasted Huntington Beach with a 25-15, 22-25, 18-16 victory Saturday in the Bronze Bracket final.

Huntington Beach earned a 25-20, 25-12 win against Kalaheo of Hawaii in the Bronze Bracket semifinals.