Saddleback & Irvine Valley Share 2023 Women’s Volleyball OEC Title, Earn Bulk of Postseason Awards

In one of the most competitive Women's Volleyball Orange Empire Conference (OEC) seasons in recent history, it was Saddleback and Irvine Valley who came out on top as both teams went 13-3 to claim a share of the title.

The Saddleback Bobcats are having their best season in 25 years as they captured the programs first title since 1997.

Freshman outside hitter Stila Fresenius led the Bobcats with 410 kills and 225 digs in conference play and was named OEC Most Valuable Player. In addition, the Bobcats had Olivia Gonzalez, Tyler Egrahimzadeh and Ella Barnard earn All-OEC First Team honors while Brynn Craig-Kromm and Eva Gardner were named to the second team.

Saddleback also saw Brian Hughes win his first OEC Coach of the Year award.

Irvine Valley claimed their second consecutive OEC Championship and fifth in six years with head coach Anna Unke leading the way in her first season at the helm for the Lasers.

The Lasers saw four players earn land on All-OEC teams with Natalia Brandlin and Tessa Marocco playing their way onto the first team while Mia Bertolone and Audrey Fowler were placed on the second team.

Cypress and Orange Coast both finished with a record of 11-5 in OEC play, putting them in a tie for third place.

The Chargers had four players voted on to All-OEC teams with Shayna Martinez, Rose Whitter, Zoe Ziegler and Ashlyn Riddle all getting the nod.

OCC got four as well, seeing Jordan Packer, Kingsley Mason, Lulu Utterback and Joceline Martinez recognized for their efforts.

There was one more tie in the conference standings, this time for fifth place, as Golden West and Riverside went 9-7 in OEC action.

Riverside was given three All-OEC selections with Paris Toaetolu, Audrey Elias and Kaylee Torres making the list while the three GWC Rustlers were honored as well with Sabrina Phinizy, Hayden Murray and Mackenzie Dorney taking their rightful spots.

Santa Ana placed seventh and saw Taylor Vagana and Madeline Castillo earn OEC honors. Coming in right behind them was Santiago Canyon, who finished eighth, giving them two selections in Chelsea Riedel and Sarah Violett.

Rounding out the group was the Fullerton Hornets who saw Quinlan Vu voted on the All-OEC First Team.

2023 OEC Volleyball Coach of the Year
Brian Hughes, Saddleback

2023 OEC Volleyball MVP
Stila Fresenius, Saddleback

 2023 All-OEC First Team

2023 All-OEC Second Team

Release by Cammie Lewis, Santa Ana