This season, the Mira Costa girls volleyball team faces a new challenge off the court: a major change to the CIF Southern Section playoff system. For 2025, CIF has revised its format, moving away from the traditional bracket system and introducing a mix of single elimination and pool play for Division 1 teams.
Under the new rules, if Division 1 has more than eight teams, it will run as a 16-team single-elimination bracket; one loss and you’re out. But if only eight teams qualify, they’ll compete in a pool play tournament, where every team faces three opponents, and the top team from each pool moves on to the championship.
“It’s definitely different,” said senior captain Audrey Flanagan. “We’re used to the normal bracket play, but now it depends on rankings and formats that might change.”
Rankings will continue to be determined by the Massey Reporting System, which evaluates teams based on performance, schedule strength, and margin of wins. Only programs with a .500 record or better are eligible for Division 1 consideration. CIF says the new system aims to create more competitive matchups and eliminate easy-round blowouts that have sometimes occurred under the traditional structure.
“To be honest, I do not think it will affect the way we perform,” Head Coach Cameron Green said. “I think the last few years in pool play, we have looked at it as a do-or-die situation anyway, so this is the same thing where we have to win and move on because if we don’t, we don’t make it to the finals.”
Despite the adjustment, Mira Costa has maintained its usual focus. The Mustangs, who have long been one of the top programs in Southern California, continue to rely on disciplined practices, team chemistry, and a competitive mindset to stay sharp heading into CIF.
“I think we tend to play the game at a high level when we’re needed, so I’m looking forward to us coming out the same way and using our most recent loss to continue working hard and growing,” Green said. “I feel like how we perform should be the same regardless of the format in the playoffs.”
The new playoff arrangement has added an extra layer of unpredictability, but it’s also fueling motivation. Players say the uncertainty pushes them to stay locked in for every point, knowing that every set could carry more weight than ever before.
In face of all the changes, Mira Costa remains confident. “We can’t control the system,” said senior middle blocker Ryann Bennett. “All we can do is play our best every game, no matter what format it is.”
With high expectations and a new playoff format, the Mustangs are determined to prove that no rule can shake their focus or their championship mentality.
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