VHSL Class 3 and 4 States Preview

<img class="size-medium wp-image-132735 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/02/Kate-hitting.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />The VHSL State Tournament signals the closure for the most unique season in the history of the Virginia State High School League. An abbreviated season, a global pandemic, playing a season 6 months later than usual, and having the season overlap with travel ball season made this run for the ring especially important. It’s not just about the sport, it’s about resuming normalcy. The first semifinal features perennial powerhouses from Hidden Valley traveling to Rustburg. The winner will host the state finals on April 23 or 24. Rustburg was strong and resilient in the Regional Finals against Rockbridge County. This is the second straight regional title for Rustburg who made the state semifinals in 2019 as well. Outside Hitters [player_tooltip player_id="111459" first="Katie" last="Hardie"] and [player_tooltip player_id="111438" first="Anna" last="Maddox"] were dominant all season with Setter Meah Coles running the show. Libero Tinsley Abbott and Eden<img class="alignright" src="https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/174456365_10224790876944153_4098805229732702018_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=w8MOEeaI-rcAX87DyDZ&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=1db73f06c0f7b097c3b9e3c2724b1ef3&oe=60A51025" alt="May be an image of 16 people, including Carla L. Ponn and indoor" width="316" height="237" /> Bigham will also play major roles with the Red Devils. Hidden Valley is back in the state tournament after a quarterfinal appearance in 2019. Hidden Valley is led by one of the top attackers in the state in Outside Hitter [player_tooltip player_id="111449" first="Cam" last="Davenport"]. Junior Setter Faith Mitchell runs a great offense with solid contributions from fellow Junior Emily Dudley. Senior Outside Hitter Maddie Clouser, who is committed to Stevenson for Beach Volleyball, is another key player with exemplary all around skills and solid leadership. They are a very deep team with 5 players exceeding 109 digs. Sophomore Abby Clouser is also a key player is a in a great semifinal matchup. <img class="size-medium wp-image-126663 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/IMG_1437-169x300.png" alt="" width="169" height="300" />New Kent is taking on an undefeated George Mason team. Mason is led by Outside Hitters Megan Boeson (141 kills so far) and Middle Hitter Roza Gal (114 kills), while Libero Caroline Poley leads the team with 190 digs and superb serve reception this season, keeping the team in system. Mason had an undefeated regular season and been dominant at many stages of the season and should be a contender for the ring. <img class="alignright" src="https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/s2048x2048/173291899_302429327962265_8963435010224953859_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=5K_tdrwMNPkAX9SX7CC&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&tp=7&oh=9129e8670fb47d7b80a90a7b28445d00&oe=60A3D325" alt="No description available." width="320" height="214" /> New Kent has several AVCA Phenoms including Setter Haley Baker and Defender Andrea Sorenson. Offensively, Julia Hathaway and Aubrey Hyndshaw lead the team in attacking with solid contributions Jaiden McCoy. Despite being somewhat undersized, New Kent is a challenge with efficient offense, great defense and strong serve and reception. <img class="alignleft" src="https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/118744881_10223566175683824_6591755436611862046_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=aST0SWYPcIEAX-D21pi&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=10eac7edde7aafd284f61716d50da5a4&oe=60A48D37" alt="No photo description available." width="231" height="216" />Loudoun County High is a dynasty in Virginia High School Volleyball. The Captains have won 12 of the last 13 state championships, including the last 8 in a row. With one of the most balanced teams in the state, Loudoun County remains the odds on favorite and will host Blacksburg High. The winner will host the state finals for Class 4 on April 23 or 24. The Captains survived a tough Regional Final in 5 sets against rival Loudoun Valley. The offense is led by Middle Hitter Ella Solomon and Outside Hitters Delaney Broson and Alicia McCandless. Libero Alayna Johnson is one of the top defenders in the state. The Captains have used three main setters this season with three juniors amassing at least 102 assists: Hanna Mullen, [player_tooltip player_id="111462" first="Sarah" last="Jordan"] and Audrey Stroupe combining for 503 assists on the season. The Blacksburg Bruins may be up for the task. A senior heavy group should be an formidable challenge. Seniors Emma Baldwin, Elaina Ealy, Claire Jenkins, [player_tooltip player_id="111353" first="Amanda" last="Lowe"], Micah Mitchell, [player_tooltip player_id="111418" first="Ashley" last="Rutherford"], Julianne Snyder, and Claire Stanaland all will play pivotal roles in the semifinal match-up. Lowe will attend hometown Virginia Tech after graduation to join Coach Jenkins and the Hokies. <img class="size-medium wp-image-127796 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0911-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> The Monacan Chiefs will host Grafton in the other semifinal matchup with a victory over Powhatan. Grafton punched their ticket to states with a 3-0 sweep of Warhill. Grafton is coming off a 2019 State Runner-up and would love a rematch with Loudoun County in the finals. OH Lily Scheeren and MB Shachia Lamb led the team’s offense and provide a veteran presence. Lamb has committed to Norfolk State upon graduation. Grafton has a talented group of underclassmen including Sophomore Setter Alondra Miranda-Pagan, Freshman OH Alexis Keeter and junior utility player Deana Pigue. The Chiefs are very pin heavy on offense with Outside Hitters Annabelle Frazier, Abbey Clayton, and Jordan Mondrey. Libero Jordan Gorman is solid in reception and a stellar defender. Setter Isabella Kvetensky sets very hittable balls and is strong from the service line.