Virginia High School Top Twenty

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are the top 20 high school volleyball teams in Virginia. Next, an update of the top 20 high school volleyball teams in the DMV area. The rankings are based on my observations, discussions with other coaches and in many cases strength of schedule. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238358"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956cff"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flint Hill (11-2) - The Huskies started the season 1-2 after playing in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Florida. Since then, they have reeled off 10 straight wins. A successful Endless Summer tournament, where they beat strong teams like Hidden Valley, James Woods and Grafton puts them at the top. Prior to that they had beaten Georgetown Day and Colonial Forge. Their 6'4" Pittsburgh commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180295' first='Ryla' last='Jones']</strong> dominates the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181279' first='Kadi' last='Pynchon']</strong> has taken over the libero role to allow <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang'] </strong>to heal up from her injuries. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465301' first='Audrey' last='Sealock']</strong> fills the vacant left side spot. It does not matter the names on the roster because the wins just keep coming. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181307"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956d66"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Langley (8-1) - They may have the strongest pins in Virginia with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180284' first='Chloe' last='Hokenson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180292' first='Riley' last='Buddie']</strong>. Unfortunately, those pins can fall into streaks of inconsistency where they give up points in bunches. They were swept by James Madison in a tournament at Richmond. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470555' first='Ava' last='Barnett']</strong> lacks the height of the pins but gets her hands up for the block and can run quicks. Every position on the court seems to be filled with talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956dc1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chantilly (7-0) - They won a big game against James Madison on Tuesday, defeating them in five. Madison won the third and fourth games 25-23 but Chantilly prevented the reverse sweep with a 15-11 fifth set win. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu']</strong> drives this offense, but frosh setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong> has the ability to feed her the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181284' first='Nola' last='Murphy']</strong>(pictured above) plays a solid libero to keep the Chargers in system. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='469183' first='Frida' last='Sagastume']</strong> is another pin they rely on for offense. Except for Madison they lack a strong schedule which could hurt them come playoff time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956e38"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop O'Connell (12-5) - They appear to have addressed their outside issues with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475116' first='Jocelyn' last='Pye']</strong> and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377397' first='Ellyson' last='Miller']</strong>. That leaves the middle crowded with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180298' first='Alice' last='Holoubek']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180296' first='Madison' last='Bowser']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong>. One of them can play right side but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235779' first='Grace' last='Faughnan']</strong> has shown the ability to put the ball away playing either left or right side. A bevy of riches on offense. The big issue is the ability to get consistent passing to allow the big hitters to thrive. That falls on libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235295' first='Hannah' last='Kotb']</strong>, defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212888' first='Maia' last='Cerezo']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475116' first='Jocelyn' last='Pye']</strong>. So far, they have won their last 11 matches without losing a set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["192587"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956e81"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverside (10-0) - The Rams have been rolling through their opposition with wins over Woodson and a five set reverse sweep battle last night over Briar Woods. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer'] </strong>converting to outside has added some life to the offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192587' first='Adriana' last='Perodin']</strong> also takes some hard swings from the left side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray']</strong> has been doing the job setting and recent Virginia Tech commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay'] </strong>continues to shine in the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238099' first='Samantha' last='Ferguson']</strong> occupies the other middle. Difficult to credit all the players since Riverside has yet to publish current rosters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235285"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956ee7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hidden Valley (16-1) - There only loss this season has been to Flint Hill at Endless Summer. They beat James Woods and Georgetown Day at that tournament. They also beat Riverbend and Briar Woods at the Patriot tournament. Except for Flint Hill no other team has beaten more top 20 teams. The two left stides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='464576' first='Sophie' last='Arnold']</strong> lead the offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235285' first='Calli' last='Anderson']</strong> is a cerebral setter who knows where to put the ball on the court. <strong>Shae Torrence</strong> occupies the middle well, strings together good serves and also plays a strong defense when playing back row after her serve. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233482' first='Lauren' last='Whitaker']</strong> keeps the team in system with her passing and solid defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["230817"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956f2d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Madison (10-2) - A tough five set loss against Chantilly where they almost pulled off a reverse sweep. Their only other loss came against Colonial Forge. The Warhawks rely on the frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong> to generate offense. She drills bullets from the back row or front row. Middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='183606' first='Camille' last='Pomeroy'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='230817' first='Riley' last='Lynch'] </strong>can hurt you if you spend too much time trying to stop Laila. Strong teams have strong liberos and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209800' first='Sydney' last='Pham']</strong> is lauded as one of the best. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309022"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956f6e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverbend (12-1) - Their only loss has come against Hidden Valley in the Patriot tournament, but they took them to three. They had a big win against Colonial Forge. The 6'3" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309022' first='Peri' last='Linterman'] </strong>is virtually unstoppable. Sophomore setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker'] </strong>runs the offense like a veteran. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309023' first='Allison' last='Lach']</strong> and<strong> Macy Burns</strong> bring strength to the pins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["397397"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c956fad"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colonial Forge (7-2) - Their only two losses have been against top twenty teams Riverbend and Flint Hill. Setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='182753' first='Isabel' last='Ostvig'] </strong>churns the offense for the Eagles. Her outlets are sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465297' first='Grace' last='Ostvig']</strong> and <strong>Claire Wortman</strong> at the pins and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397397' first='Jasmine' last='Williams']</strong> in the middle. Libero<strong> Julissa Corner</strong> covers the back row with her defense and passing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238365"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c957013"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Briar Woods (13-2) - They had their first regional game against Riverside on Monday and lost in a reverse sweep. Their only other loss has been against Hidden Valley in the Patriot tournament. The rest of their schedule will be against regional opponents. Clemson commit and right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237667' first='Skyler' last='Riggio']</strong> is difficult to contain. She plays six rotations and generates offense in the back row. [player_tooltip player_id='237668' first='Shannon' last='Callaghan'] puts up strong blocks in the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453965' first='Taylor' last='Hansen']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237670' first='Janssens' last='Arabia']</strong> light it up from the left side. Janssens swings lefthanded and along with Skyler give the Falcons two lefthanded pins to watch. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238365' first='Molly' last='Gardner'] </strong>takes responsibility for the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c957056"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Woods (10-2) - Their only two losses came in the Endless Summer tournament against Hidden Valley and Flint Hill. The Hidden Valley match went three. Last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> led this team in kills while leading the Colonels to the Class 4 State championship. This year she ranks first as the team leader in kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> has switched to her more natural position of libero where she ranks as one of the best in the class. Frosh <strong>Kyla Wilhelm </strong>takes over the other left side position. They have a strong roster with middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242037' first='Ashlynn' last='Spence'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison']</strong> and setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180282' first='Paige' last='Ahakuelo']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='180286' first='Hannah' last='McCullough']. </strong> Paige can play right side if the need arises. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["233000"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c957095"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Woodson (10-1) - Woodson looks to be the favorite to win the Patriot Division. They have swept through their first four matches, including sweeping Class 6 state champs Alexandria City. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233000' first='Maura' last='Fay']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner']</strong> are difficult to contain. Maura leads her team in kills, but Emma is close behind. An injury to libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338991' first='Eve' last='McLaury']</strong> puts<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='233014' first='Stella' last='Gilligan']</strong> back in the libero role. Stella spent her summer playing beach. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='204152' first='Sofie' last='Ferrell'] </strong>shares setting duties with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='469251' first='Nora' last='Gilmer']</strong>. At 6'0" Nora can generate offense when in the front row. Sofie comes in to set in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Catherines (8-2) - Yesterday they had a tough reverse seep five set loss to Collegiate. Earlier in the season they also lost a five setter to Benedictine. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464566' first='Taylor' last='Meredith']</strong> leads her team in kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='297528' first='Anne' last='Fielding Croft'] </strong>sets a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248635' first='Campbell' last='Wood'] </strong>plays a strong libero. This weekend they will get a test playing Bishop O'Connell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["207594"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c9570d4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colgan (8-1) - The Sharks have been in the Class 6 state finals the last two years. They won in 2021 but were beaten by Alexandria City last year. Their only match loss this year has been to Madison. They still have veterans <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209790' first='Aubrey' last='Hatch']</strong> and libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207594' first='Paula' last='Sigurani'] </strong>to lead the way. Aubrey leads the team in kills from the left side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["451960"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c957113"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millbrook (7-1) - Their only loss has been to conference rival James Woods, a match that went five. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='243771' first='Berkeley' last='Konrady']</strong> and frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green'] </strong>lead the offense from the left side. In addition to Green the Pioneers have a young group with sophomore setter<strong> Alivia Knotts</strong> sharing setting duties with frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='451960' first='Paisley' last='Cook']</strong>. Another frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437980' first='Katherine' last='Madden'] </strong>takes over the libero duties. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First Colonial (9-1) - Their only loss has been against Colonial Forge. They have raced out to a 6-0 conference record, which include wins over Kellam and Ocean Lakes. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465285' first='Keely' last='Heffelfinger']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249294' first='Teagan' last='Emdadi']</strong> lead the offense. Setter <strong>Julianna Dooren</strong> feeds them the ball. Michigan State commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248630' first='Kayla' last='Foley']</strong> may be the best libero in the business. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["242358"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c957153"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kellam (9-3) - They lost to Colonial and battled Flint Hill to three games, losing the second and third set 26-24 and 15-13. Their other loss was to Florida school Oviedo. Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='246935' first='Avery' last='Hanly']</strong> creates the offense from the pins while<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='465308' first='Blakely' last='Barnes']</strong> fires from the middle. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242358' first='Megan' last='Stone']</strong> allows the offense to churn with her passing and stellar defense. Kudos to the six frosh who stand on the sidelines with their clipboards. Kellam does not have a junior varsity team because of a lack of funds so instead of getting playing time the frosh cheer from the sidelines and record stats. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["190541"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-650b40c957191"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midlothian (5-0) - The defending Class 5 champions return <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='190541' first='Hannah' last='Ball']</strong> to hit from the outside. They have only played conference games to start the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248631' first='Alex' last='Mazulewicz']</strong> returns to her setting role. They lost a number of veterans, so it is a young team trying to find their groove. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chelsea Academy (8-2) - Their only two losses came in the Endless Summer tournament against Deep Run and Bishop O'Connell. The Knights defeated Stonebridge and have a big game against Virginia Academy this week. This team relies on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233008' first='Greta' last='Barvick']</strong> for their offense. She averages over five kills per set with a hitting percentage at .480. She shows great vision for the court instinctively knowing where the open spot exists. If there is none she hits it off the blockers hands. Setter <strong>Monica Lee</strong> sets a 5/1 and works well with Greta, but younger sister <strong>Ava Barvick</strong> can also be an outlet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stonebridge (18-1) - They rolled out 17 consecutive victories before losing to Chelsea Academy. Norfolk Academy, St. Johns and Covenant were some big wins during this streak. They rely on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478383' first='Amelia' last='Matson'] </strong>to generate their offense. She has produced over 200 kills, hitting in the back row and front row. Setter <strong>Emily Hinton</strong> runs a 5/1. <strong> Ava Baker</strong> hits middle but runs the slide well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others on the fence - Virginia Acadamy, Ocean Lakes, Atlee, Grafton and Dominion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chesapeake Chirps: Patriot could be a team to watch. Against Osbourn Park two sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt'] </strong>(16) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='394612' first='Natalie' last='Carlton']</strong> (14) combined for 30 kills in a sweep. They lost three of their first four matches to some tough opposition but are 4-1 in the Cedar Run conference....Thomas Jefferson and Falls Church played a match for first in the National District. Led by the hitting of <strong>Danielle Riekse</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181310' first='Ava' last='Stewart']</strong> they won in five, 25-22, 22-25, 24-26, 28-26, 15-8. Falls Church was led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233451' first='Charlotte' last='Nguyen']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->