Challengers to Saxons Three Peat in Virginia Class 6

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Langley Saxons are attempting a three peat in the Virginia Class 6 state championships. Three challengers have the ability to prevent that from happening. Below is a summary of the Langley roster plus the three challengers, James Madison, Colgan and Patriot. The big caveat exists that tryouts have yet to happen and rosters have not been set so they fall far short of the prediction arena. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Langley </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589165,"width":"529px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/10-Rujuta-Singh.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589165" style="width:529px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh'] </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Langley lost setter <strong>Chloe Hokenson</strong>, right side <strong>Riley Buddie</strong> and libero<strong> Erica Maebius</strong> to graduation. That increased the difficulty for them to repeat as state champions. They carried a wild card that included a number of returning players in setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong>, left side <strong>Ana Toumazatos</strong>, right side <strong>Vivian Nitowsk</strong>i and libero/ds <strong>Amber Smith</strong> to take their place on the roster. In addition, super frosh [player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh'] won the battle for the left side position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Saxons have again lost a number of players to graduation. The question remains; do they have the returning players to take their place? Since tryouts are still a week or two away below is an early assessment of the likelihood of Langley three peating for the Virginia Class 6 State championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returning players</strong>: outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377330' first='Chloe' last='Lin']</strong>, outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608978' first='Francise' last='Ramirez']</strong>, setter/ds<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='239322' first='Hailey' last='Park']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826417' first='Isabella' last='Anastas']</strong>, outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh']</strong>, libero/ds <strong>Alice Ru</strong>, Liber/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='794007' first='Gabby' last='Cid']</strong>, outside <strong>Chloe Davis</strong>, middle <strong>Jordan Glover</strong>, outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530362' first='Claire' last='Nitowski']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748535' first='Macey' last='Warshaw']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Critical Departures</strong> - DS/Libero <strong>Amber Smith</strong>, right side <strong>Vivian Nitowsk</strong>i, middle <strong>Ava Barnett,</strong> left side <strong>Ana Toumazatos</strong>, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rising Frosh</strong> - None that I have identified.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assessment</strong> - They have a base to work with in setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong> and left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh']</strong>. Last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377330' first='Chloe' last='Lin']</strong> lost the left side position to Rujuta but she could claim the open spot left by Ana's graduation. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239322' first='Hailey' last='Park'] </strong>has been used as a defensive specialist and could win a libero spot. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530362' first='Claire' last='Nitowski']</strong> is the younger sister of <strong>Vivian Nitowski</strong>. Unfortunately, the offensive fire power falls short of the players they lost so a three peat does not look possible, but then I said that last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh']</strong> went from top performer at our Prep Dig frosh showcase to top performer in the State Class 6 finals, powering the game winning kill through a block to give Langley a fifth set 15-13 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Colgan </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":732553,"width":"330px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Sienna-Mitchell1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-732553" style="width:330px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a year I thought they were rebuilding the Sharks still made it to the State brackets but lost in the first round of play to Langley. They won it in 2021 and reached the finals in 2022 before losing to Alexandria City. The Sharks have a number of returning players on their roster that will help them travel past the first round in States this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returning Players</strong> - Libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='805167' first='Cianna' last='Morbeto']</strong>, libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609504' first='Brooklyn' last='Rothwell']</strong>, setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='464563' first='Elizabeth' last='Robinson']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643810' first='Jasmine' last='Belle Carrasco']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826274' first='Grace' last='Cervone']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609533' first='Madeline' last='Dumais'],</strong> middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York']</strong>, Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813491' first='Gabrielle' last='Cherry']</strong>, pin <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587027' first='Courtney' last='Miller']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238593' first='Tehillah' last='Garrison']</strong>, middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='809716' first='Kennedy' last='Buchanan']</strong>, libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='602392' first='Elise' last='Nair']</strong> middle/right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Critical Departures</strong> - libero <strong>Allison Cibrian Martinez</strong>, left side <strong>Skylar Johnson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":781855,"width":"294px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/26-Angelie-Rose-Carrasco.jpg?w=875" alt="" class="wp-image-781855" style="width:294px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rising Frosh</strong> - libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco'] </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assessment </strong>- It would not surprise me to see frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco'] </strong>win the libero job. Her older sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643810' first='Jasmine' last='Belle Carrasco']</strong> sets for the team. Even if Rose does not win the libero job <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609504' first='Brooklyn' last='Rothwell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='602392' first='Elise' last='Nair']</strong> put them in a good spot in the back row. They may need a couple replacements at the pins, especially if <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238593' first='Tehillah' last='Garrison']</strong> decides to stay in Florida. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609533' first='Madeline' last='Dumais']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell'] </strong>can bring the heat. The 6'3" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York'] </strong>can play either middle or right side while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809716' first='Kennedy' last='Buchanan'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813491' first='Gabrielle' last='Cherry']</strong> take over the middle. They have talent at every position, something Langley lacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - Colgan has won eight straight Cardinal District titles. It is a fairly new school that only opened its doors in 2016.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">James Madison</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":205274,"width":"364px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/27-Laila-Chadwick.jpg?w=1021" alt="" class="wp-image-205274" style="width:364px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laila chadwick</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warhawks last won the state championships in 2015 when they beat Langley in five sets. This will be their tenth year without a title if they do not win it this year. Langley has won three state titles since that loss to Madison. Last year I predicted that James Madison would win the state championship, but they fell short. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returning Players</strong> - left side [player_tooltip player_id='377336' first='Callie' last='Agniel'], libero/ds [player_tooltip player_id='545721' first='Emelyn' last='Shen'], libero/ds [player_tooltip player_id='800156' first='Jenna' last='Swale'], setter [player_tooltip player_id='455177' first='Briana' last='Vo'], middle Olivia Schultz, left side [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'], libero/ds [player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth'], left side [player_tooltip player_id='832459' first='Gretchen' last='Gottschalk'], [player_tooltip player_id='537586' first='Judy' last='Backman']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Critical Departures</strong> - middle <strong>Aubrey Louglin</strong>, middle <strong>Chloe Bonney James,</strong> right side<strong> Riley Lynch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rising Frosh</strong> - It will be tough for an incoming frosh to make this roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assessment </strong>- While they are losing some length they will regain some with 6'4" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438124' first='Angela' last='Kramer'] </strong>coming up from the Junior Varsity and [player_tooltip player_id='832459' first='Gretchen' last='Gottschalk'] to win the right side opening. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545721' first='Emelyn' last='Shen']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800156' first='Jenna' last='Swale']</strong> to play back row that frees up <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong> to swing from the left side. Laila has committed to Oklahoma which allows her to play the position that creates more wins for the Warhawk. A duo of JV players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='760212' first='Vivian' last='Seifert']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='807914' first='Ella' last='Jarvis'] </strong>could also create an impact by providing additional depth to the pins, though <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377336' first='Callie' last='Agniel']</strong> has the other side pretty well locked up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact </strong>- Back in 2014 Madison was undefeated when they went to play in the state finals. First Colonial beat them 25-23 in the fifth set. The setter for that team is their current coach <strong>Kendall Hall</strong>. The next year Kendall set the team to the state championship. Now it is time to win the state championship as the coach of Madison High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Patriot</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":732498,"width":"509px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Danika-Swanson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-732498" style="width:509px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson'] </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Patriot made it to the State championship bracket last year as well but they were eliminated in the first round by Chantilly. Patriot has yet to win a State championship but you have to like some of the depth on their roster. The high school first opened in 2011</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returning players</strong> - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt']</strong>, libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='791804' first='Ashley' last='Bowman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842019' first='Briley' last='Holder']</strong>, middle/right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523664' first='Reese' last='Roberts']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804312' first='Adelia' last='Thompson']</strong>, <strong>Grace Fox</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='542700' first='Meredith' last='Toussaint']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238850' first='Sydney' last='Bennett'],</strong> middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828209' first='Elizabeth' last='Gordon']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='500510' first='Violet' last='Masiello']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Critical Departures</strong> - libero/ds<strong> Anisa Flowers</strong>, left side <strong>McKenna Howard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rising Frosh</strong> - none that appears ready for varsity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":789541,"width":"401px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/264-Violet-Masiello.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-789541" style="width:401px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='500510' first='Violet' last='Masiello']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assessment </strong>- They have one of the top setters in the DMV area to run their offense in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</strong>. Normally, that would stand out as a plus on its own but she has some big weapons in middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238850' first='Sydney' last='Bennett']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828209' first='Elizabeth' last='Gordon']</strong> as well as left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='500510' first='Violet' last='Masiello']</strong>. They need to find a spot for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523664' first='Reese' last='Roberts'] </strong>who hits the quick tempo sets about as well as any middle. While she can switch to right side she seems to enjoy playing middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747302' first='Kayleigh' last='Francis']</strong> will rise from the Junior Varsity to provide depth at the pins as will <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='394612' first='Natalie' last='Carlton']</strong>. Finding a libero to replace <strong>Anisa Flowers</strong> is their most glaring need.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fun Fact - While Patriot was recently built in 2011, since 2015 it is the most overcrowded high school in Prince William County with over 2,200 students. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->