Creekside vs. Ridgeview: Five Athletes That Stood Tall

The Thursday, August 21, 2025 matchup between Creekside High School and Ridgeview High School delivered a high-energy varsity volleyball battle that highlighted grit, strategy, and leadership from both squads. From the opening serve, it was clear that neither team was willing to back down — long rallies, aggressive swings, and defensive scrambles kept the crowd engaged and the momentum shifting throughout the night. Each set told its own story, with both programs finding ways to adjust, respond, and challenge one another point for point.   What separated this contest from an ordinary non-conference match was the way individual athletes rose to the occasion. Whether it was Ridgeview's defensive backbone keeping plays alive, or Creekside's attackers finding creative ways to score around the block, the match showcased players who not only performed their roles but elevated the energy of their entire team. From the service line pressure to the back-row grit and the transition speed at the net, five standout athletes emerged as the difference-makers — the kind of players who coaches lean on and teammates rally behind.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01184-crop-1080x710-1755991309.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-879542" style="width:232px" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='800593' first='Alyssa' last='Herringdine'], #2 – Libero   [player_tooltip player_id='800593' first='Alyssa' last='Herringdine'] was the defensive backbone of the Panthers. She started every serve receive with a precise pre-hop, staying balanced and ready to adjust. Her 2- and 3-option passing gave setters a wide window to run the offense effectively, while her fast reads and quick movement covered open spaces before they turned into points. What made her special was her poise in out-of-system moments, where she consistently delivered clean second contacts that created attackable swings for her hitters. Confident switching between platform and hands, she kept Ridgeview organized and in rhythm throughout the night.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01185-crop-1080x710-1755991381.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-879544" style="width:232px" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='340568' first='Kara' last='Reed'], #10 – Pin Hitter   On the pins, Ridgeview's outside hitter, [player_tooltip player_id='340568' first='Kara' last='Reed'], delivered a clean performance from first contact to final swing. Her pass-to-attack transitions were textbook, getting her quickly available for hitters and setters to rely on. She consistently attacked to the five-foot line, giving herself angles to work around or through the block. Her serving game was just as sharp, consistently skimming the ball one foot above the net, pressuring Creekside's serve receive. Her combination of efficiency, athleticism, and control made her a reliable option at critical points.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01198-crop-845x555-1755991438.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-879547" style="width:232px" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='807293' first='Saylor' last='Denholm'], #10 – Senior, Pin Hitter   [player_tooltip player_id='807293' first='Saylor' last='Denholm'] brought an undeniable presence on the court, not only with her physical play but also through her verbal leadership. Constantly communicating what the opposing offense was running, she helped keep her team organized defensively. In transition, she was fast and aggressive, finding creative ways to score even against solid blocks. Defensively, she set up a solid block at the net and called in her middles to close gaps, showing her awareness and willingness to rally her teammates into the play.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01192-crop-621x408-1755991504.jpg?w=620" alt="" class="wp-image-879549" style="width:232px" /></figure>   Jayce Duguid, #2 – Junior, Outside Hitter   Though undersized compared to some of the hitters across the net, Jayce Duguid, proved that IQ and force can overcome height. Her spirited energy fueled the Knights, as she found consistent ways to score from both front row and back row. Defensively, she covered tremendous ground in serve receive and digging, often getting under tough-driven balls. Her ability to contribute in all six rotations made her one of Creekside's most valuable pieces.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01207.jpg?w=624" alt="" class="wp-image-879537" style="width:232px" /></figure>   Brenna Dershem, #8 – Sophmore, Setter   Brenna Dershem hustled non-stop, keeping the offense in motion while also anchoring the defense when needed. She called out attack options for her hitters, showing leadership and tactical awareness, and consistently gave clean follow-through after her sets. Whether setting quick tempo balls or pushing the pins, she used her full arsenal of options to spread the floor and challenge Ridgeview's defense. Her nonstop energy kept Creekside's offense alive even in long rallies.   The Creekside vs. Ridgeview showdown was more than just a non-conference matchup — it was a showcase of resilience, execution, and the kind of intangibles that don't always show up on the stat sheet but define winning volleyball. Ridgeview's defensive anchor and consistent outside hitter set the tone for the Panthers, proving that clean execution and relentless energy in serve receive, defense, and pin production can change the tempo of a match. On the other side, Creekside's vocal leader, six-rotation outside, and hustling setter gave the Knights their spark, refusing to let any rally go uncontested and proving that communication, IQ, and hustle are just as valuable as size and power.

The Thursday, August 21, 2025 matchup between Creekside High School and Ridgeview High School delivered a high-energy varsity volleyball battle that highlighted grit, strategy, and leadership from both squads. From the opening serve, it was clear that neither team was willing to back down — long rallies, aggressive swings, and defensive scrambles kept the crowd engaged and the momentum shifting throughout the night. Each set told its own story, with both programs finding ways to adjust, respond, and challenge one another point for point.