Colgan Takes Virginia Volleyball Showcase

In a past post I named three high schools that would challenge Langley for the Class 6 Virginia State Championship. Those four schools, Langley, Colgan, James Madison and Patriot all appeared in the Virginia Volleyball Showcase. Colgan beat Langley in three to win the gold pool to earn the Virginia Volleyball Showcase championship trophy.   James Madison lost to Courtland in pool play knocking them down to the silver bracket. They swept both of their opponents to win the silver division. Patriot lost in three to Langley in pool play while also losing to Class 3 powerhouse Liberty Christian to fall into the bronze pool. They beat Marshall and Cox to win the bronze pool.   The top two teams from last year Langley and Courtland again qualified for the gold division. Last year Langley defeated Courtland to win the championship. This time Courtland defeated Langley to finish in second place. Even though Colgan was upset by Massaponax they still won the pool to qualify for the championship. They beat both Courtland and Langley in three to win it. Last year's third place team 1st Colonial lost all five of their matches but still managed to win one set in each of these matches.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Colgan Sharks</h2>   <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:347px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco']</figcaption></figure>   Last year Colgan struggled in the showcase in what looked to be a rebuilding year. They went on to qualify for the Class 6 state tournament before Langley beat them in the first round of the playoffs. This year they return almost all of their players. This heightened experience showed as they came into the gold pool as the third seed but beat both the top two team from last year Courtland and Langley. Both matches went three however Colgan reigned supreme.   All tournament team player [player_tooltip player_id='238593' first='Tehillah' last='Garrison'] proved an offensive force from the left side. Her top spin serve may not have been quite as effective with the limited amount of serving room space, but she still broke it out. She got an all important set winning kill in their 25-22 win over Ocean Lakes in the third set of pool play that advanced them to the gold division. A loss in that set would have dropped them down to the silver division.   Frosh [player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco'] played libero for all the sets in the gold division. Her enthusiasm, swagger and hustle gave Colgan the spark they needed to win their match. Rose stands out as the top libero in the class of 2029. The 6'1" middles [player_tooltip player_id='813491' first='Gabrielle' last='Cherry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York'] created a wall in the middle that proved difficult to pass through. Last year as a frosh Cherry did not get much playing time. Her game has improved since putting her in place as the primary middle.   Left side [player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell'] and right side [player_tooltip player_id='609533' first='Madeline' last='Dumais'] can also provide offense from the pins while [player_tooltip player_id='643810' first='Jasmine' last='Belle Carrasco'] and [player_tooltip player_id='464563' first='Elizabeth' last='Robinson'] provide strong, steady senior leadership at the setting position. In the third set against Langley Elizabeth went on a six point serving run to begin the set they eventually won 15-9. That win earned them their championship.   For the most part Colgan has a veteran team with five seniors in starting spots. This can help shape the younger starters as the season progresses. With this win a Class 6 championship is not out of reach.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Courtland Cougars</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/Aubrey-Parker.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-516485" style="width:278px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker'] </figcaption></figure>   Last year Courtland finished second to Langley in this tournament, losing to them in three in the championship match. This year they also finished second but this time they swept past Langley in two. Their only match loss came against Colgan losing the third set 15-11.   For the second year in a row [player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker'] made the all tournament team. Last year she set a 5/1. This year she is hitting right side when not setting. While she can put the ball down with her hits she also has an uncanny ability to find the open court with her shots. Frank Cox could not defend her roll shots to the deep five corner despite her going there four of five times in one set.   Other players stood out for Courtland but no rosters are available. Those players who appear in our rankings are [player_tooltip player_id='397539' first='Carolina' last='Eastlake'], [player_tooltip player_id='828143' first='Allison' last='Meyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='524421' first='Chelsea' last='Quaye'].   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Langley Saxons</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/89-Elizabeth-Hemberg.jpg?w=881" alt="" class="wp-image-781912" style="width:378px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='739977' first='Elizabeth' last='Hemberg']</figcaption></figure>   As the defending champs they were the number one seed in the tournament. In pool play they won all their matches 2-1, either losing the second set or the last set. During the first match of the gold pool they beat Colgan 25-16. After losing the second set 26-24 they got behind in the third set early 6-0, eventually losing 15-9.   Two players from Langley were voted to the all tournament team, setter [player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo'] for the second time and libero [player_tooltip player_id='470565' first='Gabriela' last='Cid']. Other players who stood out for them were left side [player_tooltip player_id='608978' first='Francise' last='Ramirez']. She is an undersized hitter, but she gets good height on her jumps. Her and [player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh'] may see the most time hitting from the left side. This year they will carry a smaller team, with [player_tooltip player_id='739977' first='Elizabeth' last='Hemberg'] their only player reaching the 6 foot measurement.   With Elizabeth and [player_tooltip player_id='530362' first='Claire' last='Nitowski'] available to hit right side the Saxons have been running a 6/2 with Claire and [player_tooltip player_id='239322' first='Hailey' last='Park'] doing most of the setting. [player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh'] will again lead the offense from the left side. She plays with a quiet intensity, rarely failing with her swings. If she does fail that look of determination on her face communicates she will not fail a second time.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">James Madison Warhawks</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/DSC01091-Enhanced-NRcover_websize.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-790186" style="width:353px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Kojo Assasie [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] with the dig</figcaption></figure>   The Warhawks came into this tournament as the third seed. They were upset by Courtland, which beat them in all three sets. They were able to sweep past both Ocean Lakes and Liberty Christian to win the silver bracket pool. For the tournament their only loss came against Courtland 25-22, 25-19, 25-22.   [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] hit outside for Madison, instead of suiting up in a different colored jersey. As usual, the Oklahoma commit did well earning a selection on the all tournament team. Another all tournament team selection was middle [player_tooltip player_id='753047' first='Olivia' last='Schulz']. Madison lacks the height they carried last year with their two middles and right side leaving for graduation but with [player_tooltip player_id='753053' first='Gretchen' last='Gottschalk'] and Olivia blocking middle they should do fine as they gain experience. Both are seniors who saw little playing time last year. Olivia and Laila have both been named team captains.   Last year the Warhawks set a 5/1 around the smaller [player_tooltip player_id='455177' first='Briana' last='Vo']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='882542' first='Bella' last='Pham'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='635111' first='Alysa' last='Smith'] were being used a little more at setter which would allow them to use [player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth'], [player_tooltip player_id='539414' first='Giulia' last='Pescosolido'] or Maddie Michelbacher as right sides. They did have the 6'4" [player_tooltip player_id='438124' first='Angela' last='Kramer'] on their junior varsity last year but she did not try out for the team this year. As they did last year it may take a half a season for them to work on a lineup until they find a winning combination.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ocean Lake Dolphins</h2>   The Dolphins lost to Colgan in pool play to knock them into the silver bracket. In the silver bracket they were swept by James Madison. Virginia Tech commit [player_tooltip player_id='333654' first='Santina' last='Martcheva'] leads this team. The 6'1" left side ranks number 14 in our class of 2026. This year she appears set to play six rotations.   Ocean Lakes was another team without any published roster, but players who appear in our rankings include [player_tooltip player_id='664960' first='Carmela' last='Mendoza'], [player_tooltip player_id='518167' first='Alexis' last='Broggin'], [player_tooltip player_id='618590' first='Lyla' last='Shannon'], [player_tooltip player_id='808245' first='Sienna' last='Carr'], [player_tooltip player_id='746327' first='August' last='Bridges'], [player_tooltip player_id='746523' first='Isabella' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='752421' first='Khloe' last='Phillips']. They should be very competitive in class 5.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberty Christian Bulldogs</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/Evie-Warm-Up-VolleyBy-James-2023-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-397423" style="width:503px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='229773' first='Evie' last='Ballengee']</figcaption></figure>   For a Class 3 school they held their own against schools with greater populations than them. Last year they had an excellent season losing only one match to Fort Defiance. They eventually made it into the Class 3 state playoffs where they lost in the opening round to eventual champion Hidden Valley. They were up two game to one but lost the last two sets 25-20, 15-9.   This year they will start the season off early with three losses, all to strong class 6 and 5 teams that should also make their state playoffs. They bring three seniors that elevate their offense in middle [player_tooltip player_id='229773' first='Evie' last='Ballengee'] and outsides [player_tooltip player_id='722276' first='Kenstin' last='Phelps'] and [player_tooltip player_id='845472' first='Emily' last='Cook']. The 6'2 middle/right side Evie commuted to North Carolina last year to play for Academy. This year the plan is to stay local to play for Heart of Virginia.   Kenstin is the most athletic of the three players. She sets and hits left side. Emily is the other left side. To accomplish that they take Emily out and bring in frosh setter [player_tooltip player_id='881169' first='Elyse' last='Ballengee']. She is the sister of Evie. While she lacks the height of her older sister she serves and hits left handed, which could come in handy when she sets a 5/1. For a frosh she already has a tremendous volleyball sense having grown up watching her older sister play.   Watch for Liberty Christian to make a play for the Class 3 state championship this year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Patriot Pioneers</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/62-Danika-Swanson.jpg?w=884" alt="" class="wp-image-781887" style="width:379px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</figcaption></figure>   They lost to Langley, but a loss to Liberty Christian knocked them down to the bronze division. They won the bronze, defeating Marshall and Frank Cox. Last year Patriot was able to battle their way into the Class 6 state bracket. Unfortunately, they were swept in the opening round by Chantilly. This year they should learn from that experience.   [player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson'] normally sets a 5/1 for the team. She has a number of weapons at her disposal including outsides [player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='500510' first='Violet' last='Masiello'] as well as middles [player_tooltip player_id='238850' first='Sydney' last='Bennett']. [player_tooltip player_id='464562' first='Elizabeth' last='Gordon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='523664' first='Reese' last='Roberts']. With the 6'2" Sydney and Soleil both playing front row they should achieve a number of combo blocks. Reese runs the quick tempo sets as good as any middle but at 5'9" puts up a smaller block. [player_tooltip player_id='394612' first='Natalie' last='Carlton'] is a favorite to fill the libero role but she can also play the pins.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frank Cox Falcons</h2>   They were in a tough pool, losing to Madison and Courtland to drop into the bronze division. In the championship match they lost in three to Patriot, losing the third set 15-11. Their struggles with passing and playing in system hurt them this tournament. You would think being a beach team they would excel at passing.   One of the more impressive hitters of this tournament was left side [player_tooltip player_id='882319' first='Camdyn' last='Milisitz']. She brought one of the more impressive jumps to this tournament. She only plays three rotations. At 6'3" with some long extensions [player_tooltip player_id='617089' first='India' last='Starr'] does not need a jump to put her balls down. She will rotate between right side and middle. The 6'0" [player_tooltip player_id='693822' first='Lucille' last='Tignor'] plays the other middle while 6'0" [player_tooltip player_id='882552' first='Kathleen' last='Grosz'] spent most of her time slugging balls to the floor from the right side. This team carries impressive height on their roster. Now, if they only can find a couple passers.   One who could qualify in that area is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='786480' first='Ava' last='Davis']. She can certainly play defense stringing together a number of impressive digs against Courtland. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='833465' first='June' last='Culicerto'] lists at 5'10 but suits up as a libero. In the hitting lines she put a number of balls away. She has committed to playing beach volleyball at University of South Florida. In the sets I watched [player_tooltip player_id='882556' first='Caroline' last='Butkovich'] ran a 5/1.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marshall Statesmen</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/67-Ellie-Nguyen.jpg?w=848" alt="" class="wp-image-781891" style="width:439px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='778213' first='Ellie' last='Nguyen']</figcaption></figure>   When you look at this roster you wonder how they can start a season 1-6. They began the season losing your first two matches and then finished 1-4 in this tournament. The only team they beat was Massaponax. Once in the bronze pool they were swept by Frank Cox and Patriot.   Despite their record [player_tooltip player_id='807869' first='Ayla' last='Sayd'] earned a spot on the All Tournament team. She was firing bullets from the front and back row. [player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic'] transferred from Bishop O'Connell to Marshall because of her wish to only attend school during the Fall this year. She should shore up the middle.   The two setters [player_tooltip player_id='778213' first='Ellie' last='Nguyen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='562335' first='Zeynep' last='Anaz'] have good hands. Arnaz jump sets well, learning the setting position while playing for Go Volley. Last year she hit left side for Marshall. At 5'8" Arnaz is a bit undersized to play front row but setting a 5/1 is still a possibility. [player_tooltip player_id='369730' first='Gracie' last='Froemling'] performed well as the libero.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Massaponax Panthers</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/14-Addison-Gayle.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589169" style="width:309px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='587025' first='Addison' last='Gayle']</figcaption></figure>   Perhaps the good news for the Panthers is they were the only team to beat Colgan. Unfortunately, they lost their next two matches to drop down to the Diamond Division. They won the Diamond Division sweeping past St. Catherines, then beating First Colonial in three. That put them over .500 for the tournament at 3-2.   Middle [player_tooltip player_id='807797' first='Sierra' last='Beaver'] is a player to watch. She brings height while generating the athletic ability to dominate the middle. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='587025' first='Addison' last='Gayle'] creates a good swing path for the left side while libero [player_tooltip player_id='484405' first='Brenna' last='Raymond'] keeps the team in system with her passing and excellent coverage of the court on defense. A solid three which can be enough to get you into the playoffs.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">James Woods Dominates Their Tournament</h2>   James Wood held their own tournament and defeated all comers, including Class 5 state champion Riverside to finish 5-0. They also swept past Musselman from West Virginia, Loudoun County, Dominion and Handley.   Riverside, which lost just one match each of the last two years already have two losses under their belt after being beaten by James Wood and Handley. Prior to the tournament they had beaten both Patriot and Loudoun County. The Patriot match took five sets.   Loudoun Couty lost all three matches in the tournament, the first to Musselman and the next two to Riverside and James Wood. They lost to Riverside prior to the tournament. They start their season 0-4.

In a past post I named three high schools that would challenge Langley for the Class 6 Virginia State Championship. Those four schools, Langley, Colgan, James Madison and Patriot all appeared in the Virginia Volleyball Showcase. Colgan beat Langley in three to win the gold pool to earn the Virginia Volleyball Showcase championship trophy.