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<p>This is our second DMV top 25 list now that a couple weeks of the high school season have passed. This week's list will focus on the setters for the top 25 teams. Each revision the focus will be on a position, class or MVP for the year to date. The won-loss records are as of Sunday 9/21.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/IMG_9177-crop-3889x2553-1758852369.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-889488" style="width:404px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: James Wood</figcaption></figure>
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<p>1 <strong>James Wood</strong> (15-0) Last ranked 5 - In a tournament down in Virginia Beach they took down number one Georgetown Day as well as number 12 Kellam. After a return from Virginia Beach they received a bit of a scare from John Handley, who took them to five. The Colonels needed to take the last two sets 28-26 and 15-12 to remain undefeated. The primary setter is Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='621440' first='Kylee' last='Plumb'] </strong>(64) who occasionally runs a 5/1. She stands only 5'5" so at times they will run a 6/2 with sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720415' first='Bella' last='Middleton']</strong> (137). She also lists at 5'5".</p>
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<p>2 <strong>Georgetown Da</strong>y (8-1) Last ranked 1 - They took their first and probably only loss of the season to James Wood at the Endless Summer tournament. Right after the tournament they swept past their two biggest foes in the Independent School League (ISL) Flint Hill and Bullis. Their remaining schedule does not appear challenging. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong> (9) is the primary setter running a 5/1. At the start of the season MaxPreps identified her as the top player in DC. In our class of 2027 she is the highest ranked player yet to commit. It smells like Ivy to me.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/20250830_162717-rotated-crop-5549x3644-1758852255.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-889487" style="width:393px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Colgan</figcaption></figure>
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<p>3 <strong>Colgan</strong> (10-1) Last ranked 3 - Their only loss came against Massaponax during the second match of the season. Since then they have beaten Langley, Courtland and Ocean Lakes to win the championship of the Virginia Volleyball showcase. Their schedule appears pretty soft after that. The setting responsibilities are shared by two seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464563' first='Elizabeth' last='Robinson']</strong> (129) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643810' first='Jasmine' last='Belle Carrasco']</strong> (168). On second look I show Jasmine as a Junior class of 2027 while MaxPreps lists her as a senior. </p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/83-Trinity-Rowles.jpg?w=910" alt="" class="wp-image-781906" style="width:278px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='623199' first='Trinity' last='Rowles']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>4 <strong>Holy Cross </strong>(11-0) Last ranked 6 - They won the Battle of Bethesda by beating Richard Montgomery in three. The Tartans followed that up with a big win over Paul VI to give the 16th ranked Panthers their first loss. Despite losing both their starting setters last year Holy Cross continues to march on, losing only two sets so far this season. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='887098' first='Vivian' last='Blue'] </strong>(NR) and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='623199' first='Trinity' last='Rowles']</strong> (120) have been doing most of the setting. Neither player was on the Tartans varsity roster last season.</p>
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<p>5 <strong>Bishop O'Connell</strong> (5-0) Last ranked 4 - While the Knights have not lost a set in their first five matches they have yet to play anyone with great strength. A test will come against Bishop McNamara when they play them this Thursday. They have two young setters in sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson']</strong> (27) and frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria']</strong> (1). Both still struggle with consistency in location and height, however, the future appears great once they gain another year of experience. Even as a frosh Carolyn may be one of the top pin hitters in high school. She leads the Knights in kills, just ahead of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong>, another bomber who hits from the left side.</p>
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<p>6. <strong>Howard</strong> (9-0) Last ranked 7 - Howard won a tournament in Bel Air this past weekend. They are another team that has yet to lose a set. At 5'11" junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698761' first='Imagine' last='Peltier']</strong> (27) brings good height to the position as well as soft hands that bring consistency to her location. She sets a 5/1 but in club for Columbia she stayed in the front row to hit. She runs an offense so well I don't see why a team would want her in any other position except setter.</p>
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<p>7 <strong>Riverside </strong>(12-2) Last ranked 8 - The Rams lost a couple early season matches to Handley and number one James Wood at a tournament at James Wood. In the last two years they have only lost two matches. Since those losses they have gone on to win six matches, including a five setter against Langley, where they pulled off a reverse sweep after losing the first two sets 27-25, 26-24. Senior Captain <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray']</strong> (23) continues to set for them. She set them to a state championship last year and won a number of first team accolades. Interesting she still has yet to commit. After taking a year off from high school ball <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377335' first='Mackenzie' last='Davis']</strong> (128) returns to share in the setting role. At 6'0" she can provide offense from the right side. She has committed to Christopher Newport.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/115-Aniyah-Brevard.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589255" style="width:354px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='476422' first='Aniyah' last='Brevard']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>8 <strong>Colonial Forge</strong> (6-0) Last ranked 10 - The Eagles have a powerful offense, especially up the middle. To fuel that offense you require capable setters. At the Colgan Jamboree the Eagles used three different setters. Since this tournament was only a scrimmage it is difficult to determine who they have settled on as a setter. The trio of setters on the roster who shared playing time at the Jamboree includes the 5'3" junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='476422' first='Aniyah' last='Brevard']</strong> (145), junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888906' first='Ella' last='Sloan']</strong> (NR) and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='664252' first='Cameron' last='Stoll']</strong> (NR).</p>
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<p>9 <strong>Langley</strong> (11-3) Last ranked 3 - Their three losses are all to ranked teams, Courtland (17), Colgan (3) and Riverside (7). In a match between two state champions Riverside defeated Langley even after losing the first two sets. The Saxons lost set 5 15-11. The strong schedule of opponents should help them come playoff time. Last year senior [player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo'] (5) set a 5/1. The Columbia commit may be the best setter in the area. To create more offense the Saxons have turned to a 6/2 with senior [player_tooltip player_id='239322' first='Hailey' last='Park'] (172) also setting. Hailey has strong hands for setting but lacks the big game experience of Claire. </p>
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<p>10 <strong>Richard Montgomery</strong> (8-2) Last Ranked 9 - The Rockets lost in three to Holy Cross at the Battle of Bethesda. Their other loss was against Urbana. Despite her 5'4 height the Rockets are going with the setting of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749346' first='Ellyn' last='Kim']</strong> in a 5/1, although senior <strong>Hannah Carte</strong>r (NR) gets more playing time when the Rockets need offense on the right side. That is a huge change from last year when they ran a 6/2 with two six foot setters.</p>
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<p>11. <strong>Kellam</strong> (9-3) Last Ranked 12 - Two of their three losses came against the top two teams on this list, James Wood and Georgetown Day. The other was a five setter against their beach rival Frank Cox, who also ranks in the top 25. They were also able to get past the two Maryland powers, Annapolis Area Chirstian and Maryvale Prep. After returning from Endless Summer, they swept their next three opponents. The duo of 6'1" senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin']</strong> (43) and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643814' first='Emma' last='Irving'] </strong>(144) share the setting. Emmie appears to be the primary setter while Riley prepares to be an offensive force on the right side. She stands second on her team in kills. Surprised that a 6'1" setter/right side has yet to commit.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/13-Brie-Mouton.jpg?w=745" alt="" class="wp-image-781843" style="width:275px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='762823' first='Brie' last='Mouton']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>12. <strong>Annapolis Area Christian</strong> (10-2) Last Ranked 15 - The question that had yet to be answered was the concern that their youth would hurt them against more experienced teams. At the Endless Summer tournament they battled but fell short against Georgetown Day and Kellam. Right after the Endless Summer tournament they went out and beat Arundel and13th ranked Broadneck. They run a modified 5/1 with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749757' first='Dakota' last='Pentorn']</strong> (169) setting from the back row and frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='762823' first='Brie' last='Mouton']</strong> (7) setting from the front row.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/95-Olivia-LeBlanc.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589238" style="width:387px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='308751' first='Olivia' last='LeBlanc']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>13 <strong>Paul VI</strong> (7-1) Last Ranked 11 - Though they were swept by Holy Cross, the last two sets were only decided by two points. Prior to that match the Panthers took out St. Johns, who normally ranks as the third best team in the WCAC. This weekend they will play in the Flint Hill tournament where they will get an opportunity to battle Colgan. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='541140' first='Maris' last='Francescon']</strong> (52) appears to be the main setter. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='308751' first='Olivia' last='LeBlanc'] </strong>(88) and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722900' first='Amanda' last='Dadio']</strong> (66) have also filled in. Maris has won a Prep Dig top performer award.</p>
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<p>14, <strong>Midlothian</strong> (9-0) - Last ranked 23 - What is impressive about their nine match win streak is they have yet to lose a set. Last year they won six matches in a row without losing a set and lost in five to St. Catherines. St. Catherines is on their schedule for October 2. No roster information available, but I would guess senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601731' first='Cassidy' last='Zalinski']</strong> (189) is their primary setter.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/Aubrey-Parker1-crop-2449x1608-1758853033.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-889489" style="width:302px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker'] </figcaption></figure>
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<p>15 <strong>Courtland </strong>(9-1) - Last ranked 17 - Their only loss is to number 3 Colgan at the Virginia Volleyball Showcase. Since that loss they have run off seven consecutive match wins without losing a set. Their top setter clearly is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker']</strong>. She also stands out as one of their top hitters when they run a 6/2. Aubrey has committed to Shepherd. Courtland is another team absent volleyball roster information.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/111-Barrett-Bolter.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589251" style="width:333px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>16. <strong>Broadneck</strong> (4-0) - Last ranked 13 - Broadneck has yet to schedule a full slate of volleyball matches so it is difficult to assess how long they will go undefeated. A match against Annapolis Area Christian (they lost in 4) and Severn Run (they won in three) awaits. They run a 6/2 with perhaps two of the top setters in Maryland, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721762' first='Sydney' last='Lawrence']</strong> (105) and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter']</strong> (22). Barrett upped her stock by setting the 16 team to a second place finish in the National Division of Junior Nationals.</p>
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<p>17.<strong> North Hagerstown</strong> (3-0) - Last ranked 14 - Another team with a sparse schedule but they did sweep Class 1 state champion Boonsboro. A big match coming up against James Wood in October. The last time they have beaten the Colonels was in 2021 when they did not have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong>. A win in October would break a 3 year losing streak. They have a trio of girls listed as setters on their roster, senior <strong>Lauren Ly</strong> (NR), sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889251' first='Mia' last='Johnson']</strong> (NR) and frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889249' first='Margaret' last='Gatchalian']</strong> (NR).</p>
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<p>18. <strong>James Madison</strong> (10-3) - Last ranked 16 - The loss to South Lakes dropped them down a notch. The other two losses have been to Langley and Courtland at the Virginia Volleyball showcase. Since the loss to South Lakes they have bounced back to win three straight. Their main setter is senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455177' first='Briana' last='Vo']</strong> ( 153). She set for the Volley Viet team that took 9th in AAUs in the Aspire Division. At 5'4" she is undersized for a front row player so sophomore<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='882542' first='Bella' last='Pham']</strong> may come in to set when they need height in the front row. </p>
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<p>19. <strong>Frank Cox</strong> (10-3) - Last ranked 18 - Their only losses are to Madison, Courtland and Patriot, three solid teams in Northern Virginia. They have beaten all the teams in their Beach District, including Kellam and Ocean Lakes. However, it took five sets to beat the latter two. Junior<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='882556' first='Caroline' last='Butkovich']</strong> (NR) sets a 5/1 for their team. She appears on my watch list after having seen her set at the Virginia Volleyball showcase. Don't be surprised to see her appear in the next rankings. </p>
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<p>20. <strong>Grafton</strong> (8-0) - Last ranked 25 - They keep staying on the gravy train of winning, taking all their matches 3-0. Senior <strong>Olivia delacruz </strong>(NR) is their main setter but her 5'1" height also allows sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889272' first='Claire' last='Choi']</strong> (NR) to get some opportunities. Claire lists at 5'9".</p>
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<p>21. <strong>Ocean Lakes</strong> 10-4) - Last ranked 19 - The Dolphins lost to James Madison and Colgan at the Virginia Volleyball showcase, as well as conference foes Kellam and Frank Cox. In the latter two the matches went five sets. They get one more chance at their two beach opponents before playoffs start. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='664960' first='Carmela' last='Mendoza'] </strong>(71) is their main setter. I never found a club footprint for her.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/106-Jessica-Li.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589247" style="width:359px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>22. <strong>Glenelg</strong> (3-0) - Last ranked 21 - As with most Maryland teams their schedule is a bit sparse. They did lose their big Monday match against Howard that I have not updated in the standings. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</strong> (35) sets a 5/1 for them. She also set for the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 team, one of three Maryland Juniors girls who bolted for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''].</p>
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<p>23. <strong>Millbrook </strong>(8-0) - Last ranked 20 - They lost a Tuesday match versus James Wood that is not reflected in their record. Prior to that they had won all eight of their matches without losing a set. Their next big match will come against Kettle Run next week. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='451960' first='Paisley' last='Cook']</strong> (40) set for them last season. She stands only 5'5". On their roster they also list as setters junior <strong>Lane Yeggy </strong>and frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='878688' first='Mckenna' last='Homans']</strong>. McKenna is also listed as a middle/opposite. I have yet to see them play this year.</p>
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<p>24. <strong>Kettle Run</strong> (10-1) - Last ranked 22 - They were upset by Sherando and it took five sets to defeat Meridian the second time they played them. Other than that the other nine matches were sweeps. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881841' first='Bella' last='Carlson'] </strong>(NR) is one of their primary setters. When she does not set she hits right side. She would probably be effective running a 5/1. Two other players sophomore <strong>Alexa Balgavy</strong> (NR) and Senior <strong>Melody Harlan</strong> (NR) also set.</p>
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<p>25. <strong>Stonebridge</strong> (21-0) - Unranked - The first newcomer to the list. I finally got to see them play at the Endless Summer tournament. For a VISAA Division II school they have a large array of talent on the team. Last year they lost in the Division II finals to The Covenant. Many players have returned from that team. At Endless Summer they won the Varsity I division by defeating Grassfield. Their first 17 match wins were sweeps while 20 of their 21 wins have been sweeps. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='887038' first='Selah' last='Telfer']</strong> sets a 5/1. At this point she is halfway to 1,000 assists. Currently, she leads the state of Virginia in assists.</p>
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<p>On the bubble West Springfield (8-0), Christiansburg (7-0), Fort Defiance (12-0) and South Lakes (8-0) </p>
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<p>Dropped out Wootten </p>
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<p></p>
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This is our second DMV top 25 list now that a couple weeks of the high school season have passed. This week's list will focus on the setters for the top 25 teams. Each revision the focus will be on a position, class or MVP for the year to date. The won-loss records are as of Sunday 9/21.
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