WCAC Battlefield

In basketball the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) has been one of the strongest in the country. The volleyball has been getting more competitive as well. The Washington Post came out with their most recent top ten and three WCAC teams made it to the top five, Holy Cross, Bishop O'Connell and Paul VI. In the Prep Dig top 25 for the whole Virginia, Maryland and DC area Holy Cross and O'Connell rank in the top five while Paul VI ranks at 13. Below is a preview of the Bishop O'Connell vs Paul VI match plus the top five teams in the WCAC conference.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">O'Connell Survives Battle in Panther's Den</h2>   Coming into the match the Bishop O'Connell high school team was perhaps the only team in the area whose varsity, junior varsity and frosh were undefeated. The Paul VI frosh came into the match having not lost a set. While they did lose their first set playing the Knights they did win the match, although the Knights lost leads late in the first and third sets. That frosh battle was just foreshadowing the events yet to arrive.   The Junior Varsity game saw the Knights win the first set pretty handily. The Panthers came back to win the second set. The noise in the gym started to reach its peak during the JV match. The Knights were able to take the third set to win the match. The frosh match started at 4 PM and the varsity match was ready to start well past 7 PM.   The Knights got off to a quick start in set one with frosh [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] leading the way with some early kills. The second set found [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] dominate. It appeared the Knights would have the early sweep after 25-21, 25-18 victories.   While the Knights were focused on the Panthers two outsides [player_tooltip player_id='357402' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='333650' first='Louise' last='Neuhart'] a third player found her groove. Right side [player_tooltip player_id='377340' first='Mary' last='Ross'] started putting balls away. The Panthers also seemed to find an answer to [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'], rejecting many of her hits. Even if they were not blocked libero [player_tooltip player_id='893067' first='Clara' last='Hays'] seemed to have a sense where every ball would get hit, digging up some missiles fired her way. Paul VI recovered from their malaise of the first two sets and took the next two 25-21, 25-15.   The fifth set was a battle early but just as she did against St. Johns [player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson'] got on a hot streak with her serving. While she led the team in service errors she went on a four point serving run late in the fifth set, including one ace to expand the Knights lead to 14-9. The Panthers got the serve back but a hitting error ended the set 15-10. It was 10 PM when the fifth set ended. No homework for the girls this night.   Frosh [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] achieved a triple double with 17 kills, 21 assists and 13 digs. She also combined with frosh [player_tooltip player_id='755129' first='Lillian' last='Battcock'] (5) for 9 of the Knights 11 blocks. [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] led the Knights attack with 27 kills while swinging 59 times. Macie also contributed 5 aces. [player_tooltip player_id='520868' first='Caroline' last='Semko'] had a team high 21 digs.   For Paul VI [player_tooltip player_id='357402' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] led the charge with 13 kills. [player_tooltip player_id='377340' first='Mary' last='Ross'] finished with eight but they all seemed to come during the third and fourth sets. [player_tooltip player_id='893067' first='Clara' last='Hays'] scooped up 20 digs while sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='541140' first='Maris' last='Francescon'] (20) and [player_tooltip player_id='722900' first='Amanda' last='Dadio'] (15) combined for 35 assists.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Holy Cross</h2>   <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:429px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='623199' first='Trinity' last='Rowles']</figcaption></figure>   While Bishop O'Connell has struggled in five against St. Johns and Paul VI the Tartans have swept both teams. They have another match against Paul VI next week with Bishop O'Connell on the scheduled the following week. That match could determine the number one seed for the end of year WCAC tournament. That could be the difference in playing Paul VI or St. Johns in the semi-final.   Holy Cross has appeared in the finals of the last 13 championships, coming out on top in seven. However, Bishop O'Connell has won three of the last four championships, losing to Holy Cross in 2023. No other team has appeared in the finals the last four years. St. Johns and Paul VI won the championship in 2019 and 2018. There was no season in 2020.   Despite losing their two setters from last year the Tartans have not skipped a beat. [player_tooltip player_id='887098' first='Vivian' last='Blue'] and [player_tooltip player_id='623199' first='Trinity' last='Rowles'] have taken over the setting responsibilities. Neither player appeared on the varsity roster last year. Both rely on a number of young weapons to trigger this offense.   It starts with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='622282' first='Emerson' last='Wolfe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='536721' first='Ana' last='Woods']. Emme hits from the left side while Ana does her damage on the right side. The duo lead the team in kills. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='438091' first='Catherine' last='McIntyre'] provides the veteran leadership from the left side Bess is third on the team in kills. She shares the captain responsibilities with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel']. Kate has good hands and was used in the role of third setter last year.   The Tartans picked up a strong frosh in middle [player_tooltip player_id='753073' first='Aniston' last='Williams']. Her arrival has made the loss of Rowan Johnson minimal. Aniston is first on the team in blocks while hitting at a .304 percentage. She has fit in quite well for her first year on the team. This past club season she played for Maryland Jrs 14 which played in Open at Junior Nationals in Dallas. [player_tooltip player_id='778696' first='Lailah' last='Rogers'] and Elizabeth Jedrilinic also contribute to the middle or right side.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop O'Connell</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/122-Caroline-Semko.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589263" style="width:342px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='520868' first='Caroline' last='Semko']</figcaption></figure>   The Knights are another young team in the conference. Their main source of offense revolves around the trio of left side [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'], right side [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] and middle [player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs']. [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] leads the team in kills. No player in the conference hits the ball harder. What is scary about her game is there is a lot in the tank that could lead to improvement. She also is their most consistent passer on the team and could be their scariest blocker if she can get her hands further over the net. When she deploys it her top spin serve is difficult to pass but she also mixes in a tough float. She leads the team in service aces.   Frosh [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] falls just behind Macie in kills. She has earned her spot as the number one ranked player in the class of 2029. While her offense shines now, with a little more experience to achieve consistency in location her ability to set as well separates her from the other players. She also has the makings of an ace induced top spin serve that still needs to find consistency. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson'] also shares in the setting. She leads the team in assists and fires bullets with her serves, second on the team in aces. While she misses a lot of serve her aces still outpace her errors.   [player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs'] is an underrated third offensive piece. When the team passes well and can use her in the middle she is unstoppable with a team leading .486 kill percentage. She also gets her hands high over the net, leading the team in blocks. The other middle, 6'2" frosh [player_tooltip player_id='755129' first='Lillian' last='Battcock'] is still a bit raw, but her game has been improving as the season progresses. She is second on the team in blocks. Her twin sister [player_tooltip player_id='755132' first='Abigail' last='Battcock'] also plays middle as well as right side. The Knights are not short in height.   The one senior starter is left side [player_tooltip player_id='377397' first='Ellyson' last='Miller']. Ellyson appears to have fully recovered from an early season injury that limited her playing time and restricted her swing. Once she gets comfortable the offense will get even more powerful. [player_tooltip player_id='520868' first='Caroline' last='Semko'] handles the libero duties. If she is on with the passing the offense becomes difficult to stop.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paul VI</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/92-Maris-Francescon.jpg?w=851" alt="" class="wp-image-781915" style="width:318px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='541140' first='Maris' last='Francescon']</figcaption></figure>   Paul VI got a big rejuvenation in their offense with the transfers of [player_tooltip player_id='357402' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] from Herndon and [player_tooltip player_id='333650' first='Louise' last='Neuhart'] from Virginia Academy. Those two are now the top offensive weapons on their team. While they have lost to Holy Cross and Bishop O'Connell they have dominated their other opponents. They were swept in an early season battle with Holy Cross, but the last two sets ended 25-23, 30-28. They also took Bishop O'Connell to five. Whichever team plays them in the semi-finals will have a tough time getting to the finals.   Last year Paul VI had the setters with senior [player_tooltip player_id='308751' first='Olivia' last='LeBlanc'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='541140' first='Maris' last='Francescon']. They lacked the powerful hitters to create an offense. Now that they have two powerful pieces on offense they can start showing off their skill. Maris earned a spot on the all tournament team at the Flint Hill tournament and appears to be the main setter, leading the team in assists. They also have a third setter in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='722900' first='Amanda' last='Dadio'] who should slide into a starting role next year but provides a lot of depth this year. Olivia provides the steady senior experience to run the offense.   Two players who impressed me are the sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='893067' first='Clara' last='Hays'] and senior right side [player_tooltip player_id='377340' first='Mary' last='Ross']. Mary is the captain of the team and provides emotional exuberance that can change the momentum of a game once her hits find the floor. Clara appears to dig every ball within reach and some that seem out of reach. Both lack a club footprint and are not ranked. Clara appears to play beach while I have been told that Mary plays softball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Johns</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/299-Sasha-Plummer.jpg?w=562" alt="" class="wp-image-411769" style="width:334px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='437988' first='Sasha' last='Plummer']</figcaption></figure>   In the past the Cadets have finished in the semi-finals only to fall short after losses to Holy Cross or Bishop O''Connell. They last won the conference in 2019. With the resurgence of Paul VI they may drop to the fourth ranked team in the WCAC. They played a spirited match against Bishop O'Connell, taking them to five. They also took Paul VI to four, losing the fourth set 28-26.   Their offense is solid with [player_tooltip player_id='238356' first='Morgan' last='Reeves'] and [player_tooltip player_id='437988' first='Sasha' last='Plummer']. They have powerful middles in [player_tooltip player_id='625593' first='Cairo' last='Turner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='530367' first='Ava' last='Gill']. [player_tooltip player_id='221032' first='Wynn' last='Mendez Eaton'] is a very capable setter. What creates problems for them is passing, defense and a consistency in keeping the ball in the court. If they can address those issues they will be difficult to beat. [player_tooltip player_id='892042' first='Shea' last='Wilson'] played a strong libero during the Bishop O'Connell match, scoring 21 points on serve while picking up 11 digs. That is a nice building piece for the Cadets.   So are frosh middle [player_tooltip player_id='884163' first='Nika' last='Fackel'] and setter/libero [player_tooltip player_id='884164' first='Vivien' last='Eaton']. The other middle [player_tooltip player_id='625593' first='Cairo' last='Turner'] is only a sophomore. Another frosh is outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='884166' first='Beatrice' last='Bradburn'], whose playing time is limited by Morgan and Sasha. These young players will ensure the Cadets will always be in the fight for the WCAC.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop McNamara</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/11-AnaSofia-Zanellato.jpg?w=770" alt="" class="wp-image-729619" style="width:314px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato']</figcaption></figure>   The Mustangs history in the WCAC has for the most part been as an also ran. Even when they had Kiylah Presley they still had trouble getting her the ball because of poor passing. This year they picked up the number two prospect in the class of 2029, [player_tooltip player_id='748487' first='Sierra' last='Thomas']. Her older sister [player_tooltip player_id='490021' first='Imani' last='Thomas'] plays for the team. Sierra leads the team in kills per set as well as hitting percentage. If not for an early season ankle injury she probably would lead the team in kills.   The leader in kills is outside [player_tooltip player_id='238595' first='Sofia' last='Delarosa'], a 6'0" left side who can also hit right side. She has a strong right arm but sometimes has difficulty finding the court. She carries a high level of intensity and will to win that sometimes she just tries too hard to earn that point. Sophis also has a strong serve, leading the team in aces as well as points scored. The 6'0" [player_tooltip player_id='534058' first='Alexa' last='Bracey'] swings from the right side. She has the left handed swing and the height to play the position. Like Sophie, she just needs to find the court more.   [player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato'] sets a 5/1 for them. She transferred from Holy Cross. At 6'0" she has height making her a threat in the front row. She is second on the team in hitting percentage, a testament to the success she has in her setter dumps when she is in the front row. She also is third on the team in blocking. and second in service aces.   While the new acquisitions of [player_tooltip player_id='748487' first='Sierra' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato'] adds strength to this team they still have trouble toppling the top four in their conference. In four matches against Holy Cross, Bishop O'Connell, Paul VI and St. Johns their set record is 0-12. They have also beaten those WCAC teams that fall below them, forging a 12-1 record.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Top 2026 Uncommitted Player</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='495264' first='Ela' last='Shepherd'] recently committed to Radford. This means all the players ranked in the top 20 have committed. The top player who has yet to commit is [player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray']. She ranks at #23.    Sydney is a 5'8" setter who has won a state championship for Riverside and in the process has been voted first team all conference, all region and all state. She was even voted MVP for her conference over her teammate [player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson'], a player on the Junior National team roster who will also appear in the Under Armor games and has committed to Baylor.   Talk about under appreciated. Last year she set a 5/1 for Riverside. This year she is setting a 6/2. Despite her 5'8" height she stays in the front row to play right side. On her college recruitment site she has expressed a willingness to play at Division I to III. Talk to any of her coaches and they have high praise for her leadership qualities and play on the court.   Riverside is again on their way to contend for a second state championship. In the last three years with Sydney setting the Rams are 73-4.

In basketball the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) has been one of the strongest in the country. The volleyball has been getting more competitive as well. The Washington Post came out with their most recent top ten and three WCAC teams made it to the top five, Holy Cross, Bishop O'Connell and Paul VI. In the Prep Dig top 25 for the whole Virginia, Maryland and DC area Holy Cross and O'Connell rank in the top five while Paul VI ranks at 13. Below is a preview of the Bishop O'Connell vs Paul VI match plus the top five teams in the WCAC conference.