Class 2 Top 5 Teams to Watch for 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 2 volleyball season brought an exciting turn of events, culminating in a new champion, the St. Vincent Indians, who triumphed over the longstanding powerhouse, Hermann. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, the competition promises to be just as thrilling, with several teams eager to challenge for the title and make their mark. Here's a closer look at the top five contenders poised to make a significant impact next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":1} --> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Valle Catholic Warriors (28-7-1)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If Valle Catholic remains in Class 2, they will emerge as one of the favorites to claim the title next year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Warriors are set to return all-state standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790958' first='Ada' last='Bley']</strong> and fellow hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827056' first='Lexie' last='Rayoum']</strong>, who are among the team's top scorers.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='796862' first='Mara' last='Hoog']</strong> and setters <strong>Reece Weiler</strong> and <strong>Payton Naeger</strong> also back in the lineup, Valle has the depth and experience necessary for a serious title run.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":2} --> <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>New Covenant Academy (28-5-3)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>After finishing third this season, New Covenant Academy will aim to build on their success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>They return one of the top 2029 pin hitters, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='909838' first='Kiera' last='Edwards']</strong>, along with dynamic middle hitters <strong>Tina Voznyarska</strong> (6'0") and <strong>Gabriela Gaumer</strong> (6'2").</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While they will need to replace their libero and one setter, the foundation is in place for another strong push to the Final Four.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":3} --> <ol start="3" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Butler Bears (28-2-2)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Butler will be led by one of the top hitters in Class 2, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485567' first='Tandee' last='Hiser']</strong>, who racked up 522kills this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Complementing her will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809963' first='Kylee' last='Dubray']</strong>, who contributed 336 kills, creating a potent offensive duo for the Bears.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>However, Butler will face challenges as it looks to replace both its setter and libero, which could impact its momentum heading into the next season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":4} --> <ol start="4" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Cole Camp Bluebirds (28-4-5)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Bluebirds are set to welcome back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809509' first='Andrea' last='Dieckman']</strong> (6'0") for her final season, aiming to lead Cole Camp to the Final Four.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>She will be supported by 2028 talents <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815423' first='Kodi' last='Dieckman']</strong> and <strong>Leah Allison</strong>, who will need to step up offensively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Additionally, <strong>Madilynn Ogle</strong> will be crucial to maintaining her all-state-level performance if the Bluebirds hope to reach St. Joseph.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":5} --> <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Duchesne Pioneers (19-10-2)</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The youthful Pioneers are poised for a strong season ahead, with top hitters <strong>Emmie Nikodym</strong> (2029) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='708619' first='Mia' last='Piskulich']</strong> (2028) returning.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The addition of a talented incoming class further bolsters Duchesne's prospects, positioning them for a potential return to the Final Four, which would mark the program's first appearance since 2003.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->