O’Connell Wins Virginia Volleyball Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was the first weekend tournament of the year in which games actually counted. The distribution for the Virginia Volleyball Showcase carried a Red and White Division. The top high schools played in the Red division while the White Division carried the less competitive high schools. Bishop O'Connell dominated the Red Division, finishing 5-0 in matches played and 13-0 in sets. Only Colgan was able to reach 20 points against them, falling 28-26 in the third set after the Knights had won the first two sets. Colgan battled to reach set point twice but fell short of the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Massaponax won the white division. They finished 5-0, 12-2, losing one set 25-17 to Norfolk Academy, after they had won the match and the division. They beat the 9-0 St. Gertrudes 20-25, 25-15, 15-13 in the three team playoff to win the White Division. St. Gertrudes finished 9-0 in the first round of pool play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Red Division Bishop O'Connell and the two Virginia Beach schools Ocean Lakes and First Colonial advanced to the gold bracket finals. All three were the top seeds in their pool. Of interest about the three teams advancing to the gold bracket is that each team accomplished the feat with a 2030 ranked in our newly created top ten list. For First Colonial the number 8 prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897643' first='Julia' last='Ferguson']</strong> hit left side. Ocean Lakes carried the number three prospect in the class of 2030 middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1000565' first='Arina' last='Huseva']</strong> while O'Connell showcased the number one prospect in the class of 2030 left side [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']</strong> earned a spot on the all tournament team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The format for play was three set matches to 25 for pool play. The top team from each pool advanced to the gold, the second place team silver, the third place team bronze and the fourth place team flight. In the playoffs each division would play a best two out of three match. The team with the best record wins the Division. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop O'Connell</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750056"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9da20f29ee9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Knights had three players named to the all tournament team, [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'], [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']. Missing was right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750056' first='Kiera' last='Jordan']</strong>. However, ignore her on the right side in your blocking assignments and your setter will be dodging missles in the back row. In the match against Colgan she led the team with 19 kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kiera has great mobility with her movements. On many occasion she was able to sneak into the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] finding her for the kill. The two were club teammates for Metro 15 so good communication exists there. Kiera can hit both right and left side. At 6'1 she brings good height for the pins stringing together 9 blocks for the tournament and rejecting a number of other spikes from the opponents left side hitter. Her passing needs to gain more consistency to play a six rotation left side. She brings a strong serve that takes a downward trajectory as it crosses the net. A solid player you want on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights were led by their two outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']</strong>. Both players earned a spot on the all tournament team. Setter/right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] </strong>was also named to the all tournament team. The Knights were the only team to have more than one player voted to the All tournament team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ocean Lakes put up a key fight against the Knights in their best of three gold match. They were up 15-11 in the first set forcing the Knights to take a time out. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='805097' first='Cayla' last='Sawyers']</strong> played a big role in leading the Knights to the win. After a side out Cayla went on an eight point service run to give the Knights a 20-15 lead. They would go on to win the set 25-18. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] </strong>(10) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']</strong> (9) would combine for 19 kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After Ocean Lakes swept First Colonial in the next match that clinched the championship for the Knights. The Knights defeated the Patriots 25-18, 25 -14. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755129' first='Lillian' last='Battcock']</strong> led the way with three kills and four blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ocean Lakes</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1039288,"width":"635px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.3333406218568242","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/IMG_4265.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1039288" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333406218568242;width:635px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ocean Lakes</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["618590"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9da20f29f7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Ocean Lakes reached the semi-finals in the Class 5 state championship. They lost to eventual two time champion Riverside in three. This year the Class 5 Division is open for a new champion. While I picked Independence for the championship, I learned they had moved to Class 6. Ocean Lakes is now my pick to win Class 5 after watching them play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='618590' first='Lyla' last='Shannon'] is their team leader. She will play a critical role in leading them to the championship. The coaches were impressed enough with her play that they voted her to a spot on the All Tournament team. She stands 6'1" with a 9'11" approach jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Currently ranked at number 31 in the class of 2027 puts her as the highest middle yet to commit. She is the fourth ranked middle in that class with the top three going to Penn State, UCLA and Old Dominion. She appears to be an excellent team player on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ocean Lakes was in a strong pool with Woodbridge, Langley and Kettle Run. Woodbridge reached the state Regional playoffs last year but lost in the first round. They have a number of key players returning to the roster who were frosh last year, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747560' first='Elliot' last='Dorgan']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747031' first='Braylin' last='Coacher'].</strong> Langley is always a favorite to win the Class 6 state championships, although they were playing without left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='739977' first='Elizabeth' last='Hemberg']</strong> was voted to the all tournament team but right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530362' first='Claire' last='Nitowski']</strong> and left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608978' first='Francise' last='Ramirez']</strong> also added to a powerful offense. Kettle Run carries powerful left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755134' first='Ava' last='Ewald']</strong> who led the Cougars to the semi-finals in the class 3 of the state championship. She also earned a spot on the All tournament team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ocean Lakes won two of three sets against Kettle Run and Woodbridge. Their big match came on the last day when they went against Woodbridge who had won three game sets against both Kettle Run and Langley. The winner of the match would advance to the championship bracket. Ocean Lakes won 25-16, 22-25, 25-21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ocean Lakes is led by middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='618590' first='Lyla' last='Shannon'] </strong>and frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1000565' first='Arina' last='Huseva']</strong>. Arina ranks number 3 in our class of 2030. When you rank someone that high after watching them for the first time you hope the second viewing shows no regrets. Not the case with Arina. It took only a couple blasts from the middle that confirmed her belonging in the top ten in the class of 2030. Arina hit quicks to all locations of the net. You would have never guessed she was a frosh. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='671315' first='Sienna' last='Carr']</strong> is a bit undersized but you have to love her passion when she plays. She has committed to Florida Gulf Coast. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746327' first='August' last='Bridges']</strong> looked good running the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ocean Lakes has yet to post rosters so identifying players was a bit of a challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Colonial</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["745914"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9df631ef8ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">First Colonial has youth at the pins but that youth comes with talent. It begins with [player_tooltip player_id='897643' first='Julia' last='Ferguson'], the number seven ranked player in the class of 2030. She won a top performer award at the Prep Dig showcase in Junior Nationals this past club season. [player_tooltip player_id='745914' first='Avery' last='Alderks'] is the veteran of this duo as a sophomore. She also won a top performer award in Richmond. She moved from the watch list to number 45 in our class of 2029 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'0" she stands out as a six rotation left side. Her approach jump reaches 9'9' with good arm extension. She has the ability to whip her arm to the ball to bring excellent velocity to her hits. Her play at the Virginia Volleyball Showcase earned her a spot on the all tournament team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As they gain experience through the season Julia and Avery could get First Colonial to the state championship. One stumbling block is Ocean Lakes, who plays in the same region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First Colonial was the top seed in their pool. Although they swept past Patriot and beat the second seed Madison the Wildcats of Mountain View swept past First Colonial. Madison beat Mountain View in three and also swept past Patriot. After Mountain View swept past First Colonial they had an opportunity to advance to the gold division at 2-1, creating a three way tie for first. This would open it up to a tie breaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountain View beat Patriot in the first set 27-25 but lost the next two 25-20, 25-18. This allowed First Colonial to advance since they won the head to head battle with Madison. Madison would go on to sweep both North Stafford and Woodbridge to win the silver division. Patriot would go on to win the bronze division beating Langley and Colgan. Kettle Run won the flight division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Besides their two outsides the First Colonial libero impressed. This could have been [player_tooltip player_id='998474' first='Finley' last='Keever'], who won a top performer award at our National Prep Dig showcase in Indianapolis. She covered a lot of ground while also having the ability to set. That shows a lot of versatility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First Colonial has also yet to post rosters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">All Tournament Team</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":948920,"width":"382px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/DSC04854cover_websize.jpg?w=682" alt="" class="wp-image-948920" style="width:382px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Kojo Assasie MacieMurray</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is the all tournament team as voted on by the coaches. As you can see, outside hitters carried the most impact among the positions. The class of 2028 saw the most players. Six of the 11 players played for either Metro Travel or National. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745914' first='Avery' last='Alderks']</strong> - outside, First Colonial (# 45 class of 2029).</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong> - outside, Madison (# 3 class of 2027).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466369' first='Cailin' last='Connors']</strong> - outside, North Stafford (# 85 class of 2028).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755134' first='Ava' last='Ewald']</strong> - outside, Kettle Run (#13, class of 2028).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id='747302' first='Kayleigh' last='Francis']</strong> - right side, Patriot (# 111, class of 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='739977' first='Elizabeth' last='Hemberg']</strong> - setter/right side, Langley (#35, class of 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria']</strong> - setter/right side, Bishop O'Connell (#1, class of 2029)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell'] </strong>- outside, Colgan (# 22, class of 2028) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong> - outside Bishop O'Connell (# 5, class of 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10<strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='618590' first='Lyla' last='Shannon']</strong> - middle, Ocean Lakes (# 31, class of 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']</strong> - outside, Bishop O'Connell (#1, class of 2030)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Matches From Last Week</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two biggest matches were <strong>Bishop O'Connell</strong> sweeping <strong>Holy Cross</strong> and <strong>Madison</strong> beating <strong>Flint Hill</strong> in five. In the case of O'Connell/Holy Cross, both teams rank in the Max Prep Top 100 in the nation. Holy Cross ranked at number 60 while Bishop O'Connell sat at number 81, just behind Flint Hill who appeared at number 80.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights swept past Holy Cross 25-14, 25-19, 25-17 with frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']</strong> leading the way with 16 kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong> added 12 kills while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755675' first='Charlotte' last='Nelson']</strong> led the defense with 22 digs. While it is still early in the season the Knights have not lost a set. They have also given up more than 20 points in just one set. Holy Cross did not have [player_tooltip player_id='536721' first='Ana' last='Woods'] available for the match, which hurt their offense. As a common refrain goes "It is not how well you play during the regular season but how you play during the playoffs that matters the most".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison won a wild five setter against number 80 Flint Hill. After Flint Hill won set two 32-30 they gained the momentum to win set three. Madison came back to win the last two sets 25-14, 15-10. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross']</strong> banged out 21 kills in the loss. After an opening day loss to Marshall, Madison went on to win their next three matches. This weekend they also lost a match to First Colonial, which leaves them 7-2 for the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":882987,"width":"338px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/123-Scarlett-Netherton-crop-2327x1528-1756840312.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-882987" style="width:338px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='748513' first='Scarlett' last='Netherton']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The highest ranked team in the area, number 28 <strong>Annapolis Area Christian</strong> swept their first three matches. Two of those three sweeps came against WCAC opponents <strong>Bishop McNamara</strong> and <strong>St. Johns</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748513' first='Scarlett' last='Netherton']</strong> led the charge with 19 kills against Bishop McNamara.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richard Montgomery</strong>, ranked at number 83 nationally, however they got a bit of revenge by beating <strong>Churchill</strong> in their opener. Last year Churchill eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs, preventing them going for their third straight state championship. Churchill won the opener 29-27 but the Rockets took the next three 25-12, 25-23, 25-15. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell'] </strong>led the charge with 17 kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Georgetown Day,</strong> ranked at number 90, open their season this week. They play <strong>Paul VI</strong> at the end of the week. The Mighty Hoppers will play without D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong>, who has decided not to play her senior season. The Panthers won their opener, sweeping <strong>Good Counsel</strong>. Their next match is against Annapolis Area Christian. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='893067' first='Clara' last='Hays']</strong> served up 9 aces against Good Counsel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bullis</strong> pushed off to a strong start this season with wins over <strong>Ireton</strong> and<strong> Episcopal</strong>. Against Episcopal they won the last two sets 25-23, 17-15. Frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941763' first='Sai' last='Herndon-Brown'] </strong>led the charge with 14 kills while<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='536729' first='Katelyn' last='Rolph']</strong> dished out 27 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Handley</strong> pulled off a big upset by beating four time state champion <strong>James Wood</strong>. It was 2017 the last time Handley beat James Wood. The Judges have now started out their season 3-0. Their next big match will be against Millbrook this week. James Wood has started the season 1-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Freedom</strong> has started the season 6-0. They had a statement sweep over <strong>Loudun County</strong> 27-25, 25-19, 25-23. They also had a five set win over <strong>Potomac Falls</strong>, winning the last set 18-16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite starting the season off with a sluggish start, <strong>Langley </strong>knocked <strong>Chantilly</strong> from the unbeaten ranks by taking them in five. They won the last match 16-14. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716365' first='Skyler' last='Riley'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green'] </strong>smacked 16 kills apiece while frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037500' first='Sofia' last='Harris'] </strong>shuttled together 40 assists in the loss. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh']</strong> has yet to play this year for Langley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Defiance</strong> started their season off 7-0, sweeping all their opponents with the exception of <strong>Alleghany</strong>. The Alleghany match went four with the Indians losing the third set. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845331' first='Caroline' last='Hanger']</strong> finished with 16 kills and 14 digs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1022095' first='Alexis' last='Miller']</strong> distributed 48 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cape Henry Collegiate</strong> ended the 42 match winning streak by defeating <strong>Stonebridge</strong> in five. They won the last set 15-9. Last year Stonebridge won the VISAA Division II championship with a 38-0 record. No undefeated run this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->