Prospects Influencing the VHSL Class 4-5 Playoff Chase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are some of the players who are making an impact on the Class 4 and 5 VHSL playoff chase. Class 6 will come next followed by the playoff races happening in Maryland. While the Virginia playoff chases are seeing a number of surprises the Maryland races seem to involve the same case of characters heading into the Regionals. It is still very early in Maryland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fun fact - Since the class 4 division was created in 2013 there have only been two high schools that have won the state championship. Loudoun County won the class 4 state championship from 2013 to 2021. James Wood won the Class 4 from 2022 to 2025. Both teams have been eliminated in Regional play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grafton</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["465315"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef55c7a6052"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ana is the older sister who leads the team in kills with an impressive .374 hitting percentage. At 6'0" she also puts up a stiff block for the Clippers, leading the team by a huge margin in that area. Although she is also listed as an outside her six rotation play is limited. Last year she earned a spot on the Class 4 second team All State. Ana has committed to Christopher Newport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Her younger sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883712' first='Alivia' last='Breckons']</strong> plays the pins, listing second on the team in kills. She spends more of her time in the back row playing defense and in serve receive. She is second on the team in digs. The two combine for approximately 67% of the team's kills. Alivia belongs to the class of 2029, ranked at 41 in the class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year was the first time that Grafton did not appear in the finals in the State championship in about six years. They lost in the semi-finals to Loudoun County. They have lost their last nine final appearances, eight of them to Loudoun County. The good news for the Clippers is that Heritage eliminated Loudoun County in the semi-finals of their Regional. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lafayette</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1061849"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef55c7a608d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Laurel has been setting for this team since her frosh season, reaching her 1,000 career assist mark this year. She quarterbacks the offense for the team, setting a 5/1. She also brings a good serve to the court, leading the team in service aces. Her primary target for kills is [player_tooltip player_id='904785' first='Lynley' last='Cannon']. Lynley plays all the positions (middle and both pins).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette will need to overcome Grafton if they hope to advance to the States. Grafton has already beaten Lafayette twice this year. The farthest Lafayette has gotten in a playoff chase was a 1999 second place finish when they lost to Robert E Lee (changed to Staunton in 2018).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Phoebus</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1003797"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef90a854356"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Phoebus is a fairly new school, opened in 1975. Since that time they have yet to be in a state championship, much less a final four. This year they just need to overcome Jamestown and they will find themselves in the state bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1003797' first='Michelle' last='Walker'] is a force on the left side. At 5'9" she is a bit undersized for the front row, but she brings the hops to hit the ball high off the block. She also has help with frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1062605' first='Paris' last='Hampton']</strong> in the middle, who leads the team in blocks and hitting percentage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With 4 time defending champ James Wood out of the picture as well as Loudoun County a new champ is bound to emerge. Those two teams have won all 13 Class 4 championships since the division was created. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jamestown</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["934464"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef90a8543b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Between 2013 - 2017, when Loudoun County dominated this class Jamestown finished second in three of those seasons. They are another high school where a state championship has eluded them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='934464' first='Nicole' last='Haywood'] hopes to change that path by leading Jamestown into the state bracket with a win over Phoebus. Last year Nicole was one of three juniors earning a spot on the Class 4 all state first team. This year she leads her team in kills, digs and service aces clearly tagging her as a six rotation player. Nicole has committed to Shenandoah.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She will get some help from the 6'0" setter/right side [player_tooltip player_id='705565' first='Senah' last='Drazdowski']. Senah won a top performer award at a Prep Dig showcase in Richmond. Senah has committed to Rochester (New York).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Atlee</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["464573"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aef90a854404"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In 2024 Atlee earned a spot in the semi-finals but were swept by eventual champion James Wood. Blake was a sophomore. Atlee has a number of final four appearances but has yet to win a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 5'9" Blake is a tad undersized for a left side. She also swings lefthanded, which makes her perfect for the right side. However, her defense is so strong that she plays six rotations. If Atlee chose to run a 6/2 Blake would rotate out in the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blake is one of the three juniors to make the Class 4 All State first team last season. Blake has committed to Loyola-Maryland, ranking 16th in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='770059' first='Allece' last='Anderson']</strong> is the only setter listed on the roster. She and fellow sophomore outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='919428' first='Sophia' last='Childress']</strong> both won Prep Dig top performer awards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Courtland</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["541319"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aefe5f7ef001"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The thought was once they lost their first team All State setter <strong>Aubrey Parker </strong>they would need a year or two to rebuild. That does not seem to be the case as they find themselves in the state bracket, regardless of the result in the finals of Regional play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gabrielle was having success hitting outside for Club 540, as well as middle. She is the only player affiliated with Courtland that is currently ranked. She showed a good swing hitting from the left side at a Prep Dig Exposure event but she can also bury balls from the middle. A very versatile player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Courtland has qualified for the state bracket the last three years. They have yet to capture a state championship, finishing in the finals once in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Heritage</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["529439"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af007fa3e046"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jasmine hits left side for the Pride. She leads the team in kills hitting at an impressive .410. When she plays for Virginia Juniors she usually plays right side, competing with others for playing time. This year she appears on a roll for Heritage leading them to the state bracket. They have yet to win a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Pride lost two of their first three matches of the season. Since then, they have won 17 straight. All but two of those 17 wins have been sweeps. The duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325403' first='Annabelle' last='Kim']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='582293' first='Shannon' last='Treloar']</strong> have been together since they were frosh. Jasmine and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763215' first='Kaylee' last='Mehta']</strong> joined them the next season. Add in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765187' first='Chelsea' last='Kolas']</strong> at libero, the younger sister of Emily who played with them the previous three years and you have cooked up a recipe for success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Of this group Kaylee is committed to Virginia Wesleyan while Shannon is committed to Trinity College. Annabelle has yet to commit. Only three other setters ranked higher than her have yet to commit. As a right side only one other player ranked higher than her has yet to commit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Woodgrove</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948005"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af09cbe07b5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coaches learn quickly that without good passing to go along with solid defense it becomes difficult to win consistently. While she lists as an outside on the Woodgrove roster her Hudl highlights show her playing the libero position. Those highlights also show her reading the hitters to move to the area of the court where the ball is hit. The club [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] always seems to develop good liberos. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Niko earned the best server award at the 16 Open Capitol Hill Classic. She is the only player on the Woodgrove roster ranked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodgrove still seeks their first state championship. They did reach the final four in 2015, losing eventually to Jamestown in the semi-finals. They clinched another state bracket appearance by appearing in the finals of the Regionals this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Millbrook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["878688"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af09cbe07b89"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is one of the more talented teams Millbrook has put together in a few years. They proved it by beating four time defending Class 4 state champion James Wood in the semi-finals of the Regionals. This was the third time they have beaten them this season. Their only loss this season is to Handley in five sets. Later in the season they bounced back to beat Handley in five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With pin hitters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530280' first='Lora' last='Totcheva']</strong> (committed to Old Dominion) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536738' first='Avery' last='Fauver']</strong> (committed to North Alabama) and defensive specialists <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437980' first='Katherine' last='Madden']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='878689' first='Madisyn' last='Carter']</strong> they can end rallies with their offense while also extending rallies with their defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps the glue to this team is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='878688' first='Mckenna' last='Homans']</strong> who orchestrates this offense with her setting. She also has the ability to hammer the ball from the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverside won the last two Class 5 state championships. Since the Class 5 was formed in 2013 only First Colonial, Cox, Briar Woods and Atlee are still eligible to appear in the State bracket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">First Colonial</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["897643"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af09cbe07bab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The most impressive accomplishment for First Colonial is they eliminated Ocean Lakes in the Regionals, qualifying them for the state bracket with a frosh, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897643' first='Julia' last='Ferguson']</strong> and a sophomore left side, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745914' first='Avery' last='Alderks']</strong>. They both looked solid hitting left side in the Virginia Volleyball Shwocase early in the season. What impresses most is they both list at 6'0", providing the Patriots with some height at the pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Julia won a top performer award at our Prep Dig National showcase in Indianapolis last year. She displays solid six rotation play with the ability to offer offense in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avery won a top performer award at a Prep Dig showcase in Richmond. She also plays a solid six rotations with an approach jump of 9'9". Her whip like arm swing earned her a spot on the all tournament team at the Virginia Volleyball Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last team to win the Class 5 state championship before Riverside was First Colonial, when they beat Riverside in the finals in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cox</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545710"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af09cbe07bcd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While First Colonial shines with two 6'0" youngsters at the pins Cox is more than happy with their veteran 6'0' senior banging balls from the left side. Cox will advance to the state bracket after beating Kellam in the semi-finals of the Regionals. Last year Kellam and Ocean Lakes represented Class 5 in the state playoff bracket. This time First Colonial and Cox will represent their Region in the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avery brings a 9'5" approach jump to her outside swing. That swing earned her a best attacker award at the Capitol Hill Classic in 2025, leading her team to a third place finish in the Open Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Cox, she continues to lead the team in kills. She also shows off her stellar six rotation play by finishing second on the team in digs and one of their primary passers in serve receive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most surprising aspect of her game is that Avery has yet to commit. Ranked at 29 in our class of 2027 only two other outside hitters ranked ahead of her have yet to commit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frank Cox last won the Class 5 Division in 2019. They have won a total of five state championships, but the most recent since 2019 occurred in 2004.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Massaponax</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["577515"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0b12a94d4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Panthers qualified for an appearance in the state bracket with an exciting five set win over Potomac Falls. They now face Briar Woods in a finals match to determine number one seed. This will be their first appearance in the state bracket since 2022. They have yet to reach a final four appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577515' first='Sierra' last='Beaver'] </strong>earned a spot on the second team. During the last club season, she blocked middle for [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'], showing the quickness to get to the outside. She has the talented <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587035' first='Maggie' last='Race']</strong> setting for her, whether she hits from the pins or middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Briar Woods</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752431"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af0b12a94dfb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Briar Woods put themselves into the state bracket by eliminating two time Class 5 State champions Riverside with a sweep. Back in 2014 the Falcons won their one and only state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kayla is the offensive catalyst for this team. Last year she set a 5/1. It would not surprise me if that is the role this year as well. Although only 5'7" she is adept at jump setting which can draw a blocker up even if she sets as a back row player. A jump set can also provide better timing for hitters. Her high volleyball IQ allows her to know the best areas of the net to set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829291' first='Allie' last='Bowen']</strong> appears to be her favorite target to hit among the pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Woodbridge Sweeps Forest Park to Qualify for State Bracket</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodbridge has not appeared in the State championships since 1998. The farthest they have gone in States was in 1997 when they lost a semi-final match to Salem in Virginia Beach. Now they will appear in the State bracket for their first opportunity to capture a championship. They swept Forest Park in a semi-final match, which automatically qualifies them for a State bracket appearance. They will play Colonial Forge for the number one seed in class 6.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The major force in the match was the hitting and serving of sophomore left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747560' first='Elliot' last='Dorgan']</strong>. Her bullet serve takes a deep dive downward trajectory once it crosses the net, resulting in six aces for the match. Several of her other serves may not have been aces but the passes were poor, putting Forest Park out of system. Woodbridge won fairly easily 25-16, 25-15 and 25-12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I arrived late for the first set stuck in traffic but did see <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747560' first='Elliot' last='Dorgan']</strong> end the set with a kill. Middle <strong>Yasmin Benammar</strong> put the Vikiings up with a redirect kill for a 22-16 lead. [player_tooltip player_id='747031' first='Braylin' last='Coacher'] followed with an ace serve to extend the lead to 23-16. A Forest Park hitting error and the Dorgan kill won the first set 25-16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last time I watched Forest Park play they lost their first set to Independence 25-12, eventually winning the match in five. Unfortunately, for this match hitting errors plagued them. Four consecutive hitting errors in the second set extended a 4-7 deficit to 4-11. They began the game with a 4-1 lead after a Cara Sims ace followed by kills from [player_tooltip player_id='1001180' first='Liana' last='Lipscomb'] and <strong>Cara Sims</strong>. Unfortunately, things fell apart after that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the four hitting errors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747560' first='Elliot' last='Dorgan']</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='833164' first='Jayne' last='Clark'] strung together six kills for a 20-11 lead. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833164' first='Jayne' last='Clark']</strong> was voted to the Cardinal first team this year. Despite her listed 5'7" height she looks pretty good with her left side swing for not appearing in our class of 2027 rankings. Woodbridge cruised to a 25-15 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third set Woodbrdge jumped out to a 10-1 lead, killing any life left in the Rams game. It even got to 18-4 when the Vikings began bringing in the reserves. Woodbridge went on to win 25-12. This clinched them for a state bracket appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->