Two Early-Season Matchups Catching Our Eye

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the Ohio high school volleyball season is under way with pre-season activities, let's take a look at some of the top opening matches as there are some teams that are squaring off with a lot to prove and learn on opening day of regular season play on August 17th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Ursula Bulldogs vs Archbiship McNicholas Rockets</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are two of the deepest teams in the greater Cincy area and are sure to electrify the gym when they square off given the talent and the statement a win in this contest could send across the state in their respective divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Ursula, one of the top teams in DI last season, is hungry to advance beyond the regional final round that saw them lose a tough 3-2 contest last season. Featuring the top-ranked 2029 prospect in the Prep Dig rankings in [player_tooltip player_id='582200' first='Lucy' last='Waleskowski'], they have a handful of contributors around her that should keep them in the mix the entire season. Waleskowski is a two-way contributor as a setter and pin arm that can score along with her sister [player_tooltip player_id='480820' first='Lola' last='Waleskowski'], the Bulldogs' top offensive threat in 2025 with 244 total kills. Rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='778092' first='Parker' last='Terrill'] will be back in a primary pin role as one of the best in her class as she has good length and a big arm. Look for her offensive production to increase beyond her 211 kills in her freshman season. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='480821' first='Maisie' last='Jones'] offered 183 kills as well and provides some of the best veteran experience along with her big arm. This quartet of point scoring capability will be a handful for all opponents. Then, mix in athletes such as Bella Haas, [player_tooltip player_id='582221' first='Kelsey' last='Bareswilt'], [player_tooltip player_id='510903' first='Lowe' last='Long'], and Kayla Dwyer in additional roles and you have a legitimate contender for the GGCL crown as well as a deep run at the state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McNicholas claimed the DIV state crown last season. They are a senior-laden and experienced squad with a handful of offensive threats of their own that are back from 2025 that included a 9-1 league record. With five athletes in the top 20 in the GCL offensively, four of them return. They are led by rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='480801' first='Savanna' last='Stacey'] who has earned 841 kills over three varsity seasons. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='480823' first='Lilly' last='Tierney'] was fourth in the GCL with 236 kills while boasting 97 blocks to lead the league. Senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='744485' first='Josie' last='Mayfield'] offered 138 kills and 73 blocks of her own while senior [player_tooltip player_id='435359' first='Kennedy' last='Haucke'] had a breakout season in 2025 with 112 kills to round out their big point scoring. The setting role is led by the dynamic play of senior [player_tooltip player_id='480835' first='Maria' last='Schulte']. She was second in the GCL with 537 total assists to go along with 176 digs. As the Rockets graduated her setting counterpart after last season, we'll see if she runs the 5-1 alone, which she is very capable of doing. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='435871' first='Ali' last='Strange'] is back as the top performer defensively as she surpassed 1,200 career digs late last season. Other athletes to note include sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='934973' first='Sofia' last='Lanham'] and junior Cara Ratdke. both of whom can bring production in support of their veterans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elgin Comets vs. Colonel Crawford Eagles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elgin lost their top offensive threat from 2025 but return some key pieces following their unbeaten league record in the Northwest Central. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790608' first='Kadence' last='Gear']</strong> enters her third varsity season after a career high effort last year. She is a dual threat offensively as she terminated 213 total kills for a 3.0 k/s average for the second year in a row. Her offensive output was good for second on the team. She also controlled the offense with 342 assists. After two seasons, Gear has career totals of 405 kills and 567 assists. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1017085' first='Maycee' last='Muselin']</strong> is also back after her own career high offensive effort. She improved her contributions for the second time in a row as she delivered 172 kills for a 2.4 k/s average. A solid multi-sport athlete, expect her offense to increase this year with room or more opportunities. Addtional prospects to keep an eye on includue junior <strong>Kendra Appelfeller</strong> (1.9 k/s; 3.8 a/s) and junior libero <strong>Jocelyn Wall </strong>(13.4 d/m).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Colonel Crawford, they return one of the top sophomores in [player_tooltip player_id='722535' first='Reese' last='Redman']. She had a great first-year campaign as she boosted the Eagles' effort from previous seasons with athleticism and ability to terminate the ball effectively. Earning multiple postseason awards following the 2025 season, Redman provided 4.1 kills and 2.8 digs per set. We anticipate her production and quality of overall impact could be even bigger given her continued development. Also back is junior [player_tooltip player_id='700571' first='Alaina' last='Parr']. Parr had a solid club season and should return to the fall season with even more to offer to help balance the Eagles' offense to provide a bigger punch across dual threats. In 2025, she terminated a career high 171 total kills. Other key returners include junior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='726850' first='Sophia' last='Gray']</strong> (12.2 d/m) and junior middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='813294' first='Emmi' last='Powers'] </strong>(1.8 k/s; 52 blocks) and <strong>Saylor Holt </strong>(47 blocks).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->