VHSL States Preview: Class 1 and 2

A historic year comes to a close with the VHSL State Tournament starts Tuesday at sites across the commonwealth. Over 200 teams competed this season, which is a win in and of itself with the pandemic still prevalent in Virginia. A challenging season was even more so with the overlap with travel volleyball entering its peak season with various national bid tournaments taking away players from teams at crucial points and in some cases, coaches made the players choose between travel ball and high school season. Despite its obstacles, the 2020-21 season has been a competitive and enjoyable experience for our journey back to whatever our non pandemic lives may look like. This season, only the regional champions advanced to the state tournament, leaving behind some very fun and entertaining teams as well as some immensely talented players. In Class 1, reigning state champion Auburn host on Patrick Henry- Glade Springs in the first semi-final. This is a rematch from the 2019 semifinal that was won by Auburn in 4 sets. Patrick Henry defeated Auburn in 4 sets in the 2018 semifinal matchup. Auburn is a perennial powerhouse in girls volleyball and is loaded with veteran talent. [player_tooltip player_id="111482" first="Allyson" last="Martin"], Madeline Lavergne, Anna McGuire and Sara Nichols will all be key contributors for Auburn's quest to repeat as champions. Patrick Henry was dominant in their Regional Finals win against Eastside. Two sport standout [player_tooltip player_id="111413" first="Ella" last="Maiden"] was consistently great for Patrick Henry with 14 kills, 7 digs and 3 aces. Sophomore Outside Hitter<img class="size-medium wp-image-139430 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/04/Pat-Henry-Glad-class-1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Avery Maiden led the team with 16 kills, 7 blocks and 8 digs. Junior Setter Logan Newberry added 30 assists, 6 kills and 6 digs. Junior Addie Hahn compiled a team high 14 digs and Senior Ellie Johnson chipped in 6 digs and 2 aces. In their quest for redemption against Auburn, Patrick Henry will need another strong and balanced performance from their veteran leaders. The rematch should be a highly competitive match with strong offensive players in the Maidens from Patrick Henry and 5'11 junior [player_tooltip player_id="111482" first="Allyson" last="Martin"] and a loaded Auburn squad. The teams have split the last last two state champions. The winner of this match will be the host school for the State Finals. <img class="alignleft" src="https://dw3jhbqsbya58.cloudfront.net/fit-in/1024x1024/school-mascot/7/b/0/7b0379aa-f63f-4463-96c6-6bdc32b0c4d4.gif?version=635889761400000000" alt="Middlesex (Saluda, VA) High School Sports - Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, and more | MaxPreps" width="155" height="130" />The other semifinal feature Middlesex making the trek to take on Riverheads. Middlesex enters the semifinals as the two time district champion via an undefeated season thus far. In 2019, Middlesex fell in the Quarterfinals in 2019, but with a magnificent quartet of veteran leaders, this could be the season for them to challenge for that elusive championship ring. Setter Laura Walton, versatile Attacker [player_tooltip player_id="111420" first="Airiana" last="Beverly"], Middle Hitter Ellie Mcminn and Libero [player_tooltip player_id="111411" first="Elizabeth" last="Ketner"] lead the Chargers into the playoffs for one last ride for the seniors. Walton, Beverly and Ketner have all signed or committed to continue their playing careers in college. Riverheads is coming<img class="alignright" src="https://www.augusta.k12.va.us/cms/lib/VA01000173/Centricity/Template/GlobalAssets/images///logos/rhslogo2.png" alt="Riverheads High School" /> off a state runner-up finish in 2019 to Auburn and would love to get another shot at them.ing off a state runner-up finish in 2019 to Auburn and would love to get another shot at them. Riverheads dominated their regional final as well with a 25-9, 25-15, and 25-15 sweep of Rappahannock County. Junior [player_tooltip player_id="111492" first="Dayton" last="Moore"] is one of the key players for the Lady Gladiators. Eva Frederick, Sydney Phillips, [player_tooltip player_id='223897' first='Amelia' last='Tomlinson'], and Kendyl Argenbright are going to also be leaned on for big contributions to get to the next level. The winner travels to the winner of the other semifinal for the state finals which will be help April 23 or 24. In the Class <img class="alignleft" style="font-size: 1rem;" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EzNiJ8jVoAEAKP0?format=jpg&name=small" alt="Image" width="209" height="261" /><span style="font-size: 1rem;">2 State Semifinals, Giles plays host to Gate City and Poquoson will travel to Luray for the other semifinal. Giles is coming off an impressive sweep of Floyd County in the Regional finals with a star quartet including Outside Hitters [player_tooltip player_id="111383" first="Hannah" last="Steele"] and [player_tooltip player_id="111385" first="Emma" last="Claytor"], Setter Alyssa Pennington and Libero [player_tooltip player_id="111407" first="Jillian" last="Midkiff"]. Giles last made states in 2018 and is looking to seal the deal with a championship. Gate City is led by two powerful Outside Hitters including Freshman Makayla Bays and Junior Baylee Holder, Bays leads the team with 209 kills in her rookie season. Senior Libero Sarah Thompson anchors the defense with 144 digs and 69 aces on the season. For her career, she amassed 1,109 digs, 937 kills, and 176 aces. In the other semifinal, Luray is led by an outstanding trio including Senior Outside Hitter Brynlee Burrill who was the District Player of the Year. Middle Blocker Lindsay Bly will be a force at the net, along with Outside Hitter Sophomore Jaidyn McClung. Senior Libero Baylee Burrill mans the defense and serve receive. Poquoson will be a challenging task for Luray. </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Poquoson will vie for a third straight state finals appearance and first championship, with two previous losses to Radford. Senior Attackers [player_tooltip player_id="111374" first="Chloe" last="Dupuis"] and Lauren Hagen are key contributors for the Islanders and Junior Setter Samantha Topping and Sophomore Setter Lexi Sava are running a great offense. Senior opposite Jaime Steigerwald and sophomore OH Stephanie Freeman also are expected to contribute on the quest for the ring. The winner of the Giles/Gate City will host the finals on either April 23 or 24 for the championship. </span> <div class="stat-field"></div>