Rankings- Can Westminster Christian repeat?

Prep Dig Staff

August 10, 2022 @ 11:38 AM

With the new rankings out this week for 2023, a team that caught my attention is the Class 4 defending state champions, Westminster Christian. The Wildcats ended the year on a 14-match winning streak and swept Logan-Rogersville for the state title 3-0. Westminster returns the bulk of its lineup from last year and has six players in the new 2023 rankings, and the titles within reach as long as they don't get bumped to Class 5. Here's a preview of what the Wildcats return for the season for the class of 2023.   37. [player_tooltip player_id='123657' first='Abigail' last='Siess'] – 5'11 – Outside – [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 17 Navy   Last year she would finish 2nd in kills and digs with 265 and 234, respectively. A nice size outside that possesses power and finesse to go along with a solid passer and defender. Instrumental in the semifinal win over Nerinx Hall with 17 kills and added 8 in the state championship match.   43. [player_tooltip player_id='152141' first='Emma' last='Fairchild'] – 5'10” – Outside – [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 16 Royal   I'm looking for Fairchild to play more defense this year after having a great club season. Emma would lead the Wildcats last year in kills with 274 while missing 15 sets. A solid attacker with nice line shots at either pin.   55. [player_tooltip player_id='171209' first='Alli' last='Bishop'] – 6'1” – Rightside – HP Saint Louis   The lefty right side had a great state championship match putting down 13 kills and hits—379 on 29 attempts. The powerful lefty sees the block exceptionally well and hits a nasty sharp crosscourt and a deadly line shot. She would finish last year 4th in kills but 1st in blocks.   89. [player_tooltip player_id='152125' first='Shelby' last='Truitt'] – 5'10” – Outside   Another dynamite outside for the Wildcats would finish last year as one of the primary passers, 3rd in digs and kills. A versatile player that can hit on either pin for Westminister but, more importantly, gives the team a great backcourt six rotation player.   102. [player_tooltip player_id='152131' first='Sophia' last='Shaver'] – 5'9” – Setter – [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder']   Sophia would finish 2nd on the team in assists, helping run a 6-2 last year. This year she could push for the 5-1 or keep the 6-2 formula that worked last year for a state championship. Whatever the Wildcats decide, Shaver will be in the mix on every play.   106. [player_tooltip player_id='152147' first='Avery' last='Stanfill'] – 5'8” – Libero – Momentum 17 Navy   Stanfill gave the Wildcats everything it needed in the state playoffs, would rack up 388 digs on the season and was the primary passer on the team. The hard-nosed defender will solidify the defense for Westminster and give them the critical component in another push for a state championship.

With the new rankings out this week for 2023, a team that caught my attention is the Class 4 defending state champions, Westminster Christian. The Wildcats ended the year on a 14-match winning streak and swept Logan-Rogersville for the state title 3-0. Westminster returns the bulk of its lineup from last year and has six players in the new 2023 rankings, and the titles within reach as long as they don't get bumped to Class 5. Here's a preview of what the Wildcats return for the season for the class of 2023.