Virginia State Preview for Classes 1-3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now for a preview of Classes 1-3. While these schools may be smaller than Classes 4-6 the games carry the same meaning. For these classes much of the information I get on player contribution comes from MaxPrep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christiansburg </strong>(26-0) - One of the few unbeaten teams left in Virginia. They have beaten Liberty Christian twice as well as Abingdon three times, both teams in their bracket. The last couple years they were eliminated by Hidden Valley in the semi-finals. This year they eliminated Hidden Valley in the Regionals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='495264' first='Ela' last='Shepherd']</strong> is a setter/right side that leads her team in kills as well as assists. Ela has committed to Radford. <strong>Blair Self </strong>helps her with the setting. while <strong>Ellie Eddleton</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838582' first='Sophia' last='Russell'] </strong>help at the pins. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='819657' first='Tatum' last='Trotter']</strong> leads the team in blocks while libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='803268' first='Reese' last='Hall']</strong> keeps the action going with her digs and serve receive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alleghany </strong>(23-5) - They were swept by Liberty Christian in the Regional. Fort Defiance, an undefeated powerhouse in Class 2 has given them two of their five losses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Middle <strong>Hannah Hensley</strong> leads the team in kills and ranks second in blocks. Assisting her from the outside are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='770125' first='Ally' last='Cottrell']</strong> and <strong>Ava Lewis.</strong> Setter <strong>Kendra Dressler</strong> runs the offense while libero <strong>Nevaeh Forbes</strong> tries to keep the team in system with her passing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Kent </strong>(19-4) - Since their loss to Grafton New Kent has swept their last four opponents, including Tabb in the Regional finals. Last year the Trojans lost to Grafton in the semi-finals. Fortunately for them, Grafton has been bumped back up to Class 4. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2000</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752065' first='Leah' last='Rounds'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='764689' first='Carly' last='Sachs']</strong> are their two offensive pieces. Leah actually ranks number 211 in our class of 2026. Carly and Leah also lead the team in digs. <strong> Brielle Perry</strong> and <strong>Desirae Stowe</strong> share the setting responsibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Meridian</strong> (17-7) - Getting past Kettle Run has always been a challenge. They did take them to five during the regular season but then got swept in the semi-finals. Fortunately, they will not have to play Kettle Run again until the finals. Unfortunately, they may have to face Christiansburg instead in a semi-final match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None (they did make a semi-final when named George Mason in 2020) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='746620' first='Sahana' last='Cushman']</strong> made the first team for the Northwestern District. The 6'1" middle ranks number 69 in our class of 2028. Also making the first team is left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530363' first='Adelyn' last='Pye']</strong> and <strong>Grace Nowlin</strong>. Adelyn fits in at number 65 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":905333,"width":"348px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/IMG_7488-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-905333" style="width:348px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Evie and [player_tooltip player_id='881169' first='Elyse' last='Ballengee']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liberty Christian</strong> (22-5) - After losing five of their first seven matches early in the season the Bulldogs have gone on a 19 match winning streak.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch - The 6'1" middle/right side<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='229773' first='Evie' last='Ballengee'] </strong>gets the thrill of finishing off sets from her younger sister frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881169' first='Elyse' last='Ballengee']</strong>. Evie ranks number 41 in our class of 2026. The top offensive players on the team are left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845472' first='Emily' last='Cook']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722276' first='Kenstin' last='Phelps']</strong>. Kenstin also sets with Emily taken out in the back row for Elyse to set. One of the few teams that runs setting from the left side position .</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Abingdon</strong> (26-3) - All three of their losses are to Christiansburg, including a four set loss in the Regional finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 1983</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - No players ranked and no stats reported to MaxPreps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kettle Run</strong> (24-1) - Their only loss is to Sherando. Since that loss they have gone on a 20 match win streak, including a five set victory over James Wood. In 2014 they reached the semi-finals, which is as far as they have gotten in a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championship - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch - Sophomore left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755134' first='Ava' last='Ewald']</strong> won a first team selection for the Northwestern District and player of the year for Class 3 during the regular season. Other first team selections include setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881841' first='Bella' last='Carlson']</strong> as well as middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881849' first='Brooke' last='DeAtley']</strong>. <strong>Kyla Jones</strong> also made it as a left side hitter as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tabb</strong> (16-7) - The Tigers have lost to New Kent three times, the last one in the Regional finals. They did appear in the final three times between 2018 to 2021 but lost all three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>Madilyn Prat</strong>t is their offensive star. She plays both pins and middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826321' first='Haley' last='Atkins']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768544' first='Abigail' last='Webb']</strong> also contribute to the offense. Haley also leads the team in blocks. <strong>Ayla Sharp</strong> is their primary setter while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804263' first='Addison' last='Burhite']</strong> controls the back row. Addison also leads the team in aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>John Battle</strong> (18-6) - Three of their six losses have come against Class 3 opponent Abingdon. They have been to 13 semi-finals but have only reached the finals once, losing in 1988 to Fort Definace. Back then sets went to 15, it was best two out of three and you only scored points when you served.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - <strong>Camryn Ratliff </strong>appears to be their biggest offensive threat. She also leads the team in digs and serve receive. Frosh <strong>Jayda Copenhaver </strong>also plays a significant part in their offense. <strong>Grace Carrier </strong>handles the setting duties.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Appomattox County</strong> (24-2) - Their only two losses have come against Amherst County and Radford. The loss against Radford was a Regionals finals battle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800618' first='Regan' last='Shields']</strong> is the major offensive threat. She is a six rotation player with height at 5'10". Sophomore <strong>Sawyer Almond</strong> hits opposite her. The 6'0" middle <strong>Cora Melton</strong> leads the team in blocks while her frosh counterpart <strong>Aislynn Sandman </strong>falls just one block behind her. Another frosh <strong>Callan Shields</strong> is their primary setter. Libero <strong>Paisley Mann </strong>handles the back row responsibilities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Radford </strong>(22-1) - Their only loss came in the second match of the season when they lost to Giles in four sets. Their next match came against Giles resulting in a win. After that they went on a 21 match winning streak. They beat Appomattox in five in the Regional finals. From 2024 to 2019 they had a streak where they appeared in at least the semi-finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2019, 2018, 1984</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Radford has no players ranked by Prep Dig and do not report stats to Maxprep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Central Wise</strong> (9-9) - The Warriors lost to John Battle in a Regional match. Three of their nine losses have come against John Battle. They have only been to one final four in 2012.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - No players named in Prep Dig rankings and they do not report stats to Max Prep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Poquoson</strong> (18-6) - They beat Amelia County in the finals of the Regionals. In 2018 and 2019 they lost to Radford in the state finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Poquoson has no players ranked in our Prep Dig rankings and Poquoson does not report stats to Maxprep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clarke County</strong> (19-6) - They lost three of their first four matches but have recovered since then. Fort Defiance swept them in the Regional finals. Last year they made it to the semi-finals for the first time since 2010.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Clark County has no players in our Prep Dig rankings and they do not report stats to MaxPreps</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fort Defiance</strong> (24-0) - A second undefeated team in classes 1 through 3. The Indians competed in Class 3 in 2022 when they lost to Hidden Valley in the semi-finals. Last year they lost in the Class 2 finals to Ridgeview. They swept past Clarke County in the Regional semi-finals this year. In their last 16 matches they have swept their opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 1995, 1990,1988, 1987 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - One of the more prolific offensive players in Virginia is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720606' first='Maecy' last='Frizzelle'].</strong> She has close to 400 kills, accounting for 45 percent of her team's offense. A six rotation player she leads in service aces and ranks second in digs. Right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845331' first='Caroline' last='Hanger'] </strong>and middle <strong>Livia Clinedinst</strong> assist in the offense. Multi sport athlete <strong>Alexis Miller</strong> is their primary setter, usually running a 5/1. She also plays softball and basketball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809104' first='Norah' last='Anderson']</strong> takes on the libero responsibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amelia County</strong> (18-5) - The Raiders lost to Poquoson in the Regional finals. They have lost to Fort Defiance in a tournament early in the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - They have no players ranked by Prep Dig and they do not report stats to MaxPreps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Luray</strong> (12-12) - Considering they lost their first six matches of the season they have made quite a rebound. The Bulldogs swept their last three opponents, defeating Buffalo Gap in the Regional finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 1988</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Prep Dig ranks no Bulldog players and the team does not report stats to MaxPreps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lancaster </strong>(21-6) - The Red Devils also had a slow start losing three of their first five matches. Middlesex swept them in the Regional finals, the third time they have beaten them this year. Lancaster beat them in a tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships -None </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768375' first='Alexis' last='VerMeer']</strong> deserves to be on the radar. She accounts for close to 50 percent of the Red Devils offense. The 6'1 sophomore can dominate the game with her presence, ranking number 39 in our class of 2028. Setter <strong>Rory Lally</strong> has the responsibility of getting Alexis the ball. Sophomore Libero <strong>Addison George </strong>does her best to keep the team in system. This is a young team that relies on eight sophomores and one frosh. They will have no senior night this year because they have no seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middlesex</strong> (23-2) - Their only two losses have come against Peninsula Catholic and Lancaster in a tournament. They swept Lancaster in the Regional finals, one of three times they have beaten them. They will open against Buffalo Gap. Last year they reached the semi-finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Prep Dig ranks no Middlesex players and the team does not report stats to MaxPreps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Buffalo Gap</strong> (6-17) - Their won/loss record would indicate an early elimination. After taking two matches in the Region they were swept by Luray in the Regional finals. This would be a major story if they rise to win the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - No players ranked by Prep Dig and the team does not report stats to MaxPreps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chilhowie</strong> (21-4) - After defeating Patrick Henry in the Regional finals they got the luxury of playing Auburn, who has won the last six Class 1 state championships. While the Warriors have won their last 13 matches, playing the defending champions is a tough opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - None</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - No players named in the Prep Dig rankings and the team does not report stats to MaxPrep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Auburn</strong> (20-7) - They have won six straight championships but struggled a bit with seven losses. The last two years combined they only recorded six loses. Giles beat them in the Regional finals, a little reversal of the last three state semi-finals when Auburn beat Gilles. In their four matches this year Gils has beaten them all four times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2019 - 2024, 2012 - 2014, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - Despite their success they have no players ranked by prep Dig and the team does not report stats to MaxPrep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":897132,"width":"409px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/sophie-taylor-hitting.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-897132" style="width:409px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Chris Lang [player_tooltip player_id='452562' first='Sophie' last='Taylor']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Giles</strong> (23-2) - Giles has beaten the six time state champs Auburn four times this year. If they both win their first round match they will face each other in the semi-final. Auburn has won three consecutive semi-final state matches against Giles. The only two losses for Giles this year have come against Radford and Grayson County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2020 (class 2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - This year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='452562' first='Sophie' last='Taylor']</strong> broke the VHSL record for career kills, which had recently been broken by <strong>Caleigh Ponn </strong>last year. The 6'1" left side Mississippi commit ranks number seven in our class of 2026. It is not unusual to see her with 40 kills in a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Patrick Henry</strong> (15-10) - The Rebels lost to Chilhowie in the Regional finals. The two matched off four times this season with Patrick Henry winning the first match but then losing the next three. If both teams overcome their first round opponents the two will see each other again in the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships - 2018 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch - No players appear in Prep Dig rankings and the team does not report stats to MaxPrep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->