1-0 Defeated Brookland 3-0

Kate Calhoon Kate Calhoon 5'9" | MB/OH Valley View | 2027 AR is coming off a junior season where she put down 305 kills in 100 sets while hitting an impressive .357. Calhoon is efficient, experienced, and gives Valley View a player they can turn to when they need a point. She can attack from multiple spots across the front row, making her a tough matchup to prepare for.

The Lady Blazers also get senior Peyton Prater Peyton Prater 5'8" | OH/DS/L Valley View | 2027 State AR back after an injury ended her season early last year. Add seniors Lynnli Jo Thomas Lynnli Jo Thomas 5'7" | DS/L Valley View | 2027 AR and Mary Kate Rees, along with juniors Carleigh Cullen, who also battled an injury this summer, and Meredith Supine Meredith Supine 5'11" | MB/RS Valley View | 2028 AR , and Valley View has plenty of experience surrounding Calhoon.

There may be a little extra motivation in this one as well. Marion got the better of Valley View twice last season, winning 3-1 and then surviving a 3-2 battle. The Lady Blazers haven’t forgotten. They are healthy, experienced, and ready to give the defending champs all they want this time around.

Kate Calhoon Kate Calhoon 5'9" | MB/OH Valley View | 2027 AR put together a big junior season for Valley View, finishing with 305 kills in 100 sets while hitting an impressive .357. I look for Valley View to be a challenger in the 5A-East and they will give teams fits.

Calhoon brings a lot of versatility to the Lady Blazers’ front row. She can play all three spots, has a quick arm, and does a great job of finding different ways to score. I’ve watched her go against bigger blocks and it doesn’t seem to bother her. She’ll change the angle, find the seam, or just go right after them.

Now she’s a senior, and Valley View will be counting on her even more. After 305 kills last season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that number climb. If the Lady Blazers are making a run to Hot Springs, expect Calhoon to be right in the middle of it and firmly in the Player of the Year conversation.