Chris Tobolski

The So Cal Invitational takes place Friday and Saturday at Alliant University in San Diego. It features 23 teams in Division 1 and another 24 schools in Division 2. The first and second-place teams in each pool advance to Saturday qualifying with hopes of making the eight-team gold bracket. The event features mostly California schools but does have teams like Coronado NV, Perry AZ, Lake Stevens WA and Oviedo FL making the trip. Below, we highlight the top seven seeds plus more players to watch for this weekend. TEAM SPOTLIGHTS Coronado NV – The Cougars’ only loss to an in-state foe this season came at the hands of Bishop Gorman NV. They’ll see if they can hold down the top seed behind kill leader and junior outside Abigail Paulson. Also playing keys roles are outside Angelina Sayles, senior setter Camdyn Carpenter, junior setter Hannah Pemberton and senior libero Mia Arambula. Del Norte – The Nighthawks have beaten teams like Torrey Pines and La Costa Canyon this season and certainly have what it takes to finish on top here. Defenses need to be aware of senior outside Jillian Neal at all times. Kamehameha/Hawaii HI – The Warriors make the trip back to the mainland after competing at the Durango Fall Classic weeks ago. Among those making key contributions are senior libero Leisey Kelii, junior outside Maela Honma and senior outside Sarah Schubert. Eastlake – The Titans will look to make noise this weekend and turn a few heads. They did lose a non-league contest against Kamehameha earlier in the week. Senior right side Bianca Merloti, senior libero Avery Banaag and junior outside Lily Stewart all do their parts in helping the team find ways to win. Perry AZ – The Pumas have played a tough schedule, seeing a lot of the best schools in Arizona. Can they find success out-of-state? Senior outside Avery Burks, senior outside Amy Whalin and sophomore middle Kenna Cogill are the main threats on offense. Westview – The tournament hosts will look to write a winning script and pull off surprises along the way. Senior outside Ella Alibegovic and junior libero Makenna Roberts are integral parts of the lineup. JSerra – The Lions play a tough enough schedule and won’t back down from anyone. There’s lots to like on this roster, including junior setter Delaney Hughes, freshman setter Sara Moynihan, junior middle Tatum Johnson, freshman outside Charlotte Nowack and sophomore right side Ruby Hill. *** MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH Madison Triplett JR OH El Capitan Madelyn Wutske SO OH El Capitan Isabella Christensen SR OH Lake Stevens WA Laura Eichert FR OH Lake Stevens WA Katelyn Eichert JR S Lake Stevens WA Fallyn Blotzer SO OH Santiago Maylynn Mitchell SO OH Santiago Hannah Guzzetti SR MB Santiago Jannah Jonick SO MB Rancho Bernardo Natalie Ratkiewicz SO OH Rancho Bernardo Kiki Remensperger JR S Poway

The Molten Varsity Power Classic hosted by Redondo Union is on the schedule Friday and Saturday. The Nike TOC Southwest last weekend marked the last major national tournament this season as teams around the country wrap up their tournament schedule with local events. Outside of Casteel AZ making the trip, the remaining 26 teams in the field are from California, including host Redondo and No. 7 ranked Mira Costa. They are part of a small group of favorites which we highlight below, along with some more players to watch for. TEAM SPOTLIGHTS Let’s take a look at the four tournament favorites: Mira Costa – The Mustangs are coming off a runner-up showing at the Nike TOC Southwest tournament last weekend when they finished second to Cornerstone Christian TX. They picked up a key Bay League victory over ranked Palos Verdes on Tuesday and will look to finish its week with its second tournament title of the year after claiming the Ann Kang Invitational title back in August. Junior setter and Wisconsin commit Charlie Fuerbringer has a trio of hitters who have carried the offense in senior outside Drew Wright, senior right side Tanon Rosenthal and junior outside Chloe Hynes. Meanwhile, sophomore Taylor Deckert continues to shine at libero. Redondo Union – The Sea Hawks are among the handful of teams capable of winning the title. They’ve faced a difficult schedule all season and will look to gear up for the end of league and the start of the playoffs with a strong showing. The team has been paced by senior outside and Oklahoma commit Mele Corral-Blagojevich as Redondo has utilized a variety of lineups throughout the year.  Lakewood – The Lancers are a feisty group who can give anyone fits with their athletic lineup. San Diego State commit and senior setter Fatimah Hall does an excellent job guiding the offense and setting her hitters up for success. It includes senior outside Samarah DaCoud and junior outside Jade Epps, as well as junior middle Zaria Thornton. Torrey Pines – There are a couple of key matches remaining for the Falcons against Cathedral Catholic and a league rematch with La Costa Canyon. But first up is this weekend where they could face a pair of familiar opponents in Mira Costa and Redondo. Torrey Pines defeated Redondo earlier this year and more recently lost to Mira Costa. Freshman outside hitter Finley Krystkowiak continues to be the main target of senior setter Nikki Quinn. Senior middle Grace Flanagan scores at a high percentage and is another weapon while senior Katerina Lutz leads the defensive effort at libero. *** MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH Anabel Kotzakov SR OH Newport Harbor Madyson Smith SR MB Aliso Niguel Nicole Feliciano SR S/RS Aliso Niguel Danet Whiting SR L Aliso Niguel Grace Witcher SR OH Liberty Bakersfield Emma Fredrick SR OH Liberty Bakersfield Jordan Taulua SR OH Bishop Montgomery Zoe Morales SR L Bishop Montgomery Jada Stone SR S Oxnard Anika Huelskamp SR OH Oxnard Kalyssa Blackshear SO MB Torrance M’kera Drake SR MB Summit Aidan Goodrich SR MB Clovis West Kayleigh May SR S Thousand Oaks Nina Hemsley FR MB Rancho Cucamonga Joyce Shih JR OH Rancho Cucamonga Tori Davis SR MB West Ranch Kennedy Osunsanmi JR RS West Ranch Sophia Lynch SR OH West Ranch Hailie McGinest JR OH LB Poly

We released our updated Top 50 HS National Rankings this week. We’ll continue doing so until the end of the state playoffs next month, when we award a national champion. For now, we check in and spotlight 15 teams from the Top 50 to see how their seasons are coming along. McCutcheon IN (3 – national ranking) – The Mavericks have ascended the rankings riding a 24-1 mark entering the week. Yorktown is the only team to notch a win over McCutcheon this season, with it coming in tournament play in late August. McCutcheon opened the season with a victory over Hamilton Southeastern. The duo of Purdue commits in senior outside Chloe Chicoine and junior setter Allie Shondell have been instrumental. Also contributing have been junior outside Isabella Humphrey and sophomore middle Reanna Lee, who leads the team in blocks. Marian MI (5) – The Mustangs have dropped just four sets as they began the week 27-0. Senior setter and Kentucky commit Ava Sarafa has directed a potent attack. It features sophomore outside Isabelle Busignani as the kill leader. Also involved in the offense consistently is senior pin hitters Ella Schomer and Molly Banta, as well as senior middle Reagan Sass. St. James Academy KS (8) – The Thunder came into the week sporting a 21-1 record. The only setback occurred against Aquinas, with a rematch looming Oct. 6. Sophomore setter Reese Messer has done well running a balanced attack. Juniors Julia Headley, Ava Spachek and Ella Goodwin, as well as senior Kate McKnight, are all threats. Junior Mya Bolton has been a defensive spark at libero.   Hamilton Southeastern (12) – The Royals are another school putting together a terrific season. They started the week 25-1 with the only loss coming to McCutcheon. The trio of senior Avery Hobson, junior Lauren Harden and sophomore Lindsey Mangelson have been lethal on the pins and frequent targets of junior setter Macy Hinshaw and sophomore setter Ava Hunter. Highland Park TX (11) – The Scots entered the week riding an 11-match winning streak to stretch their record to 32-2. Both losses came to Prestonwood Christian TX during tournament play. Highland Park has established itself as the 6A favorite for the state playoffs and have been propelled by UCLA commit and senior outside Sydney Breon and senior libero and Georgia Tech commit Zoe Winford. Senior middle and Michigan commit Ceci Gooch has also played a key role, as has sophomore right side Alex Richter and sophomore outside Isabella Ocampo. Washburn Rural KS (14) – The Blues are powering along, posting a 19-1 mark at the week’s start. The team started the year with a big victory over Aquinas then suffered its only loss to date in the second outing going down to St. James Academy. Kentucky commit and senior outside Brooklyn DeLeye is the featured attacker. Cypress Ranch TX (15) – The Mustangs have played like 6A contenders, running their mark to 34-2 entering this week which includes an 18-match winning streak. Cypress Ranch suffered an upset loss to Tompkins and another one to Cornerstone Christian at Volleypalooza. Senior outside and Texas AM commit Bianna Muoneke has been supercharging the attack, Sophomore outside Taylor Porter has turned in a solid season, as has senior middle Janyah Henderson. Aquinas KS (17) – The Saints have done well with a challenging schedule. They came into the week 24-3. Victories have come against St. James Academy, Liberty MO, Skutt Catholic NE and St. Teresa’s Academy MO, as well as splitting a pair of matches with Liberty North MO. The Saints have also lost a pair of contests to Washburn Rural. Yale commit and senior pin hitter Betsy Goodenow is leading the charge, along with sophomore outside Alea Goolsby and senior libero Reagan Anderson. Lincoln Southwest NE (18) – The Silver Hawks started the week sitting at 17-2. The two defeats have come against Marian and Omaha Westside. The Silver Hawks also own a victory over both schools, as well as Papillion-LaVista South. Senior outside Alexa Gobel leads the team in kills. Junior setter Malayah Long and junior libero Teagan Little have also turned in solid seasons. Liberty MO (20) – The Blue Jays started the week 25-1, with the lone loss to Aquinas. Key wins have come against Olathe Northwest KS, St. Teresa’s and Liberty North. Sophomore outside Abigail Mullen is leading the team in kills, while sister and senior setter Ashley Mullen – a UCLA commit – is directing the attack. Junior Macy Bartlett is the libero and leading the way in digs. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (27) – The Lancers – 18-0 at week’s beginning – have proven themselves as the best team in Nor Cal and a state title contender. Junior outside Taylor Williams and junior outside Erin Curtis have been key components in the attack and frequent targets of senior setter Havannah Hoeft. Defensively, it’s been junior Whitney Wallace holding down the back court at libero. Liberty North MO (29) – The Eagles are having a fantastic season, entering this week with a 20-3 record. Blue Valley West KS was able to upset Liberty North a few weeks ago, with the other two losses coming against higher-ranked schools in Aquinas KS and Liberty. The Eagles were able to avenge the loss to Aquinas this past weekend, also picking up a strong victory over Fayetteville AR. Junior outside and Arizona commit Carlie Cisneros is having a big season and leading the Eagles in kills. Senior Abby Christian has turned in a strong performance at libero. Plano West TX (34) – The Wolves, who started the week at 23-2, suffered two losses in mid-August and none since. They came to Lovejoy and Reedy. The Wolves have since defeated Lovejoy to avenge one of the setbacks. Pitt commit and senior outside Blaire Bayless is having a monster year as she has twice as many kills as the next closest player. Ursuline Academy OH (35) – The Lions are in the thick of the Division

There was very little movement within the Top 25 this week and very minor movement inside the Top 10. With Cornerstone Christian TX defeating Mira Costa CA in the finals of the Nike TOC Southwest tournament over the weekend, the Warriors jumped the Mustangs in this week’s rankings, moving up to No. 4 while Mira Costa slid to No. 7. We are nearing district, sectional and regional finals, which along with the state playoffs, are going to give shape to our final rankings out in November. For now, five new schools joined the Top 50 this week. vballrecruiter.com TOP 50 1. Cathedral Catholic CA (1 – last week’s ranking) 2. Westminster Christian FL (2) 3. McCutcheon IN (3) 4. Cornerstone Christian TX (5) 5. Marian MI (7) 6. Prestonwood Christian TX (7) 7. Mira Costa CA (4) 8. St. James Academy KS (8) 9. Santa Fe FL (9) 10. Oconomowoc WI (10) *** 11. Highland Park TX (11) 12. Hamilton Southeastern IN (12) 13. Sierra Canyon CA (13) 14. Washburn Rural KS (14) 15. Cypress Ranch TX (16) 16. Marymount CA (17) 17. Aquinas KS (19) 18. Lincoln Southwest NE (23) 19. Mother McAuley IL (15) 20. Liberty MO (24) *** 21. Brebeuf Jesuit IN (25) 22. Fayetteville AR (18) 23. ‘Iolani HI (22) 24. Yorktown IN (28) 25. Benet Academy IL (30) 26. Papillion-LaVista South NE (32) 27. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (39) 28. North Gwinnett GA (40) 29. Liberty North (n/r) 30. Assumption KY (20) *** 31. Corona del Sol AZ (29) 32. Torrey Pines CA (34) 33. Dike-New Hartford IA (35) 34. Plano West TX (46) 35. Ursuline Academy OH (27) 36. Mercy MI (36) 37. Skyline MI (38) 38. Palos Verdes CA (41) 39. Magnificat OH (31) 40. Valor Christian CO (n/r) *** 41. Redondo Union CA (43) 42. Mater Dei CA (44) 43. Millennium AZ (47) 44. St. Ursula Academy OH (37) 45. Mountain View UT (45) 46. Reagan NC (n/r) 47. Punahou HI (33) 48. Archbishop Mitty CA (49) 49. Flint Hill VA (n/r) 50. Skutt Catholic NE (n/r) *** Out: Huntley; Mercy McAuley; Barrington; Rock Bridge; Hamilton In: Liberty North; Reagan; Flint Hill; Valor Christian; Skutt Catholic *** HONORABLE MENTION Huntley IL Mercy McAuley OH Barrington IL Rock Bridge MO Eureka MO Hamilton AZ Horizon AZ Mount Notre Dame OH Xavier IO Ankeny IO Lyons IL Notre Dame Academy KY Mercy KY Wayzata MN Lakeville North MN Northfield MN Marshall MN Pickens SC Dorman SC Cardinal Newman SC Nolensville TN Knoxville Catholic TN Cleveland TN Pope GA Buford GA Alpharetta GA Sequoyah GA Lake Catholic OH Rock Canyon CO Heritage CO Legend CO Chaparral CO Trinity Catholic FL Olathe Northwest KS Lincoln-Way East IL Vista Murrieta CA Harvard-Westlake CA Alemany CA Calvary Christian FL Tampa Prep FL Tompkins TX Bryon Nelson TX Bishop Watterson OH Ardrey Kell NC Millbrook NC Kamehameha HI Moanalua HI Jackson Academy MS Ponte Vedra FL Venice FL O’Connor AZ Divine Savior Holy Angels WI Appleton North WI Burlington WI Hamilton WI Timpview UT

Attending the Nike TOC Southwest tournament this past weekend in the greater Phoenix area was a blast. For the first time, the event was staged in one location at the Bell Bank Park. As expected, the volleyball was high level, with Cornerstone Christian TX bringing the heat and heading home with the championship. We already highlighted under the radar players we witnessed and now it’s time to get to the Show Stoppers. These are the players who caught our attention the most. Nayeli Gonzalez SR MB Cornerstone Christian TX – Gonzalez – an Iowa State commit – is the heartbeat of the Warriors and she performed as such. Her willingness to play out of position in the middle and not be on the court for all six rotations is the definition of selfless. She has a big, booming arm and simply can overpower opponents at times. Taylor Anderson SR S Cornerstone Christian TX – Anderson – a Purdue commit – is used to running a 5-1 in club but is also making a sacrifice running a 6-2 so the Warriors can implement all their weapons. She’s smooth and consistent with her sets and had an amazing stretch with four consecutive blocks to turn the tide of the third set of the final in a major way. Macey Hughes SO RS Cornerstone Christian TX – A 6-2 lefty, Hughes could be considered the unsung hero. She has a knack for coming up with timely kills or blocks and is a reason why it comes from everywhere when it comes to the Warriors’ attack. Kaia Thiele SO S Cornerstone Christian TX – Thiele did well when it was her turn to set across the back row. She connected well with all her hitters and was strong going behind her and keeping defenses off guard. Grace Carroll JR RS Cornerstone Christian TX – A 6-3 Baylor commit, this 4-star recruit had a great weekend. Carroll was tough to slow and came through with plenty of impressive kills. Alyssa Manitzas SR L Cornerstone Christian TX – We love the fiery nature and energy Manitzas – a Notre Dame commit – brings to the lineup. She’s an absolute stud who gets after it every point with maximum effort. Megan Fitch SO OH Cornerstone Christian TX – A 5-star recruit, the thought of Fitch only getting better is a scary one. She’s a composed sophomore who doesn’t back down from the moment. She’s not afraid of taking big swings and is someone the Warriors will go to when clutch points are needed. Charlie Fuerbringer JR S Mira Costa CA – There’s a lot that can be said of this 5-star Wisconsin commit. Mira Costa doesn’t have the big arms and bangers like others they have encountered but Fuerbringer helps make up for a lot of it with her setting skills and ability to direct an offense. Taylor Deckert SO L Mira Costa CA – Deckert is smooth and steady and doesn’t seem to get rattled. She’s not someone who gets served very often because opponents know to keep the ball away from her. Erin Inskeep SR OH Mira Costa CA – With teammate Drew Wright out for Saturday’s action, Inskeep brought her beach skills to the floor and was instrumental in the Mustangs reaching the final. She’s a solid passer and heady attacker and Mira Costa definitely need her play to make it that far. *** Tanon Rosenthal SR RS Mira Costa CA – Rosenthal continues to bring value to the lineup. She can set in the back row at times, though she’s used more for her attacking. She helps spread out of the offense and stays aggressive. Babi Gubbins JR OH Mater Dei CA – Gubbins certainly had her moments. She’s asked to carry a good-sized load offensively and her various shots can keep defenses guessing. Isabel Clark JR OH Mater Dei CA – There’s times when Clark – a San Diego commit – destroys balls. It that’s type of attacking that can make Mater Dei dangerous no matter the opponent. Malyssa Cawa JR L Mater Dei CA – Cawa was steady out of serve receive and did well keeping Mater Dei in system. She moves well and can make up ground in keeping plays alive. Torrey Stafford SR OH Marymount CA – Plenty has already been said about this 5-star recruit and Pitt commit. Stafford is an integral component as to why the Sailors continue to put together a successful season despite losing so much from last year’s national championship team. She’s a highlight reel who delivers some of the biggest kills in the gym. Lauren Brooker SR S Marymount CA – Brooker has turned in a steady season and kept it up in Phoenix. At 6-2, she’s a taller setter who knows how to get her hitters involved by mixing it up. She can also be called upon to hit in the front row if the Sailors want some more offense. Kendal Murphy SR OH Horizon AZ – The 4-star Baylor commit is well-known to those who follow the sport. She’s a great competitor with high IQ. She’s the go-to hitter and when the Huskies need something to happen they turn to her. Teraya Sigler SO OH Horizon AZ – Sigler – a 5-star recruit who was finally eligible to play this week – shows what she brings to the lineup. She’s an all-around contributor with her passing and hitting. And watch out when she gets a hold of one! Grace Greenlee SR MB Horizon AZ – At 6-3, Greenlee brings height to the middle. Defenses need to be aware because when in system the Huskies love to go to Greenlee. She’s a big arm and sent booming kills down. Kierstyn Barton SR OH Corona del Sol AZ – Barton – a Washington commit – was sharp and a big part of the Aztecs’ success. At 6-2, she has height and is a physical attacker who is aggressive and keeps the pressure

With seven of the top eight seeds advancing to Saturday’s quarterfinals of the Nike TOC Southwest tournament in the greater Phoenix area, you knew a climatic conclusion was coming. The way it played out left top-seeded Cornerstone Christian TX opposite of second-seeded Mira Costa CA in the championship match. As the teams prepped for the third and final set, there were national rankings and national championship implications on the line. When Cornerstone Christian prevailed in three, 25-23, 26-28, 15-8, not only did the Warriors capture the coveted trophy but they kept themselves in the mix for vballrecruiter.com’s national championship race as well. “It was such an amazing group of teams they put together,” Cornerstone coach Mike Carter said. “The level of play was unbelievable. The opportunity these high schools girls get to play kids from all over the country is amazing.” Cornerstone came into the two-day event ranked No. 5 nationally, one spot behind No. 4 Mira Costa. The Warriors – a private school from San Antonio – only has a handful of matches left in its season and barring a massive, massive upset will finish in the Top 5 in our final rankings. While Cathedral Catholic CA and Westminster Christian FL have the inside track toward our national championship over Cornerstone, should either stumble in their remaining matches it opens the door for the Warriors, who pushed their record to 49-2 overall after topping Mira Costa. One of Cornerstone’s losses came in early August to The Woodlands TX, the same team Cornerstone beat in the finals of that tournament to avenge the defeat. The other setback came against Westminster Christian in the finals of the Nike TOC Southeast in Tampa Bay in September. That’s another reason beating Mira Costa felt so good for the Warriors because it would’ve been hard to stomach another second-place showing and losing in three sets once more in a tournament championship. “Our ball control was really good,” Carter said. “We are a large team and down the stretch we really controlled the net. Our setting was on point and we have some powerful hitters. I actually thought we got two blocks at the end of the second set that against anyone else would’ve ended the match but they picked them up and scored points and sent it to a third. I was glad to see our block made a difference at the end.” Cornerstone was holding onto an 8-5 advantage midway through the final set when the Warriors recorded five consecutive blocks. Four came at the hands of senior setter Taylor Anderson – who hadn’t played across the front row very much at all during the tournament – and one from senior middle blocker Nayeli Gonzalez, whose offense overpowered Mira Costa at times. “I think that was the best team we played all year,” Mira Costa coach Cam Green said. “They passed great and they have girls who absolutely bomb balls. To scrap and win the second set and put ourselves in a position to win the match was giant. That team was really, really good and well-coached. It could’ve gone either way but they had a couple big plays and stretched it out a little too far at the end.” It was the first tournament action for the Mustangs since winning the Ann Kang Invitational in Hawaii back in August. There, Mira Costa lost to Sierra Canyon CA in pool play before beating the Trailblazers in a rematch in the final. This past weekend in Phoenix, Mira Costa avenged its only other loss of the year before facing Cornerstone when the Mustangs topped Mater Dei CA in the semifinals, 22-25, 25-18, 15-8. Mater Dei swept Mira Costa in the Mustangs’ first match after getting back from Hawaii, when the Mustangs had five players sitting out for disciplinary reasons. Additionally, Mira Costa played Saturday without its top outside hitter in senior Drew Wright, who was taking her SATs. Losing to Cornerstone – Mira Costa’s third loss of the year – all but eliminated the Mustangs from national championship contention. Had Mira Costa defeated Cornerstone and won out on the season – which would mean winning CIF-SS Div. 1 and CIF State Open Division titles – the Mustangs would have an argument, especially if they were able to beat No. 1 and undefeated Cathedral Catholic CA during the state playoffs. “To say I’m incredibly proud of this group is an understatement,” Green said. “They show so much fight and grit and never lose their composure. It always feels like we have a chance and that’s pretty cool even without our No. 1 outside hitter. It was huge for us to beat Mater Dei without her. It’s the way we played all season.” Mira Costa was the only team to take a set off of Cornerstone during the weekend. After sweeping pool play on Friday, Cornerstone took care of Faith Lutheran NV in morning qualifying Saturday before downing Horizon AZ in the quarters and Marymount CA in the semis. Mira Costa topped Queen Creek AZ in qualifying before outlasting Millennium AZ in three in the quarters. “Every kid had a chance to play and contribute to earning a medal,” Carter said. “It’s a good feeling.”

Ever eaten chips and salsa and there’s that one bite that seems to have all the spiciness? That was Notre Dame Prep AZ in the National Division on Day 1 of the Nike TOC Southwest tournament in the greater Phoenix area. While all the heavy hitters (top seeds) advanced into the 16-team qualifying round Saturday morning, it was the Saints pulling the surprise and forging their way into the mix in unexpected fashion. Could they be one of the eight teams to advance to the platinum bracket and continue to shock everyone when play continues Saturday? Why not? I mean, as a No. 4 team there was no way Notre Dame was supposed to break ranks and remain in contention. And not only did the Saints go to bed Friday night knowing they still had a chance to continue their underdog run, they will do so having won their Day 1 pool as the No. 4 team! That happens about as often as a blood moon. However, it was in the stars Friday for Notre Dame Prep, which upset No. 6 Hamilton AZ, 22-25, 25-17, 15-9, on its way to a 3-0 showing in Pool F. The Saints also took care of Dunbar KY and Santa Fe Christian CA, both in straight sets, to come out of the pool unscathed and make waves as the only No. 4 team in any pool to stay in the hunt for the championship. Notre Dame Prep was the lowest seed to advance but not the only team to pull an upset to move on. Faith Lutheran NV, Sacred Heart Academy KY and Vista Murrieta CA – all Nos. 3 teams in their respective pools – each finished second behind the Nos. 1 teams and are in the Top 16 Saturday morning. As for the top eight seeds, outside of Hamilton they fared very well. Of the remaining seven top seeds, only Mater Dei CA dropped a set. It came in a three-set victory, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12, over Xavier Prep AZ. The third set was tied at 12 before the Monarchs rolled off the final three points on a kill from Babi Gubbins followed by a kill from Cymarah Gordon and block by Gordon and Preston Johnson. Outside of that, Cornerstone Christian TX, Mira Costa CA, Marymount CA, Corona del Sol AZ, Millennium AZ and Horizon AZ – all Nos. 1 teams in their pool – each went 6-0 in winning their pools. Here’s how Saturday’s morning matches to get to the final eight stack up: *** TEAM SPOTLIGHTS In our preview earlier this week, we took a look at the top eight seeds. Here’s a closer look at a few of the other teams to make it to the Top 16. Notre Dame Prep AZ – The Saints have done well riding the arm of junior outside Evan Hendrix and the dishing ability of senior setter Lexi Yoza. They have helped the team to a 17-4 mark after Friday’s play. The team has also received solid play from rookie libero Cassidy Graninger. The freshman is averaging 3.3 digs per set. Meanwhile, senior middle Kennedy Graninger is second on the team in kills. Queen Creek AZ – The Bulldogs survived a tough pool Friday, beating a strong Timpview UT squad in the 2 v 3 match to advance. It was the same Timpview team that made the Top 16 at the Durango Fall Classic two weekends ago. Leading the way is junior outside Blaykli Bobik. Queen Creek has also received major contributions from freshman outside Madisyn Crnjac, who is second in kills. The Bulldogs also rely on an underclassman in the backrow in sophomore libero Izzy Mahaffey. Sunnyslope AZ – The Vikings have turned in a few impressive wins this season, including victories over Horizon, Millennium and Corona del Sol. They took care of Desert Vista AZ and Bishop’s CA before losing to Marymount in the last contest. Most of the players the Vikings rely on are non-seniors. It includes sophomore setter Kaia Pixler, junior libero Andie Purdy, sophomore outside Georgi Stein, junior outside Mikayla Shepston and sophomore right side Laney Wilson. Bishop Gorman NV – The Gaels clinched a spot in the Top 16 with victories against Sunrise Mountain AZ and Mead WA before going down to Corona del Sol in the 1 v 2 matchup. Bishop Gorman has a tremendous freshman talent in outside Ayanna Watson. Both middles in senior Katelyn Eberwein and junior Ashley Duckworth hit at high percentage while junior outside Leilia Toailoa is the team’s kill leader. Faith Lutheran NV – The Crusaders swept Ontario Christian CA in their first match then held off Arcadia AZ in three to earn second place. The day ended with a loss to Mira Costa. Junior outside Bianca Richardson is the go-to hitter who the Crusaders rely on to produce a lot of offense. Senior Haylee Strong is a reliable option in the middle as well while junior Italya Cloyd chips in on the right side. *** UNDER THE RADAR PLAYERS Erin Clark FR L Corona del Sol AZ Ella Lomigora MB SR Corona del Sol AZ Maggie Beauer JR RS Corona del Sol AZ Genesis Casillas SR OH Cornerstone Christian TX Natalie Adams SR S Cornerstone Christian TX Sydney Metcalf JR OH Queen Creek AZ Lucinda Scheurn MB SR Queen Creek AZ Olivia Lenz SO L Xavier Prep AZ Ava Larkin SR S/RS Xavier Prep AZ Rebecca Liu FR MB Bishop’s CA Shelby Gorospe MB SR Sunrise Mountain AZ Emily Pruitt JR OH Sunrise Mountain AZ Angie Cooper SR OH Santa Fe Christian CA Gia Rivera FR RS Notre Dame Belmont CA Talea Mitchell JR MB Millennium AZ GG Greenlee SR MB Horizon AZ Brielle Wilson SO S Mead WA Cassie Moeller JR OH Mead WA Danikah Johnson JR MB Mead WA Italya Cloyd JR RS Faith Lutheran NV Bianca Richardson JR OH Faith Lutheran NV Madison Baker SR OH Ontario Christian CA Silina Damuni SR S Timpview UT Taylah Kaufusi

Tournament season is winding down but isn’t over yet. Lucky for us, because one of the premier events has yet to be played. That’ll change this coming Friday and Saturday as 32 teams from nine states participate in the National Division of the Nike TOC Southwest tournament in the greater Phoenix area. The two-day extravaganza also features a 24-team Premier Division and a 12-school Elite Division. All matches take place at Bell Bank Park in Mesa. The National field features a couple of top-ranked schools in No. 4 Mira Costa CA and No. 5 Cornerstone Christian TX. While they are the favorites the field is certainly strong enough that neither is guaranteed of anything. Plenty teams are good enough to upstage the top two seeds and walk away with the championship. Below we run through the top contenders and players to watch as we get ready for an exciting and entertaining weekend. vballrecruiter.com Nationally-Ranked Teams No. 4 Mira Costa CA No. 5 Cornerstone Christian TX No. 17 Marymount CA No. 29 Corona del Sol AZ No. 44 Mater Dei CA No. 47 Millennium AZ No. 50 Hamilton AZ *** Teams By State Alaska (1) – South Anchorage Arizona (12) – Queen Creek; Arcadia; Xavier Prep; Sunnyslope; Desert Vista; Corona del Sol; Sunrise Mountain; Hamilton; Notre Dame Prep; Millennium; Salpointe Catholic; Horizon California (9) – Mira Costa; Ontario Christian; Mater Dei; Los Alamitos; Marymount; Bishop’s; Santa Fe Christian; Notre Dame Belmont; Vista Murrieta Idaho (1) – Eagle Kentucky (2) – Dunbar; Sacred Heart Academy Nevada (3) – Shadow Ridge; Faith Lutheran; Bishop Gorman Texas (1) – Cornerstone Christian Utah (1) – Timpview Washington (2) – Emerald Ridge; Mead *** TEAM SPOTLIGHTS A look at the top eight seeds (in order): Cornerstone Christian TX – A case can be made for the Warriors playing the toughest schedule in the nation. The Volleypalooza champions also finished runner up at the Nike TOC Southeast tournament, losing in the final to Westminster Christian FL. Up next is the trip to Arizona to test their talent against a slate of West Coast schools. The offense is built around senior Nayeli Gonzalez and sophomore Megan Fitch. Junior Grace Carroll and sophomore Macey Hughes are right side options while senior Rylee Busse is another choice on the left. The Warriors can run a 5-1 with senior Taylor Anderson or utilize a 6-2 with Anderson and sophomore Kaia Thiele. The backrow is taken care of by senior libero Alyssa Manitzas. Mira Costa CA – The Ann Kang Invitational champs haven’t played a tournament since winning in Hawai’i. The Mustangs picked up a key league victory over Redondo Union on Tuesday, winning in five sets. The team is led by junior S/RS Charlie Fuerbringer. Another key component is senior outside Drew Wright. Senior S/RS Tanon Rosenthal and junior Chloe Hynes also will get in on the attack. At libero it’s sophomore Taylor Deckert. Mater Dei CA – Mater Dei finished ninth at the Durango Fall Classic and should factor into the mix here. Junior outsides Isabel Clark and Babi Gubbins see the majority of the sets. Other contributors on offense include junior right side Cymarah Gordon, senior middle Liz Hertzog and freshman right side Layli Ostovar. Defensively, it’s junior Malyssa Cawa suiting up at libero. Marymount CA – The Sailors have played in two tournaments so far, finishing runner up at both Dave Mohs and the Durango Fall Classic. Is another finals appearance on tap here? Leading the charge is senior stud and outside hitter Torrey Stafford. Other options for senior setter Lauren Brooker includes junior outside Kate Martin and freshman right side Samantha Destler. Senior Alexa Trapani holds down the back row playing libero. Corona del Sol AZ – The Aztecs are having a strong year, having only lost once so far. The only team to defeat Corona del Sol is Sunnyslope, a team the Aztecs have also defeated. Senior right side Kierstyn Barton is the big arm defenses need to be most concerned about. She’s backed by senior middle Ella Lomigora and sophomore outside Alyssa Aguayo. Junior Julia Owens directs the offense. Hamilton AZ – The Huskies have a strong mix of upper and underclassmen contributing. Senior outside Neomi Beach is the kill leader. Behind her is freshman outside Mikayla Haner, freshman pin hitter Nia Curry and sophomore middle Ava Anderson. At the setting position is senior Melia Barlow and at libero is senior Lauren Mullings. Millennium AZ – The Tigers started the week having lost just once, to Sunnyslope in tournament action. The main offensive threat is senior outside Eryn Jones. Junior outside Anne Brauckmiller is another player defenses need to key on. The Tigers run a 6-2 with senior Ava Krienitz and junior Allison Wilson splitting the setting duties. Horizon AZ – The Huskies can be a dangerous foe for anybody. Senior outside Kendal Murphy is a big-time player and the team’s kill leader. Also watch for senior outside Sarah Wadsworth and senior middle GG Greenlee to be targets of sophomore setter Avery Ashcraft. *** MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH Kaia Pixler SO S Sunnyslope AZ Mikayla Shepston JR OH Sunnyslope AZ Georgi Stein SO OH Sunnyslope AZ Taliah Lee SR OH Timpview UT Silina Damuni SR S Timpview UT Tiana Mariner SO L Timpview UT Madison Crnjac FR OH Queen Creek AZ Blaykli Bobik JR OH Queen Creek AZ Izzy Mahaffey SO L Queen Creek AZ Alexis Luszeck SR MB Shadow Ridge NV Aivry Makaiwi SR L Shadow Ridge NV Bianca Richardson JR OH Faith Lutheran NV Tatum Longnecker SR S Arcadia AZ Zoe Leonard JR OH Arcadia AZ Elon Milroy JR RS Los Alamitos CA Ashley Repetti SO OH Los Alamitos CA Taylor Hofland SR MB Los Alamitos CA Finley Workman JR OH Xavier Prep AZ Elle McCreery SO MB Xavier Prep AZ Vivian Hickman FR OH Xavier Prep AZ Blythe Manson SR OH Emerald Ridge WA Grace Wesenberg JR OH Emerald Ridge WA Sydney Bold SR L Bishop’s CA Ayanna Watson FR OH

The Asics Challenge hosted by Mother McAuley of Chicago takes place Friday and Saturday at the host school plus two more sites. It features 24 teams spread across eight pools of three. The pool winners from Day 1 meet in an eight-team gold bracket on Day 2. vballrecruiter.com will be on hand providing coverage of the event. Below, we give a rundown of teams and players to watch for. vballrecruiter.com Nationally-Ranked Teams No. 15 Mother McAuley IL No. 20 Assumption KY No. 21 Huntley IL *** TEAM SPOTLIGHTS Taking a look at the top eight seeds in the field (in order): Mother McAuley IL – The Macs, who captured the LIVT championship at the beginning of the month, suffered their first loss in a setback against Marist last week. Junior outside Ellie White is the heartbeat of the team, leading the way with 240 kills and hitting .403. She’s backed by sophomore outside Sydney Buchanan and junior middle Ellery Rees. McAuley runs a 6-2 with senior setters Tess Hayes and Olivia Klapp and is anchored on defense by senior libero Gigi Navarrete. Assumption KY – The Rockets are preparing for their final tournament of the regular season. Before that though, Assumption is set to face Mother McAuley on Thursday in a lone-standing match. Assumption finished runner-up to the Macs at the LIVT and came in sixth at the Durango Fall Classic. The team relies a lot on junior outside Charlotte Moriarty, the team’s kill leader. Senior setter Whitney Woodrow is at her best when she can also get senior middle Gabrielle Gerry and sophomore middle Bailey Blair heavily involved as well. Defensively, the Rockets have a good one at libero in sophomore Kristen Simon. Notre Dame Academy KY – The Pandas were bounced from contention at the LIVT with a loss to Mount Notre Dame OH in the quarterfinals. Now, they’ll take their shot at the Asics Challenge. Senior Sydney Nolan is the big weapon on the outside that defenses must prepare for. Behind her is a pair of sophomore swingers in Riley McCloskey and Ava Tilden. The Pandas also run a 6-2 with senior Lauren Ott and freshman Lizzy Larkins. The team is also strong at libero with senior Kamden Schrand. Skutt Catholic NE – The Skyhawks are about to log more travel miles. They have already attended the Nike TOC Southeast event in Tampa and now head to Chicago to see if they can come out on top there. Before playing Friday and Saturday though, Skutt takes on No. 30 Benet Academy in a stand-alone contest. Senior outside Morgan Burke is the go-to arm while senior Anna Weberg helps steady the backrow defense. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI – This is DSHA’s first time playing competition outside of the state of Wisconsin. DSHA has fared well against some of the best in its state, splitting matches with both Oconomowoc and Appleton North. Among players to keep an eye on is 4-star recruit and sophomore outside Madison Quest. Junior outside Sophia Wendlick is another, as Quest and Wendlick lead the team in kills respectively. Marist IL – After beating Mother McAuley last week, the Redhawks could be on an upswing and ready to make noise this weekend. Senior middle Ufuoma Omene and sophomore outside Bella Bullington are two to keep watch for. Huntley IL – If the Red Raiders can get past Prairie Ridge on Thursday they’ll enter the weekend undefeated. That perfect mark is certainly going to be tested though in such a strong field. Senior outside Ally Panzloff and junior outside Morgan Jones are key offensive pieces for senior setter Maggie Duyos. Metairie Park LA – Unfortunately, we don’t have any pertinent information on the Cajuns but will gain from seeing then in action this coming weekend. *** MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH Sylvie Zgonc SR OH Hamilton WI Alex Kreutzmann SR S Hamilton WI Eva Finnessy SO OH Hamilton WI Gabbie Anderson SO S Crystal Lake Central IL Mykaela Wallen SO OH Crystal Lake Central IL Grace Grocholski SR OH Kettle Moraine WI Briana Binagi JR OH Kettle Moraine WI Jordan Heatherly SR S/RS Montini Catholic IL Sienna Skarda SO MB/RS Montini Catholic IL Izzie Evenson SO OH Montini Catholic IL Emily Lavin SR OH Brookfield Central WI Emma Koceja SO OH Brookfield Central WI Elle Kelleher SR OH Wahlert Catholic IO Ellie Blotnik SO OH Joliet Catholic IL Olivia Chovanec SO OH Joliet Catholic IL Jessica Horn JR S Joliet Catholic IL Emily Clausen SR OH Catholic Memorial WI Emma Barton SR MB Downers Grove North IL Lauren Salata JR OH Nazareth Academy IL Kitty Sandt SR S/RS Nazareth Academy IL

Last week we checked in on our 5-star recruits from the Class of 2023 and how they were faring so far during their respective high school campaigns. This week, we move onto the Class of 2024 to see how those 5-star recruits have been doing to date. Find out below. Zoey Burgess JR OH/MB Lone Peak UT – Burgess entered the week leading the Knights in kills with 174 and is second in hitting percentage at .341. She’s averaging 3.4 kills per set while also leading the roster in blocks with 39. Morgan Gaerte JR OH Angola IN – The 6-4 outside is having a big season so far. First, the Hornets began the week 22-0 and are among the top contenders in Class 3A. Gaerte – who is committed to Notre Dame – is averaging 5.1 kills per set and leads the way with a total of 278. She’s hitting .414. She’s also second in digs with 104. Lola Schumacher JR L Brebeuf Jesuit IN – The recent Wisconsin commit has helped the Braves rise to No. 25 in our national Top 50 rankings. In 46 sets of action she’s recorded 223 digs, averaging 4.8 per frame. Faith Frame JR L Gretna NE – The Dragons started the week undefeated in district play. The defensive stalwart in Frame – who is committed to Cincinnati – has registered 274 digs, averaging 14.4 per match. Ava Utterback JR OH Plainfield IN – The Louisville commit has missed time this season and has played in roughly half of the Quakers’ sets. She has 90 kills, averaging 2.9 per set. Izzy Starck JR S/RS Rampart CO – Starck – a Penn State commit – is turning in an impressive season to date. She leads the Rams in assists with 167. She’s also first in digs with 80 and second in kills at 105, averaging 3.3 per set, while hitting .419. Olivia Mauch JR L Bennington NE – A top-ranked libero committed to Nebraska, Mauch is putting up head-scratching numbers for the Badgers. She’s totaled 394 digs to date, averaging an incredible 23.2 per match and 9.0 per set. She’s also the team’s leader in aces with 28. Skyler Pierce JR OH Olathe Northwest KS – Another Nebraska commit, Pierce and her Ravens teammates are off to a 9-0 mark in district play while sporting an overall record of 12-4. Not surprisingly, Pierce has been a force and leads the team with 136 kills. She’s averaging 5.7 per set and is hitting .350. She’s also second in aces (12) and digs (78). Lauren Harden JR OH Hamilton Southeastern IN – The Royals checked in at No. 12 in our updated Top 50 national rankings this week and Harden has been part of that success. She’s second on the roster in kills with 179, averaging 3.2 per set. She’s also third in blocks with 41. Allie Shondell JR S McCutcheon IN – The Mavericks are up to No. 3 in our latest national rankings, with Shondell guiding the attack. The Purdue commit is averaging 10.4 dimes per set and has dished out a total of 543 assists. Charlie Fuerbringer JR S/RS Mira Costa CA – Fuerbringer – a Wisconsin commit – brings versatility to the Mustangs lineup giving her team the ability to run a 6-2 or a 5-1 with her. She’s been primarily a setter but in limited time as an attacker has but down 45 kills on 87 swings, hitting .448. Ayden Ames JR OH Prosper TX – Committed to Nebraska as a middle blocker, Ames plays on the left for the Eagles. She’s the kill leader, racking up 266 kills entering the week. She’s averaging 3.8 per set and is hitting .347. In addition, Ames is the current block leader with 47. Jaela Auguste JR MB Grand Oaks TX – August – a Florida commit – has been difficult to slow down this year on the attack. She’s hitting a whopping .534 out of the middle and is third overall in kills with 197. She’s also been a menace with her blocking, putting up 101 stuffs entering the week. That’s good for an average of 1.3 per set. She has 40 more blocks than next closet teammate. Alex Acevedo JR OH Skyview ID – Acevedo – who is committed to Oregon – hasn’t been able to swing full-time this season but she’s been very effective when she’s been able to hit across the front row. She’s still recorded 139 kills, an average of 4.2 per set, and is hitting .377. Avery Jackson JR OH The Hockaday School TX – Another 5-star recruit who hasn’t been able to hit full-time, the Stanford beach commit has still found ways to contribute in a major way while on the court. Jackson leads the team in digs with 321, averaging 4.8 per set. She entered the week with 104 kills. Babi Gubbins JR OH Mater Dei CA – The Monarchs have been up-and-down this season and Gubbins has played in all but six sets this season. She’s second on the team in kills with 143. She’s averaging 2.5 per set. She’s also the team’s ace leader with 18. Hannah Benjamin JR OH Fideles Christian GA – Benjamin – a Kentucky commit – is having a huge year to date. She’s amassed 258 kills, averaging 6.3 per set. On top of that, she’s hitting a remarkable .485. She’s also served a team-leading 42 aces and is second overall in digs, only five off of first. Alex Bower JR S Skyview ID – The BYU commit has her hands all over the Hawks’ attack. The junior setter has racked up 297 assists in 34 sets, averaging 8.7 per. She’s also been tough from the service line with a team-high 22 aces. Carlie Cisneros JR OH Liberty North MO – Cisneros – an Arizona commit – is leading the Eagles in kills with 208. She’s averaging 4.7 per set and is hitting .321. She’s also second in digs