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While we spent the opening day of the Nike TOC Southeast tournament checking out action from all three of the National, Premier and Elite divisions, we dialed in on the upper-half of the National division on Day 2. It featured the top 16 teams, including the eight in contention for the tournament title in the National Platinum bracket. Below, we highlight the players who stoodout the most to us with our Day 2 Show Stoppers. DAY 2 SHOW STOPPERS Izzy Mogridge JR S Berkeley Prep FL: The 4-star Oregon commit is an energetic setter who moves very well and does a nice job getting her feet to the ball. She’s also consistent in locating her sets and connects well with all her hitters. Lily Hayes JR L Berkeley Prep FL: Hayes – a 3-star Florida commit – was once again owning the back row. She’s a libero who doesn’t get rattled and makes tough plays look easier than they should. Ayanna Watson SO OH Bishop Gorman NV: A 5-star phenom, Watson was showing off next-level talent with the way she skies and swings. She has a fluid swing and can bounce balls down simply by going right over the top of blockers. Leilia Toailoa SR OH Bishop Gorman NV: Toailoa – a 4-star Alabama commit – has a big arm and has no trouble bringing power to the attack. She gives Gorman a legit 1-2 punch as the Nevada school finished in the top eight. Connore Siler-Nixon JR MB Calvary Christian FL: Siler-Nixon, a 3-star recruit, is an undersized middle but was bringing the highlight kills nonetheless. She’s a quick jumper and gets up in a hurry. It allows her to unload before the block is set up and led to plenty of impressive kills. Taylor Parks SR S Calvary Christian FL: A 5-star Florida commit, Parks’ hands are butter-smooth. There’s not a set she can’t make and is rarely off with her location. Olivia Burns SO RS Calvary Christian FL: Burns was an undersized attacker who really impressed. She has a knack for scoring and putting away balls, be it by tooling or finding gaps in the block to exploit. Either way, she was providing steady offense. Lydia Chinchar FR RS Carrollwood Day FL: Chinchar – a 4-star recruit – shined on Day 1 and was just as remarkable on Day 2. In club playing up two age groups in the 16, she both set and hit. In high school, she just hits as a six-rotation right side who also passes. She’s a physical attacker who can score from anywhere on the court. Naomi Chinchar SR S/OH Carrollwood Day FL: Chinchar was dishing well and putting up a hittable ball. She could also shift to the outside and swing at times to introduce a different look. Sarah Dibbs-Frantz JR MB Carrollwood Day FL: A 6-2 VCU commit, Dibbs-Frantz was getting it done in the middle. She was providing reliable offense as she made herself available and delivered regularly when called upon. *** Mattea Casale JR L Carrollwood Day FL: Casale – a 3-star Purdue commit – was fun to watch get after it in the back row. She does a fine job reading and reacting and putting herself in position to make plays other liberos weren’t. Grace Carroll SR RS Cornerstone Christian FL: Carroll – a 4-star Baylor commit – was bringing the thunder on the right side. She’s a strong, physical attacker who doesn’t tip or go off speed often. She simply loads up and puts tons of pressure on the defense to make a play on the ball. Kaia Thiele JR S Cornerstone Christian FL: Thiele – a 3-star UNLV commit – is a quick setter who was doing a nice job distributing the ball and mixing up her sets. In a pinch, she could also stay in across the front row and swing from time to time. Amaya Tolentino JR RS Cornerstone Christian FL: Tolentino played a critical role once more on Day 2. She brought steady offense to the lineup when she checked in and helped keep defenses honest. Megan Fitch JR OH Cornerstone Christian FL: The 5-star Texas AM commit was spectacular once more. She’s the go-to hitter who Cornerstone relies on to power the attack. She’s another hitter who is physical and keeps coming at defenses with big swings. Mayte Camacho SR L Hagerty FL: A 3-star Georgia Southern commit, Camacho was playing sound defense and doing well out of serve receive when the ball came her way. Jenness Orcutt SO OH Hagerty FL: Orcutt – a 3-star recruit – plays on the right side in club but is a six-rotation outside for her high school team. She has a strong arm and was one of the main offensive threats for Hagerty. Reagan Sharp SR OH Keller TX: A 3-star Wyoming commit, Sharp plays a key role on the left side as one of the main offensive weapons. She has a solid arm and stays aggressive on the attack. Anna Boatner SR MB Keller TX: Boatner – a 4-star UCSB commit – brings a lot of size and length to the front row. She’s able to make plays on both sides of the ball with her blocking and scoring to have an impact. Anna Flores SO S Keller TX: A 4-star commit, Flores is a confident setter who does well directing the offense. She locates consistently and does a nice job moving the ball around and setting against the flow. *** Carley Wright JR RS Keller TX: Wright has a loose arm and can let it fly. When she’s front row defenses need to be ready because Keller will get her the ball often, as she can deliver. Ryan Jomo SO L Lake Brantley FL: Jomo was getting after it defensively and doing a nice job of keeping rallies alive as well as passing well out of serve receive. Samantha Bowron SR OH Lake Brantley FL: Bowron – a 4-star Georgia Southern

Given the number of overall matches played and the caliber of schedule faced compared to other schools in the field, top-seeded Cornerstone Christian TX was a clear-cut favorite to capture the Nike TOC Southeast title over the weekend at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel. However, the Warriors not only needed to navigate through this year’s 32-team National Division, they also had to deal with recent history after entering last year’s event in the same position and winding up in second place with an upset loss to Westminster Christian FL in the championship match. It ended up being Cornerstone’s only loss on the season and prevented Cornerstone from ending undefeated. There was no underlying plot of a perfect season though this go around as Cornerstone looked to earn redemption of sorts. The Warriors already had suffered their first loss of 2023 when they finished runner up to Mira Costa CA at the Ann Kang Invitational last month in Honolulu. It was looking like Cornerstone wouldn’t even get that far Saturday and miss out on playing for another title after dropping the opening set against upstart Winter Park FL in the semifinals of the National Platinum bracket. However, it served to be a wake-up call as Cornerstone came alive and rallied for the three-set victory, 17-25, 25-20, 15-7. After that, the Warriors closed their weekend with a dominant victory over surprise Carrollwood Day FL in the final, sweeping, 25-16, 25-17. It was Carrollwood’s first loss on the young season as the Patriots dropped to 6-1. Cornerstone improved to 18-1 and has six matches on its schedule before traveling to Las Vegas in two weeks for the Durango Fall Classic. Cornerstone opened its title run by earning a tight sweep over Berkeley Prep FL, 25-23, 28-26, to start pool play Friday afternoon. Cornerstone followed with straight-set victories over Pace Academy GA and Saint Andrews FL. Cornerstone made it through Saturday’s quarterfinals by handling Bishop Gorman NV, 25-13, 25-16, before running into a streaking Winter Park squad. Winter Park scored a key victory in its pool opener Friday morning by edging Keller TX in three, 8-25, 25-23, 15-11, that propelled Winter Park to a 3-0 day and a spot in the quarters. There, Winter Park swept Oviedo FL, 25-19, 25-15, before falling to Cornerstone. Winter Park finished in fourth place after going down against Viera FL, 25-22, 25-22, in the third-place match. Viera, boosted by the addition of transfer Izzy Starck (Penn State) from Colorado, lost its season-opener in straight sets to Osceola FL the week prior but had a strong showing over the weekend by beating Westminster Christian to win its pool Friday and then taking out Venice FL in the quarterfinals. Viera lost to Carrollwood Day in three in the semis, 25-20, 22-25, 15-5. Meanwhile, Carrollwood Day, led by stud freshman Lydia Chinchar, had a great opening day in sweeping Skutt Catholic NE, King’s Academy FL and Tampa Prep FL to win its pool. Carrollwood then rolled past Hagerty FL in the quarters, 25-13, 25-19. In the Premier Platinum bracket, it was Ransom Everglades FL sweeping Olympia FL, 26-24, 25-21, to finish on top in that division. Gulliver Prep FL took third while Lourdes Academy FL finished in fourth. Ransom Everglades was originally placed in the Elite Division but was moved up to the Premier Division when a handful of teams withdrew from the tournament because of weather-related issues. As for the Elite Platinum bracket, Lakewood Ranch FL beat Davenport FL, 25-13, 25-21, in straight sets.

One of the attractions about the Nike TOC Southeast tournament being held at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel just outside of Tampa is that even though the field features plenty of teams from the Sunshine State, it also draws its share of teams outside of Florida. Texas, California, Nevada, Nebraska, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia were all represented as the two-day event kicked off Friday with both AM and PM pools. However, when it came to the National division – the top of the three that also includes Premier and Elite – the home state held firm and advanced six teams to Saturday’s quarterfinals and is guaranteed to have at least one school playing for the tournament championship. The exceptions were Cornerstone Christian TX and Bishop Gorman NV. The two squads actually play each other in the quarterfinals, meaning one will be eliminated from contention before the semis. Cornerstone – the top seed which finished runner-up a season ago – finished second last month at the Ann Kang Invitational in Hawaii after falling to Mira Costa CA in the final. Cornerstone did not play in last week’s Volleypalooza event in Texas, where Mater Dei CA topped Prestonwood Christian TX in the final. Prestonwood, meanwhile, was scheduled to travel to the event here in Florida but canceled because of the hurricane impacting the area. Cornerstone held its seed by sweeping Berkeley Prep FL, Pace GA and Saint Andrews FL. As for Bishop Gorman, the Nevada school arguably has its best team ever and opened as the No. 8 seed overall. Though Bishop Gorman made it through by going 3-0, it was a fight as Bishop Gorman defeated Mt. Paran Christian GA, St. Henry KY and Trinity Catholic FL each in three sets. Both Cornerstone and Bishop Gorman are scheduled to play at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas later this month. Bishop Gorman is also set to travel to Southern California in early October for the Redondo Power Classic featuring Redondo Union CA and Mira Costa. The quarterfinals could have featured another Texas school in Keller but Winter Park FL survived a three-set thriller Friday morning to go 3-0 and make it out of the pool instead. Another team which impressed was Carrollwood Day FL, which also went 3-0 after sweeping past Skutt Catholic NE, Tampa Prep Fl and King’s Academy FL. Both Venice FL and Viera FL were surprises in going 3-0 and reaching the quarterfinal as well. Venice swept Lake Brantley FL, Gainesville FL and Bishop Kenny. Viera, boosted by the addition of 5-star Penn State commit Izzy Starck to the roster, downed defending champion Westminster Christian FL, Sandy Creek GA and North Allegheny PA in straight sets. Oviedo FL and Hagerty FL both advanced despite dropping matches. Oviedo finished tied with Plant FL at 2-1 but owned the head-to-head tiebreaker to move on. Hagerty finished in a three-way tie with Calvary Christian FL and Timber Creek FL at 2-1 and advanced based on having the best set percentage of the trio. Here’s how the quarterfinals line up for Saturday:   *** DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS Isabelle Bardin JR S/RS Flint Hill VA: A 3-star recruit, Bardin plays a vital role as a setter and hitter. She’s lanky and it allows her to make plays at the net attacking, blocking or playing tight balls while setting in the back row. Ryla Jones SR MB Flint Hill VA: Jones – a 4-star Pitt commit – is a difference maker in the middle. At 6-3, she’s a presence on both sides of the ball with her hitting and blocking and is one of the team’s emotional leaders. Talia Johnson SO OH Richmond Hill FL: Johnson is a 6-1 six-rotation outside with lots of upside. She’s a bit raw but is athletic and jumps well. Carson Reeves SR MB Richmond Hill FL: At 6-3, Reeves brings height to the front row. She did well putting up a solid block and getting touches.   Olivia Guzman JR RS Lourdes Academy FL: A 4-star recruit, Guzman has shifted to the right side for high school after playing on the left during the club season. She has a lively arm and can bounce balls when given the chance. Ella Garcia JR OH Lourdes Academy FL: Garcia is a six-rotation outside who carries a lot of responsibility. She’s an aggressive attacker who challenges bigger blocks. Izabela Molina SR MB Doral Academy FL: Molina is a physical middle who puts up a wall of a block and can pound balls down with her powerful arm. Connor Rahn SR OH Middleburg FL: A 3-star University of Tampa commit, Rahn provides a lot of offense in her role. She has a solid arm and is a smart attacker with a range of shots. Camden Rahn SO RS Middleburg FL: A 3-star recruit, Rahn was holding down the right side and giving her team another scoring option that defenses needed to be mindful of. Charlotte Glass JR S Saint Andrew’s FL: Glass – a 5-star Duke commit – brings a lot to the floor and does a great job quarterbacking her squad. She has a clean, consistent release and at 6-1 can also make a ton of plays at the net. *** Grace Agolli SR RS Pace Academy GA: A Cal commit, Agolli can also set like she does in club. However, she was a six-rotation right side who showed off her powerful swing and was connecting well in carrying the offense with her scoring ability. Olivia Siskin SO S Pace Academy GA: A 3-star recruit, Siskin is a tall setter at 6-1. She’s a smooth disher with the ability to move the ball around well without sacrificing location. Brooklyn Tealer SR OH Gainesville FL: Tealer – a 4-star USC commit – is a major weapon for Gainesville and the go-to hitter the team relies heavily on for offense. She has a lively arm and can let it fly. Bella Schwantz JR OH Merritt

Earlier this month we took our first look at how the recruiting classes for the Class of 2025 are starting to stack up. We highlighted five of the top classes to date. This week, we continue diving into the Class of 2025 by looking at other programs which are off to great starts and/or where more 5-star recruits are landing, in no particular order. USC   Breakdown: The Trojans came out of the gate on fire, landing a pair of 5-star talents in Messer and Deckert and a 4-star recruit in Loper. Both Messer and Deckert are at the top of the class at their respective positions. Depending on who you ask and what measures you want to use, Messer is arguably one of the top two setters in the class. The same goes for Deckert at libero, as many would consider her to be the top defender in the class. That’s two key positions locked up. Messer is playing high school at St. James Academy, which has the potential to be one of the top schools in the country this fall. Deckert is at Mira Costa, which has already shown it is one of the best teams in the nation thus far after winning the Ann Kang Invitational and defeating Mater Dei CA earlier this week. While Messer and Deckert are more polished players at the moment, Loper is intriguing because of her upside. She’s currently at San Clemente for high school. Being 6-2, she certainly has the length to excel at the next level. She had a strong club season in which she progressed nicely and will continue to improve as she adds more strength and power to her swing. *** DUKE   Breakdown: There is no doubt the Blue Devils have made major waves with this class. The fact they have two 5-star athletes committed so far is remarkable. Glass is another highly-ranked setter and one of the best in the class. She’s taller at 6-1 and had a strong club season with Tribe 16 Elite Cardinal this past spring and summer. She plays high school at St. Andrew’s. Another great recruit for Duke is 6-3 middle Gillen-Malveaux. She too had a standout club campaign with Drive Nation 16 Red and will switch over to Skyline for next season. The junior is currently playing high school for Greenville. Zubchevich has flown under the radar but could be a solid contributor at the next level. She’s a 6-1 outside who is touching 10-2 with a lively arm. She plays club for City and high school at La Canada. Wayne is a recent commit. She’s a 6-4 middle who played club last season for Madfrog before moving to TAV for the upcoming campaign. She has a strong arm and will add versatility with her ability to shift and play on the pin as well. *** OREGON   Breakdown: Though Oregon doesn’t currently have any 5-star commits, the Ducks have a solid class featuring three 4-star recruits. Cogill is a 6-4 middle who starred this past club season in role for the USAV 16 Open gold medalist Arizona Storm 16 Thunder. She plays high school for Perry. The Ducks went much further east for their next two 4-star commits. Bell – who plays high school at Roncali – is listed at 5-11 but plays taller than that with her jumping ability. She also has a whippy arm and is the type of player that has succeeded at Oregon under the current coaching staff. Mogridge is a 5-10 setter who moves very well and is consistent with her location. She should fit right in should the Ducks want to run a 6-2. She recently transferred high schools and is playing for Berkeley Prep. Mitchell is a local talent who adds another setting option and too could fit right in running a 6-2. *** KENTUCKY   Breakdown: Kentucky’s featured recruit thus far is O’Brien, a 5-star setter who is among the top five at her position in her class. She’s among the taller setters in the class at 6-1. She’s a smooth disher with strong command of the offense and is currently starring at Cinco Ranch for high school. Watson is a lesser-known name as she didn’t play for a club that competed on the national stage in Open. However, she’s 6-3 and touching over 10 feet. She has a big arm and will add physicality to the attack. She plays high school at Huntley in Illinois. Ward is a solid ball control addition. She spent this past season as defensive specialist for KiVA 16 Red, which featured 5-star Wisconsin commit Kristen Simon at libero. For high school, Ward plays for Holy Cross. *** OHIO STATE   Breakdown: With two commits so far, Ohio State’s class is one of the smaller ones we have noted. However, it does include a 5-star recruit in Gauthier. At 6-2 and with a powerful arm to match, she’s long been a next-level prospect. After playing 15s a season ago at Far Out, she moved up and competed on the 18s this year as a sophomore before finishing the season out at AAUs playing in 17 Open. She plays high school at Shelby. Stahler is a recent commit and brings the other side to the equation with her defense. She plays high school for Benjamin Logan in Ohio. *** PENN STATE   Breakdown: With Collins playing for Niagara Frontier, she doesn’t get the attention of other top-level recruits playing for national powerhouses. However, Collins – who plays for Frontier in high school – has tons of upside and lots of room for growth to star in college. She’s 6-3 with a snappy swing that generates a lot of pace. She was Penn State’s first commit from the class. Nichols is not currently ranked but will be in our next update. She’s not as polished as other middles in the class, but she comes with tremendous potential being 6-4 and her level of athleticism. She could develop

One coach whose team was participating in the three-day Volleypalooza extravaganza noted that the field this year was the deepest he had ever seen it. It was hard to argue given what we witnessed Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the greater Austin area. There was so much talent on display it was dizzying at times trying to track all of it. With the tournament concluded and Mater Dei having captured its second Volleypalooza trophy in program history, we wrap up our coverage by presenting our All Red Hat Team. This is different from the All-Tournament Team announced by the tournament organizers and represents the top players we witnessed from the three days of action. The cut off, however, was that in order to make the All Red Hat Team schools needed to make the silver or gold brackets to be considered. OUTSIDESLayli Ostovar Mater DeiIsabel Clark Mater DeiCari Spears Prestonwood ChristianMikala Young Prestonwood ChristianHenley Anderson Dripping SpringsRiley Certain Dripping SpringsHalle Thompson Grand OaksSamara Coleman Grand OaksAvery Hamlin Lake TravisGabi Martinez Cinco RanchElla Lewis The WoodlandsHarley Krause RockwallAnnie Witt Liberty HillAniya Joseph SA HarlanFavor Anyanwu SachseTaylor Porter Cypress Ranch *** MIDDLESJenna Hanes Cathedral CatholicKennedy Jones DawsonJaela Auguste Grand OaksBeka Pfefferkorn BridgelandKennedy Washington Prestonwood ChristianTya Lynch Cypress RanchAshley Euston Dripping Springs *** RIGHT SIDESCaelyn Emmerling Grand OaksTiana Owens Cathedral CatholicGigi Mason Liberty HillJadyn Livings Prestonwood ChristianTaylor Clarke Prestonwood ChristianCymarah Gordon Mater DeiAmelia Creacy Bridgeland *** SETTER/RIGHT SIDESSuli Davis Colleyville HeritageAddison Moss DawsonPayton Stroud The WoodlandsDa’Mya Mann SA HarlanJulia Kakkis Mater DeiTaryn Gilreath Cypress RanchZora Bello Cypress RanchSydney Lund Dripping Springs *** SETTERSKacey Kazmierski Lake TravisKassidy O’Brien Cinco RanchGabi Ashcraft RockwallKalea Lee Cathedral CatholicAmanda Saeger Cathedral CatholicCamille Edwards Prestonwood ChristianTaylor Cook Prestonwood ChristianAyva Ostovar Mater Dei *** LIBEROSAlice Volpe BridgelandMaya Evens Cathedral CatholicMalyssa Cawa Mater DeiSarah Mendoza Colleyville HeritageGillian Pitts Prestonwood Christian

Mater Dei CA was not flawless on the last day of Volleypalooza, but the Monarchs played their best match of the tournament in defeating Prestonwood Christian TX in the championship match Saturday afternoon at Rouse. It capped three days of pure excitement and left us wishing there was more to come. However, that’s not the case. But we do have our top standouts from Day 3 featured below in our daily Show Stoppers. DAY 3 SHOW STOPPERS Alice Volpe SR L Bridgeland TX: Volpe – a 4-star TCU commit – is an under control libero who doesn’t get rattled or fazed. Teams were reluctant to challenge her in serve receive and her first touches on shots around her were often well played. Amelia Creacy SR RS Bridgeland TX: A 3-star Angelo State commit, Creacy brings an offensive presence to the front row. Bridgeland likes to get her the ball as often as they can and she has a solid arm to score with. Beka Pfefferkorn JR MB Bridgeland TX: Pfefferkorn – a 4-star recruit – brings some much-needed height to the lineup when she checks in. She moves well and can make plays on both sides of the ball. Maya Evens JR L Cathedral Catholic CA: Evens is a 4-star recruit who recently committed to Maryland. She does it all above average, from passing out of serve receive, to covering and defending, she’s a big part of Cathedral’s defensive identity. Jenna Hanes SR MB Cathedral Catholic CA: A 4-star Michigan commit, Hanes provides instant offense. She completely changes the attack when she comes in. Cathedral feeds her the ball as often as possible and even when opponents know what’s coming they still struggle to slow her down. Tiana Owens SR RS Cathedral Catholic CA: Owens played well in her role on the right side. She provided consistent scoring when called upon and came through with timely kills as well. Taylor Porter JR OH Cypress Ranch TX: Porter – a 4-star Vanderbilt commit – has a quick arm and is the go-to hitter for Cypress Ranch. She shoulders a large load as a result and keeps coming with it. Zora Bello SO S/RS Cypress Ranch TX: A 3-star recruit, Bello did well in her role setting and hitting. She does a nice job locating her sets and when it comes to swinging she has a solid arm that helped produce points. Taryn Gilreath SR S/RS Cypress Ranch TX: Gilreatch – a 3-star East Carolina commit – was running a 5-1 on Day 1 and showed her versatility on Day 3 by running a 6-2 and hitting across the front. She represented herself well in both roles. Henley Anderson SO OH Dripping Springs TX: A 5-star recruit, Anderson is long at 6-3 and a force to be reckoned with because of it. She has a big arm and can hit at high angles the way she extends. It causes major problems for defenders to try and stop her. *** Sydney Lund SO S/RS Dripping Springs TX: Lund – a 4-star recruit – does a lot for her team in her two-way role setting and swinging. She has the length to make an impact at the net attacking and in turn can move the ball around when setting. Riley Certain JR OH Dripping Springs TX: Certain – a 3-star recruit – would be the star on many high school teams around the country. She’s a reliable attacker with a lively arm who can tool blocks or send balls around them consistently. Caelyn Emmerling SR RS Grand Oaks TX: Emmerling – a 3-star Texas State commit – could have put together her own offensive highlight reel with her attacking. She has a fluid swing and hits with lots of pace, which led to impressive kills over, through and around opposing blockers. Halle Thompson SO OH Grand Oaks TX: A 5-star recruit, Thompson is an advanced hitter for her age. Offensively, she’s the total package. She jumps and hits high. She has a very quick arm swing and can score front and back row, as well as take something off and place her shots when needed. Jaela Auguste SR MB Grand Oaks TX: Auguste, a 5-star Florida commit, is the real deal. She’s a game-changer across the front row both blocking and hitting. She’s another one who skies on the attack and send balls down at tough angles. Samara Coleman JR OH Grand Oaks TX: A 4-star Pitt commit, Coleman has a big arm and can unload at times. She’s a physical attacker who takes hard swings and pressures defenses with her relentlessness. Isabel Clark SR OH Mater Dei CA: Clark – a 4-star San Diego commit – had a monster day. She was playing very well and not only delivering highlight kills but doing so in the clutch when they were needed most. Ayva Ostovar JR S Mater Dei CA: A UCSB commit, Ostovar is a smart setter with a clean delivery and nice tempo. She also has a knack for going over on two and catching the defense slipping. Cymarah Gordon SR RS Mater Dei CA: Gordon – a 4-star Michigan commit – puts up a wall of a block. She also has a strong arm and was scoring well from both pins. Julia Kakkis SR S/RS Mater Dei CA: Kakkis – a 3-star recruit – plays a vital role for the Monarchs with her ability to contribute as both a setter and hitter. She too has a powerful arm and can pound balls. *** Malyssa Cawa SR L Mater Dei CA: Cawa – a 3-star Stanford commit – brings a lot of energy to the lineup and is a vocal libero who takes control of the back row. She was defending all over and making lots of hustle plays to keep her team in the point. Layli Ostovar SO OH Mater Dei CA: A 5-star recruit, Ostovar was on fire in the final against Prestonwood. She came through time and time

The anticipated showdown between the top two teams in the nation from vballrecruiter.com’s Initial Top 50 National High School Rankings came to fruition as No. 1 Prestonwood Christian TX faced off against No. 2 Mater Dei CA in the championship match of the Volleypalooza tournament Saturday afternoon at Rouse. There was plenty of drama preceding the two sides meeting up, but when the action was over for good it was Mater Dei celebrating a sweep, 25-21, 25-18, and capturing its second Volleypalooza championship. The Monarchs – which finished first at the event in 2021 – moved to 12-0 on the season. However, it’s no guarantee that Mater Dei will take over the top spot in our next updated Top 50. That’s because there is no rest for the Monarchs, who face national No. 4 Mira Costa CA in another highly-anticipated contest Tuesday when they visit the Mustangs in Manhattan Beach. Mira Costa, playing without 5-star Wisconsin recruit Charlie Fuerbringer, took home the Ann Kang Invitational tournament title earlier this month in Honolulu. It would be an exciting match under normal circumstances, but that the Volleypalooza champs are squaring off against the Ann Kang champs with the possible No. 1 spot in the nation on the line makes it a true heavyweight affair. Prestonwood opened the season as the top team in the nation, but already stumbled with an early loss to Boyd TX. While it’s usually near impossible to lay claim to the mythical high school national championship with a loss on your schedule, Prestonwood is playing arguably the toughest schedule in the country by participating in Volleypalooza, the Nike TOC Southeast and Durango Fall Classic tournaments. That gave Prestonwood a path to redemption after losing to Boyd. However, given Prestonwood’s defeat to Mater Dei at Volleypalooza, it created what appears to be a longshot scenario for now. Both Mater Dei and Mira Costa are also attending Durango, meaning not only could Prestonwood and Mater Dei meet once more, but the winner of Mater Dei and Mira Costa on Tuesday could become the front runner for the national championship. There are a lot of what ifs, but if Mater Dei could run the table like Cathedral Catholic CA did a year ago and win both Volleypalooza and Durango, plus hold a victory over Mira Costa, the Monarchs would have one of the best arguments around. Like Prestonwood, Mira Costa suffered an early loss – in it’s first match of the season at Ann Kang with a defeat against Punahou HI. Mira Costa did respond by winning the tournament, and with a victory over Mater Dei, winning Durango and not losing again this season could present a viable case to end No. 1. Of course, we are getting way ahead of ourselves! It’s just that a day like Saturday at Rouse plays a major factor in ultimately determining the final pecking order when the season is over. As for the final day of Volleypalooza, where to even start? The quarterfinals started off slowly, or rather quickly, depending how you want to view it. Given the talent in the gym there was an expectation that the morning matches would be closer than they ended up being. Prestonwood had no issues with Cypress Ranch TX (25-17, 25-14) while Cathedral Catholic – making the trip from California like Mater Dei – swept past surprise Bridgeland TX (25-16, 25-15). The two remaining quarterfinals that followed didn’t produce much drama either, with Grand Oaks TX handling Dripping Springs TX (25-16, 25-19) and Mater Dei beating another surprise in Sachse TX (25-14, 23-25, 25-11) in the closest match of the quarters. The Grand Oaks-Dripping Springs encounter featured the top two recruits from the Class of 2026 in sophomore outsides Halle Thompson (Grand Oaks) and Henley Anderson (Dripping Springs). Drippings Springs finished fifth overall. The semifinals, meanwhile, featured the tournament’s top four seeds and set up a Texas-California conclusion with top seed Prestonwood facing No. 4 Grand Oaks and No. 2 Cathedral Catholic taking on No. 3 Mater Dei. The Texas clash went Prestonwood’s way in three, 25-14, 17-25, 25-21. That was significant from the standpoint that it was Grand Oaks’ first loss on the season. In the other semi, Mater Dei handed Cathedral Catholic its first setback on the season in a close sweep, 28-26, 25-23. Grand Oaks outlasted Cathedral Catholic in three, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, in the third-place contest to move to 27-1 as Cathedral fell to 7-2. Mater Dei and Cathedral Catholic could meet later in the season as well. Both are set to attend the Dave Mohs tournament in Orange County two weeks before heading to Las Vegas for Durango. With the final set, the drama didn’t quite follow. Mater Dei played its best match of the three-day event, defending with an intensity not seen the prior days. Matched with Prestonwood’s errors, the insane ending everyone wanted to witness just didn’t materialize.