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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

Like I stated in our Day 1 recap, attending the Mother McAuley Asics Challenge was amazing. From the history of this iconic tournament to the amazing athletes representing their schools it did not disappoint. Congrats to the host school Mother McAuley for capturing the tournament title! Here is the list of the Show Stoppers who shined during the tournament. Also I added a list of the freshmen athletes I was able to see performing well for their squads.  Show Stoppers Ellie White, JR OH, Mother McAuley – A 4-star Michigan commit, White swings hard anywhere on the court. She is one of the most effective back row attacks I have seen all year. Congrats on breaking 1,000 kills this weekend!  Gigi Navarrete, SR L, Mother McAuley – Navarrete, a 4-star recruit committed to Northwestern, is a straight SCRAPPER. She brings a lot of fire and passion to every play. She loves to pick everything thrown her way, mopping up the floor consistently.  Sydney Buchanan, SO OH, Mother McAuley – Buchanan, a 3-star recruit, is another one of the MAC’s offensive weapons. She helps balance out attacks with her strong arm on the court which keeps opponents on their toes.  Ellery Rees, JR MB, Mother McAuley – Rees, a 3-star recruit, is an impact player at the middle blocker position. She gets her hands on balls when blocking along with owning the middle attack.  Mary Kate Sheehan, SR Opp, Mother McAuley – Sheehan, ​​a John Carroll commit, was a ball of fire on the right side. She added a bunch of balance to pin attacks along with some key blocks in the final match.  Sydney Nolan, SR OH, Notre Dame Academy – A 6-3 UNC commit, this 3-star recruit was able to swing over blocks. She was incredibly effective in Game 2 of the finals where she was literally unstoppable every time she attacked.  Ava Tilden, SO OH, Notre Dame Academy – Tilden, a 4-star recruit, is a huge offensive threat for the Pandas. She does well not backing down against bigger blocks and keeps challenging the defense. Kamden Schrand, SR L, Notre Dame Academy – Schrand, a Louisville commit, held her own in the back row as she passed well out of serve receive and made hustle plays to keep her team in the rally. Riley McCloskey, SO OH, Notre Dame Academy – McCloskey, a 4-star recruit, was swinging mainly on the opposite pin. She has a good arm and is not afraid to swing.  Charlotte Moriarty, SO OH, Assumption – Moriarty, a 3-star recruit, hits a heavy ball consistently. She takes aggressive swings and goes right at and/or through the blockers. Kristen Simon, SO L, Assumption – A 3-star recruit, Simon was everywhere in the back court. I love how smooth she is in serve receive and how she can dig anything thrown her way.  Gabrielle Gerry, SR MB, Assumption – A South Carolina commit and 3-star recruit, Gerry makes her presence felt in the middle. She is a solid wall at the net and attacks with force.  Whitney Woodrow, SR S, Assumption – Woodrow, a 3-star recruit committed to Fordham, is smooth and a great “quarterback” for her squad. At 6-1 she is very effective at the net.  Morgan Burke, SR OH, Skutt – I stated in yesterday’s post about how Burke, a 3-star recruit committed to Michigan, moved to the outside. And between her leadership and her incredible line shot, she helped lead her team to third-place despite the odds.  Paisley Douglas, JR L, Skutt – Douglas was solid in the back row and helped keep the Mustangs in system when challenged in serve receive. Abbie Hagehorn, SO Opp/OH, Skutt – Hagehorn helped balance out the attack throughout the weekend. She might not be “flashy” but she packs a punch on the pins.  Sylvie Zgonc, SR OH, Hamilton – Zgonc, a 3-star recruit committed to South Dakota State, is the do-it-all six-rotation outside. She is explosive and consistent all the way around.  Alex Kreutzmann, SR S, Hamilton – A East Tennessee State commit, Kreutzmann is a 5-1 setter who dished the ball effectively. She has a very smooth touch.  Bella Bullington, SO OH, Marist – Bullington, a 3-star recruit, easily goes over blocks and finds open spots on the floor to exploit. She also packs a punch when she swings.  Kamryn Chaney, SR OH, Marist – A Princeton commit, Chaney was an all-around banger. Her jump serve was a force that every team struggled with and she was so impressive to watch! Georgia Watson, SO OH, Huntley – Watson, a 6-3 pin, played all around adding an attack from right back that most teams don’t field. She also attacks over blocks with ease. Avery DeBlieck, SR MB, Huntley – DeBlieck, a 6-3 Loyola Chicago commit, is a presence in the middle with her size. She is also a solid attacker. Maggie Duyos, SR S, Huntley – An Austin Peay commit Duyos is a technical setter who leads her team with her energy, athleticism, and clean deliveries.  Colleen Engstler, SR OH/Opp, Downers Grove North – Engstler is a key offensive component with her scoring prowess. She has a good arm too and can pound it at times.  Madison Quest, SO OH, Divine Savior – Quest, a 4-star 6-3 recruit, hits a heavy ball anywhere on the court and with her extension it is tough for blockers to slow her down.  Olivia Durst, SO OH, Divine Savior – Durst, 3-star recruit, is another one of the “undersized” athletes bringing the heat. She has a great vertical and swings aggressively.  Katherine (Kitty) Sandt, SR S/Opp, Nazareth Academy – Sandt, a 6-1 Clemson commit, was huge at the net both defensively and offensively. Also, with her steady and consistent setting with placement. Lauren Salata, JR OH, Nazareth Academy, Salata, a 4-star recruit, is a handful for defenses and she can unload on the ball well. She’s very smooth and consistent.  Kate Goudreau, SR OH, St. Charles East – Goudreau is a very fiery outside hitter. She’s also a very smart

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

Can we just start this article off with a shout out to the McAuley Asics Challenge?! Fun fact it has been running since 1987. When I was in HS back in the early 90s this tournament and the Redondo tournament were the two “big ones” for HS volleyball. I was so excited when I got a chance to FINALLY come to the esteemed Mother McAuley High School Tournament. And let’s just say it was so much fun to watch! The gold bracket started off with a bang and ended with host Mother McAuley IL defeating Notre Dame Prep KY in the final. Shout out to Skutt Catholic NE which dealt with two tournament injuries and still kept balling to reach the semifinals. In the championship match, Game 1 saw Mother McAuley steam roll ahead behind outside hitters in junior and 4-star Michigan commit Ellie White and sophomore outside and 3-star recruit Sydney Buchanan. NDA didn’t go down easily though. Senior and 3-Star UNC commit Sydney Nolan was just getting warmed up but McAuley still ended up on top, 25-22.  In Game 2, Nolan started powering through on the outside steadily. Also senior libero Kamden Schrand, a Louisville commit, sophomore DS Julia Grace and senior DS Kayla Hostetler – an Eastern Michigan commit – cleaned up the backcourt with everything McAuley threw at them.  Game 3 was a battle in the beginning but both opposite hitters in senior and John Carroll commit Mary Kate Sheehan and senior Southern Indiana commit Jillian Moonan were able to slow down Nolan on the outside. That and incredible defense from senior and 4-star recruit libero Gigi Navarette, a Northwestern commit, and junior DS Sam Falk helped host Mother McAuley win 25-13 and earn the tournament title.  All Tournament Team Morgan Burke, SR OH, Skutt  Madison Quest, SO OH, Divine Savior Kamden Schrand, SR L, Notre Dame Academy Sydney Nolan, SR OH, Notre Dame Academy Gigi Navarette, SR L, Mother McAuley Ellie White, JR OH, Mother McAuley Whitney Woodrow, SR S, Assumption TEAM SPOTLIGHTS Skutt Catholic NE – I was able to watch Skutt in Tampa at the Nike Tournament of Champions Southeast Tournament last month. Senior Michigan commit and 3-star recruit Morgan Burke was playing mainly middle for this tournament. Now, I did not get to see them play on Friday night but heard about them losing senior Nebraska-Omaha commit Ivy Lueck to an injury for Saturday’s matches. When I saw them Saturday morning they had the “nothing to lose” attitude which helped them play incredibly well against teams all day. Burke was also swinging on the outside, which she owned. And I just want to give a shoutout to senior Anna Weberg who literally ran off the court onto the other court’s sideline and dove into a water cooler hitting her head. The coach in me just wanted to jump in and grab her. Her will was incredible and I hope she is doing ok!  Notre Dame Academy KY – I have seen a bunch of these kids on the club circuit so I knew the potential of this squad. Senior UNC commit and 3-star recruit Sydney Nolan and Louisville commit Kamden Schrand highlighted a squad of scrappy and explosive athletes.  Marist IL – This is another team I did not get to Friday night. They are definitely fun to watch. Senior outside Princeton commit Kamryn Chaney and sophomore outside Bella Bullington lead this squad with high flying and hard swinging. Undersized sophomore setter Maddie Berry runs a 5-1 incredibly well. Senior middles and Lehigh commit Ufuoma Omene and Emilia Batus were very effective running the quicks.  RANDOM NOTES Every tournament always has a ton of strength and weaknesses, along with star power, which this tournament definitely had. But I just want to highlight the Class of 2025 (sophomore) pin hitter position. Can we just say WOW. Seriously. Take note of every one of them if you haven’t seen them yet.  Madison Quest – Divine Savior Eva Finnessy – Hamilton Georgia Watson – Huntley Bella Bullington – Marist Sydney Buchanan – Mother McAuley Ava Tilden – Notre Dame Academy  Riley McCloskey – Notre Dame Academy Abbie Hagedorn – Skutt Emma Barrett – Assumption UNDER THE RADAR PLAYERS Alexis Strong, SR OH, Assumption (Abilene Christian) Riley Angst, SR L, Brookfield Central Sophia Wendlick, JR OH, Divine Savior Holy Savior Bella Lipiski, SR MB, Divine Savior Holy Savior Jennifer Buehler, SO OH, Downers Grove North Emma Barton, SR MB, Downers Grove North Briella Wrench, SR MB, Hamilton Brooke Aslakson, SO MB, Hamilton Morgan Jones, JR OH, Huntley (Indiana) Ally Panzloff, SR OH, Huntley (Brown) Maddie Berry, SO S, Marist Ufuoma Omene, SR MB, Marist (Lehigh) Olivia Klapp, SR S, Mother McAuley Tess Hayes, SR S, Mother McAuley (Michigan Tech) Sam Falk, JR L, Mother McAuley Reese Butkus, JR L, Nazareth Academy Olivia Austin, JR MB/Opp, Nazareth Academy Julia Grace, SO DS, Notre Dame Academy Kayla Hostetler, SR DS, Notre Dame Academy Brooke Banker, SO S, Skutt Keira Link, SO MB, Skutt Anna Weberg, SR DS, Skutt  Natalee Rush, SR MB, St. Charles East Julie Ferrandino, SR MB, St. Charles East

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

Hello Chicago! Day 1 of the McAuley Asics Challenge definitely did not disappoint. Covering this tournament I was limited to one location so for Day 1 I was at Mother McAuley HS covering Pools 1, 2 and 8. Here’s a preview of the McAuley Asics Challenge that highlighted the athletes and programs that would be in attendance.  Let’s take a quick look at the top headlines from Friday, followed by under the radar players.  vballrecruiter.com Nationally-Ranked Teams No. 15 Mother McAuley IL No. 20 Assumption KY No. 21 Huntley IL Highlights/Bracket Update The gold bracket is set. Despite a tough Pool 2 start against Joliet Catholic, Assumption captured that match in three and took first in the pool. Hamilton upset the first seed in Pool 8 in Metairie Park. In Pools 4-7 the top seeds — Notre Dame Academy, Skutt Catholic, Divine Savior, Marist and Huntley — all advanced to the gold bracket.  UNDER THE RADAR PLAYERS Bailey Blair, SO MB, Assumption KY Emma Barnett, SO OH, Assumption KY Emma Koceja, SO OH, Brookfield Central WI Emily Lavin, SR OH, Brookfield Central WI Rylee Duessler, SR OH, Hamilton WI Eva Finnessy, SO OH/Opp, Hamilton WI Olivia Chovanec, SO OH, Joliet Catholic IL Allie Wuestenfeld, SR L, Joliet Catholic IL Gig Dazet, JR OH/Opp, Metairie Park IL Lia Beverly, SO MB, Metairie Park IL Lily King, SR S/OH, Minooka IL Sophia Boumans, JR L, Montini Catholic IL Hailey Goetz, JR S, Montini Catholic IL Alicen Bainbridge, JR MB, Wahlert IO Sydney Buchanan, SO OH, Mother McAuley IL Mary Kate Sheehan, SR Opp, Mother McAuley IL