Cathedral Catholic (CA) captures Durango Fall Classic, stays in charge of Blue Star Media Net 25 volleyball rankings; newbies from Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas

BENSALEM, Pa. – It’s fair to say No. 1 Cathedral Catholic High School of San Diego, California is unbeatable.

That’s the understatement of the volleyball season but everyone wants a crack at Dons, No. 1 in the Blue Star Media Net 25 rankings.

For the second straight weekend, the Dons annexed a tournament title and this time it was the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. And for the second straight weekend, the Dons defeated No. 9 Marymount (Los Angeles) in the final. Winning the DFC is a big deal as last year’s champions, Marymount, went on to win the national championship and California state title. Are the Dons next?

Well, they certainly are headed in that direction and have all the momentum needed to complete the task. However, there’s too much volleyball remaining.

We’re still a week out from the ASICS Challenge in Chicago and Nike Tournament of Champions Southwest in Phoenix, both running Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Expect another shakeup in the Net 25 following those events.

For the first time this season, the Net 25 welcomes three teams: No. 10 Fayetteville (Ark.), No. 19 Nolensville (Tenn.) and No. 24 Highland Park (Dallas). All three are top ranked in their respective state’s large-school classification.

That’s it for another week. The action is percolating and the national tournaments are starting to dwindle and will soon give way to state tournaments in late October.

The Blue Star Media Net 25 rankings return Sept. 28.

Until next week, we hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings, Sept. 21, 2022

1. Cathedral Catholic, San Diego, Calif. (24-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Digs: It was quite a week for the Dons in the desert, capturing the prestigious Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Dons cleared the deck, taking all seven matches against national-level competition, including the final over No. 9 Marymount (Los Angeles), 25-20, 25-18. Michigan-bound junior middle blocker Jenna Hanes bagged Most Valuable Player honors and teammates Julia Blyashov, Mia Compas and Milan Bayless were added to the all-tournament team. The Dons have road matches at La Jolla (San Diego) and Point Loma (San Diego) this week.

2. Mira Costa, Manhattan Beach, Calif. (13-2)

Previous: 2.

Digs: Drew Wright pounded out 10 spikes in two sets when the Mavericks defeated Peninsula (Rolling Hills Estates), 25-22, 25-23, 25-7. They also beat Palos Verdes (Palos Verdes Estates), 25-15, 22-25, 25-22, 26-28, 19-17, in a five-set thriller. Tanon Rosenthal paced the attack with 24 kills and Wright had 20 and 13 digs. Wisconsin-bound setter Charlie Fuerbringer contributed four service aces and sophomore Taylor Deckert added 16 digs. This weekend the Mavs play at the Santa Monica Tournament.

3. Marian, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (22-0)

Previous: 3.

Digs: In a relatively quiet week, the Mustang took care of Divine Child (Dearborn), 25-11, 25-11, 25-20. Senior Ella Schomer had eight kills and eight digs while Ava Sarafa handed out 19 assists and freshman Allie Davison added 10 assists.

4. Mother McAuley, Chicago (16-0)

Previous: 4.

Digs: The Mighty Macs cruised past Downers Grove North, 25-21, 25-12 and St. Francis (Wheaton), 25-20, 25-20. This week it’s two league games against Fenwick (Oak Park) and Marist (Chicago). The following week, they host the high-powered ASICS Challenge (Sept. 30-Oct. 1).

5. Cornerstone Christian School, San Antonio (44-2)

Previous: 5.

Digs: The win streak moved to eight matches with two victories last week.

6. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (16-4)

Previous: 16.

Digs: Won the Silver Division at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. Freshman outside hitter Layli Ostovar was named to the all-tournament team. The Monarchs face Trinity League rivals Orange Lutheran and Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita) this week.

7. Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers, Ind. (15-1)

Previous: 7.

Digs: Indiana’s top-ranked Class 4A team beat powerhouse Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville, Ky.), 25-20, 19-25, 25-22, 25-22 to complete a 3-0 week and record a 14th straight win. This weekend is the Brebeuf Jesuit Invitational in Indianapolis.

8. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (22-3)

Previous: 9.

Digs: Went 6-1 at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas. Lost to Iolani School (Honolulu) in three sets. Opposite hitter Olivia Babcock, a Pittsburgh recruit, was named all-tournament.

9. Marymount, Los Angeles (12-5)

Previous: 13.

Digs: The Sailors went 5-1 at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, placing second. Pittsburgh-bound outside hitter Torrey Stafford, outside hitter Kate Martin and libero Lexi Trapani, a Santa Clara recruit, were named all-tournament.

10. Fayetteville, Ark. (19-1)

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: Finished third at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada, going 5-1 at the two-day tournament. The Bulldogs recorded quality wins over No. 13 Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.) and Iolani School (Honolulu) but fell to No. 9 Marymount (Los Angeles), 16-25, 20-25, in semifinals. Kennedy Phelan had 12 assists and Brooke Rockwell spiked 10 kills in the loss. The senior outside hitters were named to the all-tournament team. Earlier this month, the Bulldogs won tournament title in Oklahoma. They have two Class 6A West Conference matches this week.

11. Westminster Christian, Palmetto Bay, Fla. (11-0)

Previous: 10.

Digs: Defeated Palmetto (Miami), 25-16, 25-5, 25-12.

12. McCutcheon, Lafayette, Ind. (15-1)

Previous: 8.

Digs: The Mavericks were perfect in sets at 12-0 last week, sweeping four opponents in three sets apiece.

13. Redondo Union, Redondo Beach, Calif. (17-5)

Previous: 14.

Digs: Closed out a solid Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada with back-to-back sweeps of Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) and Vista Murietta (Murietta, Calif.). Recently, Victoria Henkel committed to LSU for beach volleyball.

14. Prestonwood Christian Academy, Plano, Texas (26-1)

Previous: 15.

Digs: The Lions won twice last week but needed to eke out a tight five set, 25-16, 25-17, 19-25, 26-28, 15-7 win over Bishop Lynch (Dallas). Two more TAPPS Class 6A District 1 matches await this week.

15. Huntington Beach, Calif. (16-2)

Previous: 17.

Digs: Won the La Jolla Tournament in San Diego. Dani Spark was crowned Most Valuable Player and teammate Tori Hagan was named to the all-tournament team.

16. Yorktown, Ind. (18-2)

Previous: 18.

Digs: Coach Stephanie Bloom’s squad fired through three opponents, New Castle, Muncie Burris and Shelbyville in three sets apiece. Sophomores, libero Addi Applegate and outside hitter Charlotte Vinson, have emerged as next aces.

17. Assumption, Louisville, Ky. (20-4)

Previous: 6.

Digs: The Rockets went 5-2 at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. They went unbeaten in pool play but would loss to Net 25 teams Marymount (Los Angeles) and Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, Calif.). Senior outside hitter Charlotte Moriarity earned all-tournament honors. Later this week, it’s rivalry day when the Rockets face Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville) on Sept. 25.

18. Santa Fe, Alachua, Fla. (12-1)

Previous: 20.

Digs: Last weekend, the Raiders defeated powerhouse programs Tampa Prep, 18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-13 and Trinity Prep (Winter Haven), 25-14, 25-15, 25-17. in a tri-meet. Senior Jalyn Stout totaled 52 kills and 36 assists in two matches and Anisa Dorlouis totaled 32 assists and pounded out 16 kills versus Tampa Prep.

19. Nolensville, Tenn. (29-4)

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: The Knights won the 2022 Border Battle, topping Cleveland (Tenn.), 25-15, 25-11, in the final. Earlier in the tournament, they beat Cleveland in pool play in two sets.

20. Northfield, Minn. (10-0)

Previous: 21.

Digs: Sydney Jaynes collected 11 spikes and 15 digs and both Teagan Jaynes and Teagan Timerley had 12 assists apiece in a three-set, 25-9, 25-9, 25-11, sweep of Mankato East. Looking ahead the Raiders have two matches this week and then starting Friday at the Eagle Invitational in Apple Valley.

21. Skutt Catholic, Omaha, Neb. (12-4)

Previous: 22.

Digs: The work load was reduced to one match and the SkyHawks dispatched South Sioux City, 25-6, 25-7, 25-13. Later this week, Skutt visits Chicago for tournament play plus a match with powerhouse Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.) on Thursday.

22. North Allegheny, Wexford, Pa. (12-1)

Previous: 23.

Digs: The Tigers swept North Hills (Pittsburgh), 25-17, 25-11, 25-10. Mia Tuman paced the attack with 26 assists, six digs and an ace. Senior libero Caroline Curran had 12 digs and two aces.

23. Wayzata, Plymouth, Minn. (10-1)

Previous: 24.

Digs: Recorded a quality 25-23, 25-20, 25-23 victory over East Ridge (Woodbury), considered one Minnesota’s top-10 Class 4A sides. This weekend they play at the Eagle Invitational in Apple Valley.

24. Highland Park, Dallas (28-2)

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: The Scots enter the Net 25 rankings as Texas’ top ranked UIL Class 6A team. A strong schedule has featured several state teams but the Scots have lost twice to No. 14 Prestonwood Christian (Plano). This week’s slate includes two matches in District 7-6A.

25. Immaculate Heart Academy, Washington Township, N.J. (5-1)

Previous: 25.

Digs: The Blue Eagles dropped their first match at the Parkland Invitational in Pennsylvania to Pope John Paul II (Royersford, Pa.), 25-21, 20-25, 11-15. In a 25-14, 25-9, victory over Ridgewood (N.J.), Bryant-commit outside hitter Brookelyn Talmadge had 12 kills and Kalena Stavish added 24 assists.

Dropped out: No. 11 Conroe (Texas); No. 12 Cleveland (Tenn.) and No. 19 Lincoln (Neb.) East.

Special Consideration: Iolani School (Honolulu); Cypress Ranch (Houston); Mountain View (Orem, Utah); Punahou School (Honolulu); Buford (Ga.); Lafayette (Wildwood, Mo.); St. James Academy (Lenexa, Kan.); Dike (Iowa)-New Hartford; Northville (Mich.); Pope (Marietta, Ga.); Ursuline Academy (Cincinnati); Flint Hill (Oakton, Va.); Southwest (Lincoln, Neb.); Washburn Rural (Topeka, Kan.); Sequoya (Canton, Ga.); San Clemente (Calif.) and Penfield (N.Y.).

About: The Blue Star Media Net 25 High School Girls’ Volleyball Rankings are released weekly from August until the conclusion of the high school season. Criteria considered are the quality of the team and its players, strength of schedule, tradition, and quality of the team’s league, conference, region or district. The rankings are compiled by Blue Star Media’s Christopher Lawlor, who consults with a national network of coaches, talent evaluators and prep sports writers. The final rankings will be released at the conclusion of the season in November. Follow him on Twitter at @clawlor.