No. 1 Cathedral Catholic (CA) sits atop Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings; No. 9 Westminster Christian (FL) impresses at Nike TOC Southeast

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. – If the calendar has flipped past Labor Day that means the nation is knee-deep in volleyball.

And that’s exactly why the inaugural Blue Star Media Net 25 girls volleyball national rankings were created. Riding the wave and popularity of the game, the Net 25 have joined the national scene and had an opportunity last weekend to witness one of the nation’s top early season events.

It was quite a two-day run at the Nike Tournament of Champions Southeast at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus here just north of Tampa.

The biggest story last weekend was Westminster Christian (Palmetto Bay, Fla.) capturing the Nike TOC Southeast Platinum Division. The Warriors went 6-0 at the event.

It’ll be another busy week.

The Blue Star Media Net 25 rankings return Sept. 14.

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

Blue Star Media Net 25 Volleyball Rankings, Sept. 14, 2022

1. Cathedral Catholic, San Diego, Calif. (11-0)

Previous rank: 1.

Digs: The Dons came away with a tournament championship in Hawaii and open atop the Net 25 rankings. Two of the nation’s top seniors, outside hitter Julia Blyashov (Stanford commit) and right side Noemie Glover (Oregon), are savvy leaders and competitors. Junior setter Amanda Saeger verballed to DePaul and Ayva Moi is another valued right side from the Class of 2024. Ryleigh Patterson and Kapiolani Coleman also spearhead the attack.

2. Mira Costa, Calif. (10-2)

Previous: 2.

Digs: In the highly competitive CIF-Southern Section, the Mavericks are the best, at least for now. They won the Ann Kang Invitational last month in Honolulu, topping No. ghgh Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, Calif.), 25-20, 25-22, in the title match. So far, outside hitter Drew Wright and setter Charlie Fuerbringer (Wisconsin) are sparking the early run. Senior transfer Tanon Rosenthal (from Austin, Texas) is an invaluable addition to the Mavericks’ attack.

3. Assumption, Louisville, Ky. (9-0)

Previous: 3.

Digs: The Rockets have been nearly flawless against quality competition in the opening weeks. This weekend the challenge will be ratchetted up at the Louisville Invitational Volleyball Tournament. Outside hitter Sydney Helmers (Texas) and setter Whitney Woodrow (Fordham) form a solid senior one-two punch.

4. Marian, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (13-0)

Previous: 4.

Digs: The defending Division 1 state champions keep rolling after going 53-1 a year ago.

At 6-foot, Ava Sarafa is a Kentucky recruit who recently surpassed 4,000 career assists. Her classmate and right side Ella Schomer will sign with Wofford and outside hitters Molly Banta and Izzy Busignani are rising stars.

5. Cornerstone Christian School, San Antonio (36-2)

Previous: 5.

Digs: The Warriors second in the Nike Tournament of Champions National Platinum Division, losing to No. ghgh Westminster Christian (Palmetto Bay, Fla.) last weekend. Outside hitter Nayeli Gonzalez (Iowa State commit) and middle blocker Hannah Spencer played at a high level at the TOC as Rylee Busse and Macey Hughes. Earlier this season the Warriors captured the Volleypalooza in Texas, one of the nation’s top tournaments.

6. McCutcheon, Lafayette, Ind. (10-1)

Previous: 6.

Digs: Indiana’s top-ranked team stumbled last month at Yorktown in tournament action but recovered. The nation’s top-ranked player, 5-10 outside hitter Chloe Chicone, teams with Allie Shondell (both Purdue commits) and junior Lexi Blakenship, Raegen Burns and Isabella Humphrey to form top-notch team. Chicone played for the USA U-21 National team this summer.

7. Wayzata, Plymouth, Minn. (3-0)

Previous: 7.

Digs: Minnesota’s top-ranked Class 4A team stretched their win streak to 57 games. Junior outside hitter Avery Jesewitz, 6-3 junior outside hitter Olivia Swenson (Minnesota), 6-1 junior setter Stella Swenson (Minnesota) and senior libero Sophia Johnson (California) are the main players. The Trojans will play in the Lakeville North Tournament this weekend.

8. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (13-2)

Previous: 8.

Digs: The Trailblazers are one of the hottest teams in southern California. They placed second at the Ann Kang Invitational last month in Hawaii. Pittsburgh-bound Olivia Babcock and junior Danic Rach top the squad in kills. Middle blocker Ava Hewitt-Smith and 6-2 outside hitter Jaida Sione fortify the front row.

9. Westminster Christian, Palmetto Bay, Fla. (8-0)

Previous: 9.

Digs: Won the Nike Tournament of Champions Platinum Division in Wesley Chapel, Fla. The Warriors went 6-0 at the two-day event as Coastal Carolina-bound outside hitter totaled 68 kills. After this performance, the Warriors might get over the hump and win the program’s first state title since 2016 after finishing second in Class 3A for the last three tournaments.

10. Conroe, Texas (32-1)

Previous: 10.

Digs: Despite peeling 32 straight wins, including several in straight sets, the Tigers lost to Class 6A District-13 rival The Woodlands, 14-25, 15-25, 20-25. Senior Ariana “The Texas Hammer” Brown (Louisiana Monroe recruit) leads the team with 381 kills.

11. Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers, Ind. (8-1)

Previous: 11.

Digs: In a meeting between two of central Indiana’s top Class 4A teams, the Royals wiped out Brebeuf Jesuit (Indianapolis), 25-14, 25-21 and 25-12. Earlier this week, they played Yorktown, No. 3 in 4A. The big hitters from the senior class are Ava Lohman, Avery Hobson (Dayton commit) and Maris Reisenleiter. However, the junior class is loaded with four major recruits, including 6-3 outside hitter Lauren Harden, the state’s No. 1 recruit and middle hitter Breonna Goss (Duke).

12. Cleveland, Tenn. (23-1)

Previous: 12.

Digs: The Lady Raiders could be the team to beat in Tennessee Class AAA and have already dispatched reigning state title holders Nolensville and South Carolina power Dorman (Roebuck) in three sets apiece. Sophomore Lauren Hurst is already one of the state’s top players with junior setter Kinslee McGowan feeding her at the pin.

13. Mother McAuley, Chicago (8-0)

Previous: 13.

Digs: In their initial eight games, the Mighty Macs have not dropped a set. The Illinois large-school (Class 4A) power features senior libero Gigi Navarette (Northwestern) sophomore outside hitter Sydney Buchanan, 5-11 outside hitter Ellie White (Michigan), senior setter Olivia Klapp and junior middle hitter Ellery Rees. The Macs are in Louisville, Ky., this weekend for a high-end tournament.

14. Redondo Union, Redondo Beach, Calif. (9-4)

Previous: 14.

Digs: The Sea Hawks put away No. 16 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) in four sets and will face No. 15 Marymount (Los Angeles) om Sept. 12.

15. Marymount, Los Angeles (4-1)

Previous: 15.

Digs: The Sailors lost last week at No. ghgh Mira Costa (Calif.) in three straight sets will play No. ghghg Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth) and No. ghgh Redondo Union (Redondo Beach) this week.

16. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (3-2)

Previous: 16.

Digs: The Monarchs entered the season as one of the nation’s most ballyhooed teams but lost back-to-back matches before recovering to knock off No. ghgh Huntington Beach (Calif.). The power-hitting trio of 6-1 Isabel Clark (San Diego), 5-11 Erynn Sweeny (Fordham) and 6-3 junior Babi Gubbins (Stanford) should adjust as the term moves along.

17. Prestonwood Christian Academy, Plano, Texas (22-1)

Previous: 17.

Digs: The Lions have been dominant through 23 matches, suffering just one setback to No. ghgh Cornerstone Christian (San Antonio). An elite quartet from the Class of 2024 includes outside hitters Jadyn Livings, Nicole Foster and Mikala Young and Michigan-bound setter Camille Edwards. However, 6-4 sophomore transfer and outside hitter Cari Spears is a transformative player who played for USA U19s at the Pan American Cup. After a busy tournament schedule, the Lions open district play next week.

18. Huntington Beach, Calif. (7-1)

Previous: 18.

Digs: The Oilers have already won the Lakewood Tournament but did lose in straight sets to No. ghghg Mater Dei (Santa Ana). An experienced team relies on outside hitter Haylee La Fontaine, junior setter Dani Sparks, junior middle blocker Kylie Leopard and sophomore opposite hitter Taylor Ponchak.

19. Lincoln (Neb.) East (6-1)

Previous: 19.

Digs: The Spartans are Nebraska’s top-ranked team after capturing the Bellevue West Invitational while toppling No. ghgh Skutt Catholic (Omaha) in a three-set thriller. Shandy Faalii had 12 skills and Brooklyn Fuchs had 13 kills and five blocks and Megan Waters adeed nine kills and three service aces.

20. Santa Fe, Alachua, Fla. (8-1)

Previous: 20.

Digs: The defending FHSAA Class 4A champions placed third at the Nike TOC Southeast, beating Tampa (Fla.) Prep in two sets in the third-place game. The Raiders went 5-1 at the event with junior middle blocker Joseylynn Sanjuro and senior setter Anisa Dorlouis enjoying great weekends in Wesley Chapel, Fla.

21. Skutt Catholic, Omaha, Neb. (9-3)

Previous: 21.

Digs: Finished second in the Bellevue (Neb.) West Tournament, falling to No. ghgj Lincoln East 25-21, 14-25 and 21-25 in the final. Morgan Burke spiked 12 kills and freshman Addison West added 11 in the title match. This weekend the SkyHawks travel to the Kansas City (Mo.) area for three matches. They also went 4-2 at the Nike TOC Southeast in Florida, good for fifth in the National Gold.

22. North Allegheny, Wexford, Pa. (2-0)

Previous: 22.

Baselines: The five-time Class AAAA state champions are back with Ohio State-recruit outside hitter Mia Tuman (223, kills, 356 assists) and Ella Deeter (139 digs). Libero Caroline Curran will sign with Ohio. The Tigers play at a tournament in Upper St. Clair on Saturday. They opened by sweeping Freeport Area (Sarver) and Norwin (Irwin) in straight sets.

23. Williamstown, N.J. (0-0)

Previous: 23.

Digs: The Braves won the final New Jersey Tournament of Champions and Group 4 titles and return a ton of talent. Setter Joanna Andres (784 assists) and outside hitter Dajah Williams (306 kills) are the leaders. The term opens Saturday hosting a tournament.

24. St. Mary’s, Lancaster, N.Y. (0-0)

Previous: 24.

Baselines: The Lancers open the season this week with two matches and a tournament this weekend. Junior outside hitter Carson Tyler, a Ball State recruit, and middle blocker Gianna Blair are the leaders for the reigning New York Catholic State champions.

25. Immaculate Heart Academy, Washington Township, N.J. (0-0)

Previous: 25.

Digs: The Blue Eagles did not win last year’s Non-Public A title, falling a match short This season they return Bryant-bound Brookelyn Talmadge (206 kills, 44 blocks) and open with Old Tappan on Thursday.

Dropped out: None.

Special Consideration: Olathe (Kan.) Northwest; Lafayette (Wildwood, Mo.); Highland Park (Dallas); Tampa (Fla.) Prep ; St. James Academy (Lenexa, Kan.); East Ridge (Woodbury, Minn.); Divine Savior Holy Angels (Milwaukee); Dike (Iowa)-New Hartford; Northville (Mich.); Ursuline Academy (Cincinnati); Brandon (Miss.); Flint Hill (Oakton, Va.); Washburn Rural (Topeka, Kan.); Mercy (Rochester, N.Y.), Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 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.