ROYAL TOUCH: No. 1 Mater Dei (CA) Monarchs ascend Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings; Nike Southwest TOC (AZ), ASICS Challenge (IL) highlight national events this weekend

BENSALEM, Pa. – The salvo fired last week was a warning the Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball were due for a shakeup.

Well, it came to fruition and the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada had major role in the overhaul.

Let’s start at the top, where No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) went unbeaten and moved atop the Net 25 after rallying to beat the previous top dog, Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), in three exciting sets. It also erased one of their two losses this season and ended Mira Costa’s 19-game winning streak.

Setter and opposite hitter Julia Kakkis, a Brown recruit, was named Most Valuable Player and three teammates were added to the all-tournament team. Bravo, Monarchs!

As a side note, Mater Dei currently occupies the top spot in the most recent Blue Star Media Elite 25 football rankings.

There are three newcomers to th Net 25: No. 18 Marist (Chicago), No. 24 Alpharetta (Ga.) and No. 25 Branson School (Ross, Calif.). Marist made waves in Chicagoland by knocking off then-No. 12 Mother McAuley and will go their tournament this weekend. Alpharetta, Georgia’ top-ranked Class 6A team, wiped out then-No. 16 Pope (Marietta, Ga.) while upping its record to 29-2 and Branson captured the Durango Fall Classic Silver Division title.

This week’s movers and shakers from the Net 25 includes No. 12 Divine Savior Holy Angels (Milwaukee) that catapulted 13 slots after winning another event and stayed perfect through 28 matches. No. 5 Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, Calif.) received a healthy bump of nine slots and No. 15 Huntington Beach (Calif.) leaped seven—both fared well at the Durango Fall Classic.

No. 19 Mother McAuley (Chicago) dipped seven spots after a rare nonconference loss at home. All told, three newbies, four teams were static, seven moved up and 11 dropped at least one position in the Net 25.

Speaking of McAuley, the Mighty Macs will host the prestigious ASICS Challenge this weekend in Chicago. Usually, the event attracts a slew of teams from the Midwest, especially strong ones from the Chicagoland. Five teams from the Net 25 will be in the house.

The ASICS Challenge pool play schedule is here.

In Mesa, Ariz., the 15th Nike Tournament of Champions Southwest is scheduled this weekend for two days at the Bell Bank Park. The field will feature Net 25 teams and will be divided into three divisions, with everyone playing seven matches.

We’ll have the results here next week.

That’ll do it for the month of September. October means the conclusion of the regular season and playoffs nationwide roll out weekly.

The Blue Star Media Net 25 girls’ volleyball rankings return Oct. 4. Expect more movement and additions with two major tournaments in Arizona and Chicago taking place Friday and Saturday.

Be safe. We hope to see you at a game soon. – Christopher Lawlor

Blue Star Media Net 25 Girls’ Volleyball Rankings, Sept. 27, 2023

1. Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif. (27-2)

Previous rank: 5.

Digs: The Monarchs ruled the Durango Fall Classic, capturing the top-flight Championship Division after going unbeaten last Friday in pool play. In the final, the Monarchs bounced then-No. 1 Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), 18-25, 25-20, 25-21. The accolades were aplenty as Brown-bound senior Julia Kakkis was named the Most Valuable Player and teammates Isabel Clark (San Diego commit), Layli Ostovar and Malyssa Cawa (Stanford) joined her on the all-tournament team.

2. Mira Costa, Manhattan Beach, Calif. (21-2)

Previous: 1.

Digs: After going 3-0 in pool play, the Mustangs advanced to title game of the Durango Fall Classic Championship Division before falling to top-ranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) in three sets. However, Wisconsin recruit and setter Charlie Fuerbringer, junior libero Taylor Deckert (USC pledge) and sophomore outside hitter Audrey Flanagan were added to the prestigious all-tournament team.

3. Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers, Ind. (21-0)

Previous: 3.

Digs: Won Crown Point Invitational, beating Bishop Noll (Hammond), 25-13, 25-13. Florida-bound outside hitter Lauren Holden became the program’s all-time leader in kills with 1,125. The Royals also defeated locals powers Roncalli (Indianapolis) and Zionsville both in three straight sets. This weekend the Royals are back at tournament action at Center Grove in Greenwood.

4. Cathedral Catholic, San Diego, Calif. (20-3)

Previous: 4.

Digs: The Dons tied for third place in the Durango Fall Classic Championship Division. Junior libero Maya Evens and senior opposite Tiana Owens were all-tournament selections.

5. Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif. (22-4)

Previous: 14.

Digs: The Trailblazers were tied for third place in the Durango Fall Classic Championship Division. Junior libero Lauren Lynch and senior outside hitter Danica Rach were all-tournament selections.

6. Prestonwood Christian Academy, Plano, Texas (24-4)

Previous: 8.

Digs: The Lions edged then-No. 2 Cornerstone Christian School (San Antonio), 25-17, 22-25, 25-22, for fifth place at the Durango Fall Classic Championship Division in Las Vegas. Junior outside hitter Macaria Spears made the all-tournament team.

7. Cornerstone Christian School, San Antonio (28-3)

Previous: 2.

Digs: Finished in sixth place of the Durango Fall Classic Championship Division, absorbing two losses in the big bracket. Junior Megan Fitch earned all-tournament honors.

8. Assumption, Louisville, Ky. (20-3)

Previous: 6.

Digs: The Rockets were tied for seventh in the Durango Fall Classic Championship Division and went 3-0 in pool play. Senior outside hitter Charlotte Moriarity was named all-tournament. This weekend they appear in the ASICS Challenge at Mother McAuley in Chicago.

9. Wayzata, Plymouth, Minn. (17-0)

Previous: 7.

Digs: Minnesota’s top-ranked Class 4A side swept four opponents in two sets to win the Eagle Invite in Apple Valley, Minn. The Trojans played Champlin Park on Tuesday in a showdown match.

10. Grand Oaks, Spring, Texas (35-1)

Previous: 9.

Digs: Defeated Cleveland, 25-4, 25-4, 25-11 and improved to 8-0 in District 13-6A play. Nine matches remain on the regular season slate.

11. Papillion (Neb.)-La Vista South (25-0)

Previous: 10.

Digs: Won Weston Volleyball Invitational, beating Lincoln East, 25-16, 25-17, in the final. Cam Bails (10 kills) and Lauren Medeck (nine) teamed for 19 kills in the title match. Additionally, setter Charlee Solomon surpassed 1,000 career assists. The Titans are off 12 days until they face Burke (Omaha) on Oct. 5 and have won three invitationals this season.

12. Divine Savior Holy Angels, Milwaukee (28-0)

Previous: 25.

Digs: Won the West Bend East Tournament, taking down rivals Oconomowoc, 25-21, 19-25, 15-11, in the final. Outside hitter Sophia Wendlick contributed 18 spikes and junior Madison Quest had 14. Junior Olivia Durst added 19 digs and Belmont-bound Jordan Czajkowski handed out 31 assists with seven service points. The Dashers were given a huge bump for their flawless play.

13. Carrollwood Day School, Tampa, Fla. (19-2)

Previous: 11.

Digs: Won Holy Names Tournament in Tampa but did split two matches with rivals Berkeley Prep (Tampa).

14. Viera, Fla. (14-2)

Previous: 13.

Digs: The Hawks swept Eau Gallie (Melbourne), Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (Melbourne) and Melbourne in three sets apiece, extending the win streak to nine matches. Four matches in the regular season remain.

12th 5. Huntington Beach, Calif. (20-6)

Previous: 22.

Digs: The Oilers went 3-2 at the Durango Fall Classic, finishing in a tie for seventh place in the Championship Division. Sophomore outside hitter Addison Williams was all-tournament. The Oilers leap seven spots after a very respectful showing in Las Vegas.

16. Pace Academy, Atlanta (23-3)

Previous: 17.

Digs: The Knights went 4-0 last week without dropping a set in Class 4A, Region 5.

17. Dripping Springs, Texas (37-3)

Previous: 15.

Digs: The Tigers were upended by Lake Travis (Austin), 22-25, 25-15, 26-24, 19-25, in District 26-6A play. They dip to second place but have a rematch on Oct. 20 at home.

18. Marist, Chicago (17-1)

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: The Red Hawks are just that … red hot! They beat then-No. 12 Mother McAuley (Chicago) in three sets as Northwestern recruit and junior Bella Bullington had 25 kills, Elayna Davidson had 16 digs and Jessica Kurpeikis added eight kills and three blocks. The high-level competition resumes this weekend at McAuley’s home court with the ASICS Challenge.

19. Mother McAuley, Chicago (15-3)

Previous: 12.

Digs: The Mighty Macs lost a nonconference match to local rival and No. 18 Marist (Chicago), 20-25, 26-24, 16-25. Michigan-bound outside hitter  had 15 kills and seven digs and Sydney Buchanan added 16 digs and Maddie Berry recorded 45 assists. They can rebound this week against No. 8 Assumption (Louisville, Ky.) on Thursday before hosting the two-day ASICS Challenge.

20. Immaculate Heart Academy, Washington Township, N.J. (8-0)

Previous: 20.

Digs: New Jersey’s top-ranked team keeps winning in straight sets. The Blue Eagles stopped Ramapo (Franklin Lakes), 25-12, 25-20, as junior Eve Roman put up six kills, six digs, 11 service points and three service aces and setter Kalena Stavish added 24 assists and five digs. This week the schedule features four matches.

21. Punahou School, Honolulu (23-1)

Previous: 21.

Digs: The Puns swept Le Jardin Academy (Kailua), Maryknoll (Honolulu) and Iolani School (Honolulu) in three sets apiece.

22. Notre Dame Academy, Park Hills, Ky. (18-1)

Previous: 23.

Digs: The Pandas rolled to three wins but stopped St. Henry (Erlanger), 26-28, 27-25, 25-21, 25-15. Next up is a trip to Chicago this weekend.

23. Flint Hill School, Oakton, Va. (13-2)

Previous: 19.

Digs: The Huskies have not lost a set in the ISL in over a decade.

24. Alpharetta, Ga. (29-2)

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: Georgia’s new top-ranked Class 6A team swept then-No. 16 Pope (Marietta, Ga.), 25-19, 25-14, 25-14, in a Region 7 showdown and slip into the Net 25 rankings.

25. Branson School, Ross, Calif. (15-4)

Previous: Not ranked.

Digs: Won the Silver Division title at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas. Senior outside hitter Sadie Snipes was named all-tournament for the Bulls.

Dropped out: No. 16 Pope (Marietta, Ga.); No. 18. Plano (Texas) West; and No. 24 Venice (Fla.).

Special Consideration: Lone Peak (Highland, Utah); St. Mary’s (Lancaster, N.Y.); St. Mary’s Dominican (New Orleans); Southern Regional (Manahawkin, N.J.); Lincoln (Neb.) Southwest; St. Francis (Mountain View, Calif.); Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.); Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.); Northville (Mich.); Lafayette (Wildwood, Mo.); Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.); Blue Valley North (Overland Park, Kan.); Lake Catholic (Mentor, Ohio); Jesuit (Portland, Ore.); Xavier College Prep (Phoenix); Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.) and Oconomowoc (Wis.).

Records are through Sunday.

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 in November. 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. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @clawlor.