SBLive Top 25 national high school girls volleyball rankings (11/7/2023)

No. 1 Hamilton Southeastern repeats as Indiana Class 4A state champ; No. 2 Mater Dei sweeps No. 3 Mira Costa in CIF Division 1 final

The Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Indiana) Royals marched into volleyball history last Saturday, serving up an accomplishment that few before them have done.

HSE defeated Castle (Newburgh), 3-1, to repeat as Class 4A state champion at Ball State’s Worthen Arena, but the Royals also finished the 2023 season unbeaten – a feat that only three other schools in Class 4A have done. HSE closed the season with a 33-0 record, extending its incredible two-season win streak to 67 matches.

“It was special as only three other teams in state history have gone undefeated at the state level,” said HSE coach Jason Young. “It’s a special group of kids, families and coaches. We stressed all year, enjoying the journey and not the final destination.

“This terrific senior class will be missed,” Young said. “However, our underclassmen know we are not finished and are looking forward to and preparing for next season.”

HSE graduates seven seniors, with six committed to college programs: Libero Sophie Ledbetter (Ball State), setter Macy Hinshaw (Santa Clara), middle hitter Tiffany Snook (Memphis), 6-foot-3 outside hitter Lauren Harden (Florida), defensive specialist Madison Schicker (Hanover College, Ind.), middle hitter Breonna Goss (Duke) and outside hitter/right-side hitter Maddi Evett.

Two HSE juniors also are committed and will be expected to lead the team in 2024: 6-2 outside hitter Lindsey Mangelson, Mississippi State; and setter Ava Hunter, Loyola Chicago.

HSE finished as one of the most consistent teams in the nation, dropping only five sets all year.

In California, No. 2 Mater Dei (Santa Ana) swept No. 3 Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach), 3-0, the CIF Division I final in one of the biggest match-ups of the 2023 season.

Mater Dei (39-2) defeated Mira Costa for the second straight time after losing to the Mustangs (38-3) earlier in the year.

Both Southern California powers continue postseason play this week.

The SBLive Power 25 national high school volleyball rankings include teams affiliated with state high school athletic associations in the state they compete in or those allowed to play affiliate high schools in their home state and beyond.

The rankings will be released weekly throughout the 2023 volleyball season. Find the complete breakdown of the SBLive Power 25 below.

The Power 25 rankings are compiled by SBLive freelancer Jeff Gardenour based on research and conversations with an extensive network of coaching and media sources across the nation. Reach Jeff on Twitter @JMarkG1962 or email him at jgardenour1962@gmail.com.

SBLIVE POWER 25 NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL RANKINGS

1. Hamilton Southeastern

(Fishers, Indiana) (33-0)

Last week: 1

The Royals repeated as Class 4A state champion with a 25-18, 24-26, 25-20, 25-15 victory against Castle (34-4). Leading the way were Mangelson, 17 kills; Snook, 14 kills; Harden, 13 kills and 11 digs; Goss, 13 kills; Ledbetter, 17 digs; Hinshaw, 16 digs and 38 assists; Maye McConnell, 11 digs; and Hunter, 20 assists.

Photo by Julie L. Brown

2. Mater Dei

(Santa Ana, California) (39-2)

Last week: 2

The Monarchs last week swept Mira Costa, 28-26, 25-15, 25-20, in the CIF Division 1 Finals at Cerritos College. They extended their win streak to 20 matches. Leading Mater Dei were senior outside hitter Isabel Clark (6-2) with 18 kills, four blocks and 12 digs; 6-4 freshman middle blocker Emma Kingston, seven blocks; sophomore outside hitter Layli Ostovar, 11 digs; and 6-1 senior setter Julia Kakkis, 26 assists. The Monarchs next take on Los Alamitos (33-7) on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the playoffs.

3. Grand Oaks

(Spring, Texas) (45-1)

Last week: 4

The Grizzlies last week extended their winning streak to 19 with 3-0 sweeps of Houston schools Nimitz and Langham Creek to win the Area championship for the first time. They take on Bridgeland in the regional quarterfinals on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Leading the Grizzlies are sophomore outside hitter Halle Thompson, senior middle blocker Jaela Auguste, sophomore defensive specialist Cali Reece, senior setter/defensive specialist Audrey Terry, and junior outside hitter Samara Coleman.

4. Wayzata

(Plymouth, Minnesota) (31-0)

Last week: 5

The three-time defending Class 4A state champ Trojans last swept Champlin Park for the Section championship. They have won 41 consecutive matches dating to last season. Wayzata next takes on Edina (10-15) next in the MSHSL Class AAAA state quarterfinals. Leading the way are senior outside hitter Olivia Swenson, junior middle hitter Katie Kelzenburg, senior Libero Bianca Nistor, senior setter Stella Swenson, and senior outside hitter Avery Jesewitz.

5. Divine Savior Holy Angels

(Milwaukee, Wisconsin) (47-1)

Last week: 7

DSHA last week swept River Falls and Hamilton by 3-0 scores and then battled past Oconomowoc (41-4) in five sets to repeat as WIAA Division 1 state champs. DSHA prevailed 25-14, 20-25, 25-27, 25-22, 15-8. Leading the way were junior outside hitter/right-side hitter Madison Quest, 24 kills, five aces and 15 digs; senior outside hitter/right-side hitter Sophia Wendlick, 22 kills and 13 digs; sophomore middle blocker Maddie Brown, 10 blocks; senior middle blocker Lilly Cesarz, 10 blocks; junior Libero/outside hitter Olivia Durst, 23 digs; and junior setter Jordan Czajkowski, 43 assists.

6. Mira Costa

(Manhattan Beach, California) (38-3)

Last week: 3

The Mustangs had their 15-match win streak snapped against powerhouse Mater Dei in the CIF Division 1 Final. Leading Mira Costa were 6-2 sophomore outside hitter Audrey Flanagan, nine kills; senior middle hitter Rachel Moglia, four blocks; and junior Libero/defensive specialist Taylor Deckert, 21 digs. The Mustangs face another postseason challenge on Nov. 8 when they take on Sierra Canyon (34-8) of Chatsworth.

Photo: Heston Quan

7. Prestonwood Christian Academy

(Plano, Texas) (34-4)

Last week: 9

The Texas power pushed its win streak to 12 last week, beating Incarnate Word (San Antonio), 3-0, in a TAPPS 6A regional playoff game. Jadyn Livings recently passed 1,400 kills for her career. Last year, PCA went 40-1 and won state.

8. Cathedral Catholic

(San Diego, California) (32-4)

Last week: 10

The defending national champion Dons last week defeated Bishop’s (La Jolla), 3-1, and Torrey Pines (San Diego), 3-2, in the CIFSD Open Division playoffs. They next play Marymount (28-11) on Nov. 8 in the SoCal State CIF playoffs. The Dons are led by senior middle blocker Jenna Hanes, junior Libero Maya Evens, senior opposite/outside hitter Ayva Moi, and senior setter Amanda Saeger.

Pace Academy

(Atlanta, Georgia) (37-3)

Last week: 12

The Knights last week repeated as Class 4A state champ with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Lovett (Atlanta) in a rematch of last year’s final. Pace dropped the first two sets, but then rallied to win the next three to take the match and finish the season with an 18-match win streak.

10. Alpharetta

(Alpharetta, Georgia) (38-3)

Last week: Unranked

The Raiders lost to defending Class 6A state champ Pope in the region championship game, but then bounced back to win five straight and beat the Greyhounds in a rematch to capture their second state title, first since 2020. Georgia Tech-commit Logan Wiley led the way.

11. Dike-New Hartford

(Dike, Iowa) (50-0)

Last week: 20

The Wolverines completed a perfect season by beating Hinton, 25-14, 25-23, 25-16 in the Class 2A state championship game at Xtream Arena in Coralville. It was the team’s third title in four years, and 16th overall. DNH defeated Eddyville-Blakesburg-Freemont and Denver High to advance to the final. In the championship match, the Wolverines’ Payton Peterson had 20 kills and four blocks; Maryn Bixby, 13 kills and four blocks; Abby Jensen, 11 digs; and Lucy Varney, 20 assists.

12. Hudsonville

(Hudsonville, Michigan) (45-2)

Last week: 13

The Eagles stretched their winning streak to 38 matches by beating Grandville and Jenison by 3-0 scores in playoff games. They play Forest Hills Northern on Nov. 7. Leading HHS are senior outside hitter Isabelle Swiercz, senior right-side hitter Maislin Joldersma, junior Lauren Bower, senior Libero Gianna Bender, and senior setter Megan Beemer.

13. Assumption

(Louisville, Kentucky) (36-5)

Last week: 22

The Rockets last week beat Notre Dame Academy, 25-19, 24-26, 25-11, 25-20, to win the KHSAA volleyball state championship – their 23rd state title. It marked the fourth matchup this season between the Bluegrass State’s top two teams, with Assumption winning three. Leading Assumption in the final match were senior outside hitter Charlotte Moriarty, 18 kills and 16 digs; junior middle blocker/opposite Bailey Blair, 11 kills; junior outside hitter Emma Barnett, 10 kills and three aces; junior Libero/defensive specialist Kristen Simon, 16 digs; junior setter Emilee Fuller, 15 digs and 43 assists; and sophomore defensive specialist/Libero Emily Keiran, 10 digs.

14. Archbishop Mitty

(San Jose, California) (30-4)

Last week: Unranked

The Monarchs are one of California’s top teams and are proving as much with an 11-match win streak heading into peak playoff season. They blew past St. Francis, 3-1, last Saturday. The Monarchs next play Redwood (28-7) on Nov. 8.

15. Northville

(Northville, Michigan) (44-2)

Last week: Unranked

The defending state runner-up Mustangs are back in the rankings after ousting South Lyon East for the Division 1 district championship, They will play either Temperance Bedford or Brownstone Woodhaven in the regional opener on Nov. 7.

16. Benet Academy

(Lisle, Illinois) (38-2)

Last week: 14

The Redwings last week swept Wheaton-Warrenville, Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn) and Glenbard South (Glen Ellyn) by 2-0 scores to win the Super Sectional title. They next play Willowbrook on Nov. 10 in the IHS playoffs. Leading Benet are sophomore middle hitter Lynney Tarnow, junior middle hitter Gabby Stasys, junior Libero/outside hitter Aniya Warren, senior Libero/defensive specialist Christine Pullen, and sophomore setter Ellie Stiernagle.

17. Flint Hill

(Oakton, Virginia) (30-3)

Last week: 19

The defending Division I Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) state champ last week swept Holton Arms (Bethesda, Md.), Potomac School (McLean), and Georgetown Day (Washington, D.C.) by 3-0 scores to win the Independent School League Division AA tournament. The Huskies next take on Saint Gertrude (Richmond) on Nov. 7 in the VISAA state tournament. Leading Flint Hill are Mickhaila Murray, Ryla Jones, Evie Huang, and Natalie Nguyen.

18. Immaculate Heart Academy

(Washington Township, New Jersey) (27-1)

Last week: 16

The defending NJSIAA Non-Public A girls state champ last week defeated Mount St. Mary Academy (Watchung) and Morristown-Beard in the playoffs. The Blue Eagles next play Union Catholic (Scotch Plains) on Nov. 8. Leading Immaculate are junior outside hitter/opposite Eve Roman, junior middle blocker Rachel Paton, senior middle blocker/opposite Emily Sabino, senior Libero Abby Romero, senior setter Kalena Stavish, and senior setter Bryana Saenz.

19. Mother McAuley

(Chicago, Illinois) (35-5)

Last week: 18

The defending Class 4A state champ Mighty Macs last week swept powerful Marist (Chicago) and Normal West by 2-0 scores to win the Super Sectional title. They next play Barrington (35-5) on Friday, Nov. 10. Leading the Macs are senior outside hitter Ellie White, a Michigan commit, Ellery Rees, Samantha Falk, Peyton Heatherly, and Olivia Urbon.

20. Lake Catholic

(Mentor, Ohio) (27-0)

Last week: 21

The defending OHSAA Division III state champ last week defeated Independence, 3-0, and Crestview to win the Division III regional title. The Cougars next take on St. Henry in a state semifinal on Thursday, Nov. 9. Lake Catholic is led by senior outside hitter/middle hitter Katie Sowko, junior middle hitter Ava Budrys Rini, freshman middle hitter/outside hitter Ahnna Bergant, junior Libero/defensive specialist Julia Oster, and senior setter Hannah Pattie.

21. Carrollwood Day School

(Tampa, Florida) (29-2)

Last week: 23

The Patriots last week defeated perennial power Tampa Berkeley Prep, 3-2 for the Class 3A, Regional title. CDS next takes on six-time state champ Lake Highland Prep (23-7) on Nov. 7 in the state semifinals. Leading the Pats are freshman outside hitter Lydia Chinchar, senior setter Naomi Chinchar, junior Libero Mattea Casale, and 6-2 junior middle blocker/outside hitter Sarah Dibbs-frantz.

22. Valor Christian

(Highlands, Ranch, Colorado) 25-0

Last week: 24

The defending Class 5A state champion Eagles last week swept Eaglecrest (Centennial) and Regis Jesuit (Aurora) by 3-0 scores. VC plays again on Nov. 9. Leading the way are senior outside hitter/Libero Delaney Russell, senior middle blocker/opposite Grace Langer, sophomore outside hitter/opposite/Libero Bergen Waitman, and junior setter Chloe Elarton.

23. Bob Jones

(Madison, Alabama) (54-3)

Last week: 11

The defending Class 7A state runner-up last week swept Auburn High School and Hoover by 3-0 scores and then fell to McGill-Toolen (Mobile), 3-1, in the state final again. The Patriots had beaten McGill-Toolen in their first two meetings this year. Kennedy Vaughn, Eliza Tyrrel, Meg Jarrett, and Riley Lovell played well for the Pats.

24. Papillion-La Vista South

(Papillion, Nebraska) (35-2)

Last week: 6

The two-time defending Class A state champ Titans were stunned by rival Papillion-La Vista for the second time in two weeks, falling to the Monarchs (26-16), 3-1, on Nov. 1 in the 1-vs-8 playoff match. In finishing its season early, Papio South advanced to the state playoffs for the 10th consecutive season.

25. McKinney Boyd

(McKinney, Texas) (31-2)

Last week: 8

The Class 6A-Region 1, District 5 champ Broncos last week stretched their win streak to 21 with a victory against Hebron in the first round of the playoffs and then were stunned by Lake Highlands (Dallas), 3-1, to close the season.

Honorable Mention

St. Mary’s Dominican (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Puyallup (Puyallup, Washington)

Lafayette (Wildwood, Missouri)

Oconomowoc (Oconomowoc, Wisconsin)

O’Connor (Phoenix, Arizona)

Bellmont (Decatur, Indiana)

Byron Nelson (Trophy Club, Texas)

Blue Valley North (Overland Park, Kansas)

Marist (Chicago, Illinois)

Kamehameha Kapalama (Kea’au, Hawaii)

Cornerstone Christian (San Antonio, Texas)

Dropped out: Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, Kentucky), Pope (Marietta, Georgia), St. Francis (Mountain View, California)