Issuu

GHSA 2016 STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

real passion passion real real dreams dreams real . real GAME real GAME. join us at

Molten is the Official Volleyball of the Georgia High School Association

MOLTENUSA.COM join us at

2 | WWW.GHSA.NET

OC TOB ER 29, 2016 A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2016 GHSA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

WELCOME GHSA VOLLEYBALL FANS sionalism in preparing the matches for the final three rounds of competition. Additionally, we want to thank Marietta High School and Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School’s dedicated staff for hosting the championship matches in such an outstanding manner. NFHS Network will again video stream the finals live on NFHSNetwork. com/GHSA. Please note the corporate partners whose signage is displayed in the competition areas. Your support of our partners assists all athletics in a very tangible way. Now, get ready for exciting competitions! Support your school with the highest standards of good sportsmanship and fair play. We offer our best wishes for success to all those in our competitive competitions today.

t is anticipated the Volleyball championship matches will showcase outstanding competitions with spectacular play. Throughout Georgia, the quality of play is extremely high and the competitive balance in all programs around the state increases each year. After a very competitive 2016 these finals should deliver exciting conclusions to the volleyball season. The GHSA wants to thank all those who have planned the event and who will manage the championships at two school sites. Denis Tallini, the GHSA Associate Director for Volleyball, Patty Craven and Jona Braden as classification coordinators, have worked hard throughout the season. Special appreciation goes to the Seeding Com- Gary Phillips mittee for their diligence and profes- Executive Director

VOLLEYBALL WILL STREAM LIVE AGAIN

or the 10th straight year, volleyball fans will be able to enjoy the excitement of the GHSA Volleyball State Championships presented by Mizuno, Oct. 29 live on the NFHS Network.com/GHSA powered by PlayOn Sports. Subscription rates will apply. On demand viewing is free three days after the event. DVDs can be ordered on NFHS Network.com. The finals will be called by Phil Bush and Paige Weiland at Marietta and Brian Drebber and Kealy Hartman at Holy Innocents’.

/OFFICIALGHSA

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 2016 At Marietta 4A

11:00 am

Blessed Trinity vs. Woodward Academy

1:30 pm

Buford vs. McIntosh

4:00 pm

Alpharetta vs. Harrison

6:30 pm

Walton vs. Lassiter

At Holy Innocents’ 1A

11:00 am

Calvary Day vs. Savannah Christian

1:30 pm

St. Vincent’s vs. Coosa

4:00 pm

Westminster vs. Pace Academy

GET YOUR OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP T-SHIRT IN THE LOBBY FROM TEAMIP, ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY AT THEATHLETICIMAGE.COM AND DVDS AT NFHSNETWORK.COM/GHSA

The 2016 Georgia High School Association Volleyball State Championship Guide is published by Score Media, a division of Score Atlanta, in conjunction with the GHSA. The guide was designed by Rhonda Rawls, Jermaine Edwards, edited by Craig Sager II, Kyle Sandy and Steffi Sorensen, information provided by the GHSA and photos on the cover and inside the guide are courtesy of the Georgia Photographic and Cecil Copeeland. For more information on Score Media, go to ScoreAtl.com or call 404-256-1572.

3 | WWW.GHSA.NET

GHSA 2016 STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

PAST CHAMPIONS OPEN EVENT | 1993 – Woodward Academy • 1994 – Marist • 1995 – Westminster • 1996 – Woodward Academy • 1997 – Marist

Year AAAAA

AAAA

AAA

AA/A

1998 N/A 1999 N/A 2000 Walton 2001 Walton 2002 Walton 2003 St. Vincent’s Acad. 2004 Starr’s Mill 2005 Northview 2006 Harrison 2007 Northview 2008 Northview 2009 Pope 2010 Walton 2011 Walton

Walton Walton Marist Woodward Acad. Woodward Acad. Woodward Acad. Woodward Acad. Woodward Acad. Marist McIntosh Sandy Creek Whitewater Pope Pope

Marist Marist Westminster Riverwood Westminster Westminster Westminster Westminster Blessed Trinity Columbus Woodward Acad. Woodward Acad. Woodward Acad. Sandy Creek

N/A N/A Sav. Country Day Landmark Christian Athens Academy Landmark Christian Wesleyan Wesleyan Wesleyan Wesleyan Westminster Wesleyan Blessed Trinity ELCA

Year 2012 2013 2014 2015

AAAAAA

Walton Walton North Cobb Walton

AAAAA

Whitewater McIntosh Sequoyah Columbus

AAAA

Sandy Creek Columbus Marist Buford

AAA

Blessed Trinity St.Pius X Blessed Trinity Blessed Trinity

Lovett Wesleyan Holy Innocents’ Holy Innocents’

Landmark Christian Holy Innocents’ Hebron Christian Calvary Day

Choose Carbon Choose Carbon Safe. Safe. Strong. Strong. Just 19lbs.

Just 19lbs.

Ofﬁcial Statistician and Digital Media Partner of the Georgia High School Association

Download MaxPreps TODAY! Notiﬁcations & Live Scores Follow your Favorite Teams Rankings, Photos & Videos

Official Net System of the Official System GHSANet Volleyball State Championship of the

GHSA Volleyball Georgia Representative: State Championship

Eric Bouscher (877) 811-1283 ebouscher@sportsimports.com

Georgia Representative: Eric Bouscher (877) 811-1283 ebouscher@sportsimports.com

sportsimports.com

4 | WWW.GHSA.NET

sportsimports.com

800-556-3198

OC TOB ER 29, 2016

TOP SEEDS LOAD UP HISTORIC FINALS WEEKEND TOURNAMENT PREVIEW BY CRAIG SAGER II | CSAGER@SCOREATL.COM

even volleyball state champions will be crowned for the first time in state history. The reclassification and expansion into a seventh classification before this school year has set up more intriguing finals matchups to celebrate Georgia’s vast wealth of volleyball talent. Each finals matchup features a No. 1 seed and a total of 38 state championships are shared with this field of 14 elite teams. That equates to 45.8 percent of all the volleyball state titles the GHSA has handed out over the past 23 years. Leading the title count is Class 7A finalist Walton and Class 4A finalist Woodward Academy, which are tied with a state-best 10 titles apiece. Three of the four defending champions that have made it back to the finals this year will be making title defenses in new classifications. Five of the 14 finalists are playing for their program’s first-ever state titles, however, you won’t find many David versus Goliath matchups with this lineup.

be for years to come with a loaded sophomore class that helped return the Raiders to the podium as freshmen last season. Sixfoot-4 outside hitter Gabby Gonzales leads Walton’s onslaught at the net and is one of many reasons this sophomore class has yet to lose a match to a Georgia school.

WALTON'S RUN

After winning its first state title in Class 4A last October, Buford will defend its title in Class 5A against two-time state champion McIntosh (2007, 2013). The Wolves are led by 6-foot-4 junior Tatum Shipes and feature experience and athleticism across the floor with versatile players like Gabby Curry. The core of last year’s state championship team is back and better than ever.

In Class 7A, Walton seeks its sixth state title in the past seven seasons against Cobb County rival Lassiter. The Trojans were able to steal a set in a Sept. 20 loss at Walton this year, which only three other Georgia schools can say this season (South Forsyth, Buford, Lambert). Walton is one of the top teams in the entire nation and will

POWERS COLLIDE

Class 6A joins Class 5A and Class 2A as finals matchups with two teams facing for the first time this year. Top seeded Alpharetta and No. 2 seed Harrison made it out of a loaded Class 6A field to play for the title. For Alpharetta, Destiny Stewart lifted the Raiders to a five-set victory over Cambridge in the semifinals with a season-high 28 kills. Harrison obliterated Johns Creek in three straight sets [25-14, 25-12, 25-18] to cruise into the finals. Harrison hasn’t dropped a set to a Georgia school since a 2-1 victory at Cambridge on Sept. 22.

BUFORD'S BACK

This offers a steep challenge but invaluable opportunity for McIntosh freshman hitter Jessie Doyal, who has led the Chiefs in kills this season.

HOARDING HARDWARE

You’ll find the most decorated finals matchup in Class 4A when 10-time state champion Woodward Academy faces five-time state champion Blessed Trinity. The Titans swept Woodward Academy in a competitive two-set match earlier this year, but both teams have grown after successful playoff runs in the stingy Class 4A field. Woodward Academy can return to the podium for the first time since 2010 with a win, where Blessed Trinity is the only finalist this weekend that can solidify a three-peat.

WINNER TAKES ALL

In Class AAA, Pace Academy and Westminster split the season series 1-1 and will play a winner’s take all match in their third meeting of the season. Westminster is a seven-time state champion familiar with playoff success. Pace Academy is looking to add to what has already been the most successful season in school history. The Knights used five-sets to defeat Lovett in the semifinals Wednesday night. The win marked the fourth time in five tries that Pace Academy defeated Lovett this season.

SAINTS MARCH TO FINALS

In Class AA, Coosa makes its championship debut against the St. Vincent’s Saints, which look to end a 13-year drought since its first and only state title (2003). Coosa advanced to the finals with a 3-1 win over Rockmart after sweeping Toombs County and Rabun County as the No. 2 seed. Six-foot-1 junior Taylor Roberts led the Eagles with a season-high 24 kills in the semifinals victory. St. Vincent’s has dominated the Class AA competition this season and its only losses came to opponents in other classifications. The Saints steamrolled Westside-Augusta in the semis 3-0 [25-10, 25-10, 25-11], beat Washington 3-0 [25-4, 25-4, 25-8] in the quarterfinals and opened the postseason with a 3-0 [25-5, 25-11, 25-14] win over Armuchee.

SAVANNAH SHOWDOWN

Class A’s Savannah showdown matches the defending champion Calvary Day Cavaliers against the No. 1 seeded Savannah Christian Raiders. Savannah Christian earned the No. 1 seed by defeating Calvary Day twice this season, although both matches were hotly contested. Last year’s championship marked the first in program history for Calvary Day and Savannah Christian challenges the title defense in hopes of earning its own first-ever title.

5 | WWW.GHSA.NET

GHSA 2016 STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

CLASS AAAAAAA

en-time state champion Walton and Area 4 rival Lassiter meet for the second time this season. Walton hosted the Trojans on Sept. 20 and scored a 3-1 [25-

17, 19-25, 25-14, 25-14] victory. Delaney Hans is the only senior on Walton’s roster, but a lineup of eight underclassmen standing 6 feet or taller combine size with allstate talent. Sophomores Reilly MacNeill and Riley Spurlin dominated the match against the Trojans, registering 27 of the team’s 51 kills with a 56 kill percentage.

2016-2017 GHSA Class AAAAAAA State Volleyball Championship

Sophomore Gabby Gonzalez (6-foot-4) leads the team in kills this season with a

Finals -Fitzgerald Marietta HS is seasoned in championteam-high 370. Walton head coach Suzanne

ship success and maximizes the talent on her team with versatility and a variety of looks. Lassiter’s defense will face a tall task stopping the Raiders and communication between head coach Greg Hodge and senior captains Libby Bochniak, Emily Thomann and Micah Ensor will be needed to prevent Walton’s big scoring runs that have fueled the Raiders’ championship reign. Newnan

WALTON RAIDERS

#8 Seed

Head Coach: Suzanne Fitzgerald Walton

Walton

South Forsyth

#1 Seed #5 Seed

#4 Seed

Lambert #6 Seed

Oct. 26

Runner-Up

North Gwinnett

#3 Seed #7 Seed

Lassiter

Lassiter Lassiter #2 Seed

6 | WWW.GHSA.NET

6............Jordan Rush.........................10.................OH 5............Katie Peters.........................10.................OH 7............Lauryn Burrows................10.................OH 6............Natasha Cornelissen......10.................DS 8............Melanie Colbert.................10.................DS 7............Claire Parsons....................9..................MH 9............Dalaney Hans (C).............12..........S, OPP 8............Alexus Holt...........................12..................OH

Oct. 29

Norcross

Gr. Pos.

4............Sam Jones.............................11...................... S 3............Meghan Bierden...............12..................DS 5............ Meghan Froemming (C)....10.......MB, OH 4............Lily Kitchens........................9...................... S

Champion

Lambert

Gr. Pos. No. Name

3............Katie Griffin..........................11...................DS 2............Genna Bochniak...............10.................OH

Oct. 22

Head Coach: Greg Hodge

1.............Molly Pember......................10............DS, L 1.............Sophie Bejar........................10.................DS

Walton

South Forsyth North Cobb

No. Name

LASSITER TROJANS

10..........Reilly MacNeill...................10................MB 9............Niah Bruce............................12.................MH 11...........Riley Spurlin........................10.................RS 10..........Libby Bochniak (C)..........12..................OH 12..........Madison Morey..................9..............DS, L 11...........Kate Gordon.........................12..................... S 13..........Avery Arnold........................10....RS,OH,DS 12..........Jessica Hausdorf..............11...................DS 14..........Phoebe Awoleye...............9..........RS, MB 13..........Regan Kitchens.................11...................... S 15..........Gabby Gonzales................10.................OH 14..........Emily Thomann (C)..........12.................MH 16..........Katie Crocker......................11..........MB, RS 15..........Ella Muetterties.................11...................OH 17..........Katie Strickland.................9..........MB, RS 16..........Micah Ensor (C).................12...............OPP

OC TOB ER 29, 2016

so much more than electricity...

MEMBER-OWNED YOUTH YOUTH MEMBER-OWNED TRAINING TRAININGCOMMUNITY SAFETY COMMUNITYSAFETY ENVIRONMENTAL so much more than electricity... ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ADVOCACY ADVOCACY ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP STEWARDSHIP STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEERISM

LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEERISM

Official Energy Provider of GHSA since 1999

Official Energy Provider of GHSA since 1999 Georgia’s locally owned and operated Electric Membership Cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Georgia High School Association: Altamaha EMC • Canoochee EMC • Carroll EMC • Central Georgia EMC Coastal Electric Cooperative • Coweta-Fayette EMC • Diverse Power • Grady EMC GreyStone Power • Habersham EMC • Hart EMC • Irwin EMC • Jackson EMC • Jefferson Energy Middle Georgia EMC • Mitchell EMC • Ocmulgee EMC • Oconee EMC • Okefenoke REMC Planters EMC • Rayle EMC • Slash Pine EMC • Snapping Shoals EMC • Sumter EMC Tri-County EMC • Upson EMC • Washington EMC

Georgia’s locally owned and operated Electric Membership Cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Georgia High School Association: Learn more: georgiaemc.com Facebook “ f ” Logo

YOU WERE THERE YOU WERE FOR THEIR THERE FIRST STEP. FOR THEIR

FIRST STEP.

LET US BE WITH YOU LET US BE FORWITH THEIR YOU FOR THEIR NEXT.

RGB / .ai

Facebook “ f ” Logo

RGB / .ai

Altamaha EMC • Canoochee EMC • Carroll EMC • Central Georgia EMC Coastal Electric Cooperative • Coweta-Fayette EMC • Diverse Power • Grady EMC GreyStone Power • Habersham EMC • Hart EMC • Irwin EMC • Jackson EMC • Jefferson Energy Middle Georgia EMC • Mitchell EMC • Ocmulgee EMC • Oconee EMC • Okefenoke REMC Planters EMC • Rayle EMC • Slash Pine EMC • Snapping Shoals EMC • Sumter EMC Tri-County EMC • Upson EMC • Washington EMC

Learn more: georgiaemc.com Facebook “f ” Logo

RGB / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

RGB / .ai

NEXT.

Confidently send them to college with Regions Confidently send them to college with SM Student Solutions. We offer theRegions financial tools SM Student Solutions. Wethe offer the financial to help make transition as smooth tools as possible. to help make the transition as smooth as possible. For more information about the full range of services offered with Regions Student Solutions, talk to an associate, visit regions.com/studentsolutions or call 1.800.regions.

For more information about the full range of services offered with Regions Student Solutions, talk to an associate, visit regions.com/studentsolutions or call 1.800.regions.

7 | WWW.GHSA.NET GA SW151227GHSA Volleyball PrgmAd.indd 1

10/23/15 4:20 PM

GHSA 2016 STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

CLASS AAAAAA

ALPHARETTA RAIDERS Head Coach: Grace Fossier

No. Name Gr. Pos. arrison rides the momentum of a dominant semifinals sweep over Johns Creek 2..................................................... Emily Hodsdon...............................9...........................................................S, RS into its finals matchup with Alpharetta, which has been nearly unstoppable all 3..................................................... Jenna Seides...................................10.........................................................DS, L season long. Harrison’s last state title came in 2006, while Alpharetta is search- 5..................................................... Destiny Stewart............................12...............................................................OH ing for the program’s first. Destiny Stewart is Alpharetta’s force at the net and is 6..................................................... Amara Anderson...........................11...........................................................S, RS 7..................................................... Mary Podsiadlo.............................12...................................................... OH, RS one of the most talented outside hitters in the state. Harrison attacks the net with 8..................................................... Riley Aiken........................................11.......................................................DS, OH a depth2016-2017 of hitters as GHSA well, butClass Katie Doering does the most damage.Championship Both teams AAAAAA State Volleyball 9..................................................... Maya Rodgers................................11.......................................................MB, RS are aggressive serving the ball with ace percentages above 13 percent. This helps 10................................................... Cat Podsiadlo..................................12..................................................... MH, RS Finals - Marietta HS set up a great matchup between two outstanding defensive specialists with Har11.................................................... Halle Wong.......................................12..........................................................DS, L rison’s Camryn Bihary and Alpharetta’s Halle Wong. Bihary has shown her value 12................................................... Reese Batley...................................11................................................................DS in some of Harrison’s most impressive wins this season. In the Hoyas’ victory over 13................................................... Nina Williams.................................9...............................................................MB Columbus on Sept. 10, she tallied a season-high 30 digs in their 2-1 victory. Wong 14................................................... Katie Pepperman.........................11.......................................................RS, OH received 38 serves and registered a season-high 28 digs in Alpharetta’s first-round 15................................................... Dejah Goodman............................12.......................................................RS, DS 16................................................... Karson Brown................................12......................................................MB, RS win over Creekview.

Northgate

HARRISON HOYAS

#8 Seed

Alpharetta Alpharetta

Cambridge

#1 Seed #5 Seed

No. Name Gr.

4..................................................... Indigo Young...................................9...............................................................MB

Pope

#6 Seed

Oct. 26

Johns Creek Allatoona

9..................................................... Maggie Enright..............................11.......................................................DS, OH Runner-Up

#2 Seed

Harrison 0

10................................................... Camryn Bihary...............................11...........................................................L, DS 11.................................................... Rosie McHugh................................9...............................................OH, RS, DS

12................................................... Katie Doering..................................12..............................................................MB 14................................................... Zaynah Mualem............................10.....................................................RS, OH

Harrison Harrison

6..................................................... Alana Simpson...............................10...................................................MH, MB 8..................................................... Alyssa Eldredge............................11................................................................DS

Oct. 29

0 Johns Creek

#7 Seed

5..................................................... Kaylee Morris (C)..........................11................................................................... S Champion

Oct. 22

#3 Seed

#4 Seed

Pos.

3..................................................... Hannah Drake (C)........................12...............................................................RS

Alpharetta

Cambridge Dunwoody

Head Coach: Amber McClure

17................................................... Meg Kastendsmidt......................11....................................................... OH, RS 23.................................................. Allana McInnis...............................12...................................................... OH, RS 24.................................................. Riley Fischer....................................11.......................................................DS, OH

8 | WWW.GHSA.NET

OC TOB ER 29, 2016

CLASS AAAAA

MCINTOSH CHIEFS

Head Coach: Wendy Mabon

No. Name Gr. Pos. ufordâ€™s first volleyball state title came in Class 4A last year and the Wolves will 2..................................................... Elise Mackanych...........................12.....................................................MH, OH 3..................................................... Lynsey Hamblin............................11...........................................................S, DS look to defend it against McIntosh, which won state titles in 2007 and 2013. 4..................................................... Nell Copeland.................................12..........................................................S, RS Two losses to Class 7A powerhouse Walton and a five-set loss to St. Pius mark 5..................................................... Olivia Stewart.................................11...........................................................DS, L the only instate losses on Bufordâ€™s challenging 44-game schedule. That schedule 7..................................................... Shelby Doyal...................................12..........................................................S, RS did not include McIntosh, which lost as recently as Oct. 8 in a five-set match 8..................................................... Macy Scruggs................................12..........................................................DS, L with Whitewater for the region championship. The Chiefs however,Championship rebounded 2016-2017 GHSA Class AAAAA State Volleyball 9..................................................... Jessie Doyal.....................................9......................................................OH, MH with four straight wins, including a 3-1 victory over Whitewater in the semis. With 10................................................... Casey Raschen..............................11......................................................MH, OH Finals - Marietta HSand resilient group into the confidence restored, McIntosh brings a battle-tested 11.................................................... Jonna Knight...................................9......................................................MH, OH finals. Buford has the advantage at the net with 6-foot-4 junior Tatum Shipes. This 12................................................... Caroline Cameron........................11...........................................................DS, L marks Shipes third straight championship appearance and she dominated on the 13................................................... Avery Chaffin...................................12..................................................... RS, MH stage last year with 22 kills in the five-set win over St. Pius. Gabby Curry brings 14................................................... Brianna Beccera...........................11...........................................................DS, L elite athleticism and defense to the lineup and senior Morgan Mitchell leads Bu15................................................... Lauren Fraser.................................12.....................................................MH, OH 16................................................... Finn Millians....................................11...........................................................S, RS ford with 9.5 assists per match.

South Effingham

#8 Seed

BUFORD WOLVES

0 Buford

Buford

Ola

#1 Seed #5 Seed

No. Name Gr.

3..................................................... Kenley Jordan.................................10..............................................................OH 4..................................................... Kenzie Harms.................................11....................................................................L Champion

Oct. 22 Chamblee

#6 Seed

Oct. 26

McIntosh

#3 Seed

Walnut Grove

#7 Seed

McIntosh 0

9..................................................... Melissa Boicu.................................10..............................................................OH 10................................................... Morgan Sutherland.....................11................................................................RS 11.................................................... Avery Cason....................................11...............................................................MB

Whitewater Whitewater

8..................................................... Halston Hillier.................................11...............................................................MB Runner-Up

5..................................................... Stella Alverson...............................11................................................................... S 6..................................................... Taylor Garrison...............................12...............................................................RS

Oct. 29

0 McIntosh

#2 Seed

4..................................................... Madi McCollough.........................10.............................................................MB

#4 Seed

Pos.

2..................................................... Mallory Martin................................10..............................................................DS

Buford

Ola Veterans

Head Coach: Hadli Daniels

12................................................... Jamie Hay..........................................12...............................................................RS 14................................................... Julieanne Saliba............................10..............................................................DS 15................................................... Morgan Mitchell............................12.................................................................. S 16................................................... Tatum Shipes..................................11................................................................OH 18................................................... Emily Gilbert....................................10.............................................................MB 22.................................................. Gabby Curry....................................12...............................................................OH

9 | WWW.GHSA.NET

GHSA 2016 STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

WATCH ANYWHERE WATCH ANYWHERE ANYWHERE WATCH The NFHS Network is THE PLACE to watch high school sports. By giving students the The NFHS Network is is THE PLACE to watch The NFHS Network THE PLACE to watch resources needed to produce their own high school sports. By giving students the high schoolwe sports. By connected giving students the broadcasts, keep you with LIVE, resources needed to produce their own resources needed to produce their own online coverage. No matter where you are, broadcasts, we keep you connected with LIVE, broadcasts, we keep you connected with LIVE, online coverage. No matter where you are, online HIGH coverage. No matter where you are, SCHOOL HAPPENS HERE! HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENS HERE! HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENS HERE!

Introducing the Apple TV & Android APP! Introducing the Apple TV & Android APP! Visit NFHSnetwork.com to join for FREE.

Visit NFHSnetwork.com to join for FREE. Introducing the Apple TV & Android APP!

Visit NFHSnetwork.com to join for FREE.

10 | WWW.GHSA.NET

OC TOB ER 29, 2016

CLASS AAAA

lass 4A provides the most decorated finals matchup in terms of past championships as 10-time state champion Woodward Academy meets five-time

state champion Blessed Trinity. Blessed Trinity has won back-to-back titles, while the War Eagles look to end a five-year title drought and return to the podium. When the two teams met in September, Blessed Trinity scored a 2-0 [25-19, 2522] sweep at home. Brenna Mako led the Titans with an errorless 22 assists to

2016-2017 GHSA Class AAAA State Volleyball Championship help offset a 12-kill performance by Woodward Academy’s Lauren Harrison. Harrison is due for another dominant performance and the 6-foot-1 outside hitter has Finals - Marietta HS stepped up in the postseason with close to seven kills per set. Blessed Trinity sur-

vived a five-set marathon victory over Columbus in the semifinals, which should bring back memories of the Titans’ 3-2 thriller over Westminster last year in the finals. Anna MacDonald came up big for Blessed Trinity in last year’s finals and that experience should benefit the standout sophomore this time around.

Jefferson

BLESSED TRINITY TITANS

#8 Seed

Blessed Trinity Blessed Trinity

Ridgeland

#1 Seed #5 Seed

No. Name

4............Vanessa Aehl......................11...................DS Champion

Oct. 22 Northside, Columbus #6 Seed

Oct. 26

St. Pius X

NW Whitfield

#3 Seed #7 Seed

8............Mackenzie Todd.................11...................... S Runner-Up 1

Woodward Academy

9............Charlotte Dempsey.........10........OH, DS 10..........Alyssa Kuroski....................11.......... OH, RS 12..........Brenna Mako.......................11...................... S 13..........Olivia Dukat..........................11..................MH

Woodward Academy Woodward Academy

6............Kristen Glowacki...............12.........RS, OH 7............Courtney Finkle.................11...................OH

Oct. 29

0 St. Pius X

#2 Seed

3............Anna MacDonald..............10............L, DS

#4 Seed

Gr. Pos.

2............Marissa Hall.........................11..............DS, S

Blessed Trinity

Columbus Columbus

Head Coach: Paul Stevens

14..........Faith Daniel..........................9.......... OH, RS 16..........Morgan Stalcup.................12........ MH, RS

WOODWARD ACAD. WAR EAGLES Head Coach: Tad Sahara

No. Name

Gr. Pos.

1.............Kalyn Pierre.........................9......... MH, RS 2............Salina Salim.........................9..........RS, OH 3............Anaya Martin.......................11...................... S 4............Melissa Eyinla.....................10.................OH 5............Kamryn Scocos.................12............ L, OH 6............Morgan Miller.....................9...................OH 7............Bridget Idzik........................11..............DS, L 8............Adair Sawyer.......................12.................MB 9............Mackenzie Miller...............12.........RS, MB 11...........Tori Truesdell.......................11...................RS 12..........Laine Hartman...................11...................... S 13..........Kennedy Crittenden........11...................OH 14..........Lauren Harrison................11...................OH 15..........Anna D’Cruz.........................12.........MB, RS 18..........Samantha McCool...........9............. S, OH 19..........Ayana Martin.......................11...................RS

11 | WWW.GHSA.NET

GHSA 2016 STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

CLASS AAA

PACE ACADEMY KNIGHTS Head Coach: Anna Bush

No. Name Gr.

Pos.

estminster returns to the finals in search of the program’s eighth state title

1...................................................... Dominique Turner........................9...........................................................L, DS

against Pace Academy, which looks for a storybook ending to a historic run

2..................................................... Cameron Perchik..........................11...........................................................DS, S

to the program’s first finals. Westminster took four sets to advance past North

4..................................................... Davis Mathis....................................10.........................................................S, DS

Hall in the semifinals, while Pace Academy punched its ticket with an emotional

5..................................................... Mckenzie Baker.............................12...................................................OPP, MB

five-set victory over Lovett. Pace Academy and Westminster split the season se-

6..................................................... Kate Bethel (C)...............................12..............................................................MB

ries 1-1 and provide a winner’s take all rubber match that will end Saturday’s triple

8..................................................... Alexandra Baker...........................10..............................................................OH

2016-2017 GHSA Class AAA State Volleyball Championship 9..................................................... Nia Brown.........................................11.................................................... DS, OPP

header at Holy Innocents’. The Knights swept Westminster on Aug. 20 before the

Finals - Pace Holy Innocents' Wildcats took a 3-0 sweep three days later. Academy is a young team with

sophomore Alexander Baker and freshman Ada Jane Agolli joining senior Summer

10................................................... Kendall Kirkman...........................12................................................. OH, DS, L 11.................................................... Ada Jane Agolli..............................9................................................................OH 12................................................... Summer Brown.............................12......................................... MB, OH, OPP

Brown at the net. Westminster is spearheaded by junior Gabi Dolan, who leads

13................................................... Kaki Cox.............................................12...............................................................OH

the team with 4.3 kills per set. Mary Tucker and Maggie McSwain lead a dominant

14................................................... Meghan Botsch (C).....................12.................................................................. S

Westminster defense and have combined for more than 100 blocks this season.

15................................................... Lucy Ferry.........................................9....................................................OPP, MB

Haralson County

#8 Seed

WESTMINSTER WILDCATS

Head Coach: Jona Braden

Westminster Westminster

#1 Seed

3 Westminster

GACS

#5 Seed

North Hall North Hall

#4 Seed

Champion

Oct. 22 LFO

#6 Seed

Oct. 26

Lovett

#3 Seed

Sonoraville

#7 Seed

Runner-Up 2

3 Pace Academy 0 Pace Academy

Pace Academy

Oct. 29

0 Lovett

#2 Seed

12 | WWW.GHSA.NET

No. Name Gr. Pos. 1...................................................... Claire Zhou.......................................9................................................................DS 2..................................................... Lexi Saulny.......................................11....................................................................L 3..................................................... Maggie McSwain..........................10.............................................................MH 4..................................................... Betsy Moore....................................9................................................................DS 5..................................................... Isabel Sumardi...............................10..............................................................OH 6..................................................... Margaret Moran............................12...............................................................DS 7..................................................... Alix Nail..............................................11................................................................OH 8..................................................... Emily Hansen..................................10.............................................................MH 11.................................................... Caroline Glahn...............................9................................................................OH 12................................................... Gabi Dolan........................................11................................................................OH 13................................................... Lauren Carpinella........................11................................................................DS 14................................................... Kayla Chambers............................12...............................................................RH 15................................................... Mary Tucker.....................................12..............................................................MH 16................................................... Liz Bailey...........................................12...............................................................OH 17................................................... Claire Corbin...................................12.................................................................. S 19................................................... Ansley McNeel...............................10..............................................................OH 20.................................................. Maya Longacre..............................12.................................................................. S

OC TOB ER 29, 2016

CLASS AA

ST. VINCENT’S SAINTS Head Coach: Katie Broderick

No. Name Gr. Pos. t. Vincent’s and Coosa will play for the first time this season in the Class 2A cham- 2..................................................... Kayla MacLeod..............................10.............................................................MB 3..................................................... Dylan Herb.......................................11................................................................... S pionship game, a stage that has been taken by Holy Innocents’ the past two sea5..................................................... Avery Grimm...................................12...................................................................L sons. St. Vincent’s last state title came in Class 4A back in 2003. Coosa will be playing 7..................................................... Sarah Stewart................................12.....................................................OH, MB in the finals for the first time in school history. Junior Taylor Roberts and senior Tori 8..................................................... Lizzie Horn........................................9................................................................OH 9..................................................... Jessica Schwarz............................9.......................................................OH, DS Overby lead Coosa’s attack and have helped fuel this playoff run. Roberts smashed 11.................................................... Lindsey Hawk.................................10..................................................................L 24 kills in the 3-1 semifinals win over Rockmart, while Overby added 16 kills in their 2016-2017 GHSA Class AA State Volleyball Championship 12................................................... Hannah Routon.............................12...............................................................DS quarterfinals sweep over Rabun County. Roberts stands 6-foot-1 and gives the Eagles 13................................................... Ann Bell..............................................11.............................................................OPP 14................................................... Emma Margaret Wyman..........11...............................................................MB Finals - Holy Innocents' a constant presence at the net. St. Vincent’s operates through senior Sarah Stewart at 15................................................... Meagan Voyles..............................11................................................................DS the net with Grace Friday and Mackenzie O’Hayer bringing more senior leadership to 21................................................... Grace Friday....................................12..............................................................MB the Saints’ lineup. Junior Emma Margaret Wyman provides the defense in the middle 22.................................................. Payton Maxheimer......................11.....................................................OPP, DS and leads St. Vincent’s with Friday. The duo has combined for more than 100 blocks 23.................................................. Addie Bradley.................................11................................................................... S 24.................................................. Mackenzie O’Hayer......................12.....................................................OH, MB this season. Junior Dylan Herb is a reliable setter and had a 42-assist match in the 25.................................................. Chloe Maier......................................10.............................................................MB 29.................................................. Jamie Sharpley..............................11................................................................RS team’s 3-2 win over Savannah Country Day to open the month of October.

Washington, Atlanta

#8 Seed

COOSA EAGLES

0 St. Vincent’s

St. Vincent’s

Westside, Augusta

#1 Seed #5 Seed

No. Name Gr. St. Vincent’s

Westside, Augusta Temple

Head Coach: Nic Hann

1...................................................... Kasey Thacker................................9...............................................................MH 2..................................................... Tori Overby.......................................12...............................................................OH

3..................................................... Autumn Ridley...............................12...............................................................RS

#4 Seed

Pos.

Champion

Oct. 22

Oct. 26

Oct. 29

5..................................................... Haley Holder....................................12...............................................................DS 8..................................................... Brinley Smith..................................9...........................................................S, RS

Jordan

#6 Seed

Runner-Up Rockmart

Rockmart

Rabun County

#3 Seed #7 Seed

Coosa

10................................................... Abigail Talley...................................12.................................................................. S 13................................................... Debra Barker...................................10..................................................................L

Coosa

#2 Seed

14................................................... Carly Comer.....................................12..........................................................RS, S 15................................................... Taylor Roberts................................11.....................................................MB, MH 19................................................... Cassie McFather...........................12...............................................................DS 24.................................................. Jordan Roberts..............................9.......................................................DS, OH

13 | WWW.GHSA.NET

GHSA 2016 STATE VOLLEYBALL FINALS

CLASS A

efending state champion Calvary Day will face off with Savannah Christian for the third time this season. Calvary Day has been swept by the Raiders in

both meetings. The Raiders won 25-22, 25-17 on Sept. 8 at home and followed it with a narrow 25-23, 27-25 sweep at Calvary Day on Sept. 22. In the second meeting, Savannah Christian was able to gain the edge in part to a 7-to-1 advantage in

2016-2017 GHSA Class A State Volleyball Championship

blocks with seniors Lauren Aenchbacher and Hannah White tallying three apiece. Calvary Day’s Claudia Chisolm has beenFinals able- to success at the net against the Holyfind Innocents' staunch Savannah Christian defense and will need one of her best performances

of the season to tilt the edge to the Cavaliers. After recording kills on seven of 21 attempts in their first loss to the Raiders this season, she led with 12 kills on 30 attempts. Chisolm was outstanding in last year’s 3-1 championship victory over Landmark Christian, leading the way with a team high 23 kills on this same stage. Mt. De Sales #8 Seed

CALVARY DAY CAVALIERS

0 Savannah Christian

Savannah Christian

Mr. Paran Christian

#1 Seed

No. Name Savannah Christian

#5 Seed

Landmark Christian Landmark Christian #4 Seed

Wesleyan #6 Seed

Fellowship Christian

#3 Seed #7 Seed

6............Morgan Pearson...............11.......... OH, RS 4............Sydney Burks......................9..........OH, DS 9............Claudia Chisolm................12........OH, MH 5............Hannah White....................12.................MH

Oct. 29

Runner-Up 0

11...........Kaitlyn Beasley..................12.........OH, DS 7............Adrianna Simon................10.....OH, OPP 13..........Rachel Hill.............................12.............L, DS 8............Sam Zittrauer......................10.................... S

Calvary Day

14..........Basia Peragine...................10................MH 9............Sarah White.........................10......OPP, DS 16..........Sara Daniels........................11..................MB 10..........Claire Allen...........................12.................MB

Calvary Day Calvary Day

Gr. Pos.

10..........Alena Kramer......................12.......OPP, OH 6............Landon Jones.....................12.........OH, DS Athens Academy

Gr. Pos. No. Name

4............Helen Chisolm....................10........DS, OH 3............Cynthia Sibilio....................12.........DS, OH

Athens Academy

Head Coach: Julie Jones

3............Madison Sprosty...............10.................DS 2............Sarah Allen...........................12.........OH, DS

Champion Oct. 26

SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN RAIDERS

1.............Southern Britt.....................12.............DS, L 1.............Mackenzie Riner...............10.... MB, OPP

Oct. 22

#2 Seed

Head Coach: Hannah Hunter

19..........Caitlyn Baker.......................10.................., S 11...........Lainey Aenchbacher......12..........S, OPP 20.........Lexie Pitts..............................12..................DS 12..........Mary Price Brown............12.........DS, OH 22.........Hannah Carver (C)...........12.............S, DS 16..........Emilee Wissmach............12......................L

14 | WWW.GHSA.NET

OC TOB ER 29, 2016

15 | WWW.GHSA.NET