Peyton McGee and Sydney Petersen had eight kills each, with Charleston Hart adding seven, and Bela Cancado scooped 22 digs. A tough schedule is partly responsible for the Bulldogs’ early success, as Norfolk Academy (7-2) has lost only to Northern Virginia’s Langley High and St. Catherine’s of Richmond.

Kellam’s loss paved the way for Grafton to move into the top spot. The Clippers stayed undefeated, including a win over a tough Bruton squad. In the 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-17, 25-16) victory, the Clippers’ Kenzie Smith totaled 14 kills and six blocks, while Alana Washington had 10 kills, six aces and two blocks. Ally Burke contributed 27 digs and Kaylie Klemm had 25 assists.

Grafton also shut out Lafayette 3-0, as all four of the Clippers’ wins have come in Bay Rivers District matches.

Cox defeated First Colonial to move up to No. 3, while FC dropped to No. 12. In the Falcons’ 3-1 win, June Culicerto and Avery Osler finished with 16 and 13 kills, respectively.

Bruton joins the poll this week, checking in at No. 15.

Team, record, last ranking

1. Grafton (4-0), 2

2. StoneBridge (7-1), 3

3. Cox (3-0), 7

4. Norfolk Academy (7-2), NR

5. Kellam (2-1), 1

6. Woodside (4-0), 5

7. Menchville (3-0), 6

8. Greenbrier Christian Academy (11-0), 8

9. Cape Henry Collegiate (3-0), 11

10. Hickory (2-1), 9

11. Tabb (4-1), 14

12. First Colonial (5-3), 4

13. Great Bridge (2-0), 10

14. Maury (1-1), 12

15. Bruton (3-1), NR

Teams to watch: Ocean Lakes (5-3), Western Branch (2-1), Summit Christian (2-1), Hampton Roads Academy (2-0).

The most significant mover in the 757Teamz Top 15 last week was Denbigh. The Patriots edged previous No. 5 Gloucester 3-2 (29-27, 14-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-8) and entered the rankings at No. 6 this week.

Four other teams make their season debuts this week. Indian River (2-1) settled in at No. 8 on the strength of a 3-1 win over then-No. 10 Hickory. Against the Hawks, Jaden Norman, Jashtan Brown and Francisco Lloret combined for 35 kills, and Dawkins Rombaoa tallied 39 assists for the Braves.

Ninth-ranked Kecoughtan (2-0) throttled Peninsula District rival Menchville 3-1. Gabe Rumburg and Gavin Holbrooks both contributed 10 kills for the Warriors, while Hunter Lively provided 32 assists. Rumburg also had six aces and seven digs. Tenth-ranked Landstown knocked out Salem with a 3-1 victory, led by James Gonzalez’s 39 assists and four kills.

No. 11 Western Branch (3-0) also entered the poll but has yet to play a ranked team.

Kempsville won twice last week, knocking off Princess Anne and Bayside, as the Chiefs retain the top spot. Against the Cavaliers, the Chiefs were led by Trent Beeson with 14 kills, Wyatt Strawbridge with 13 kills and seven aces, and Quinn Riley with 19 digs. In a 3-0 win over Bayside, Riley had 18 digs, with John Applegate and Rylan Patterson adding nine kills each.

Team, record, last ranking

1. Kempsville (3-0), 1

2. Granby (2-0), 2

3. First Colonial (3-0), 3

4. Kellam (1-1), 4

5. Grassfield (3-0), 6

6. Denbigh (5-0), NR

7. Maury (1-1), 7

8. Indian River (2-1), NR

9. Kecoughtan (2-0), NR

10. Landstown (2-1), NR

11. Western Branch (3-0), NR

12. King’s Fork (1-0), 12

13. Great Bridge (1-0), 14

14. Hickory (1-1),  10

15. Menchville (3-1), 13

Teams to watch: Cox (2-1), Churchland (1-0), Warwick (2-1), Heritage (2-2).

In the process, the visiting Cadets from Richmond held the Bruins to minus-17 yards on 11 second-half carries and just 160 total yards for the game. Offensively, the Bruins failed to score a point, with both of their touchdowns coming from pick-six interceptions by Jaemarree Parker, whose returns went for 24 and 54 yards.

While the defense kept Western Branch in the game for three quarters, the Bruins could not stop Benedictine running back Ryker Cook. The senior tallied 159 yards and three scores on 21 carries.

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Cook’s first TD came in the second quarter as the Cadet sprinted 76 yards down the right sideline on Benedictine’s first play of a drive. On the Cadets’ next drive, Carson Lambert found Roddrey McWilliams on a perfect 33-yard post pattern to make the score 14-7 after Cole
Draucker’s extra point.

Parker’s second interception return closed the gap to 14-13 in the third quarter, but the Benedictine defense took control and stymied the Bruins’ ground attack.

Backed up to the 3-yard line, Western Branch quarterback Derrick Cook tried to escape a swarming Cadet rush, but his errant
pass was ruled a fumble and scooped by a defender. Ryker Cook followed two plays later with a 5-yard TD burst for his second score of the night.

Draucker tacked on a 43-yard field goal to extend the lead to 24-13, and after another stop from the Benedictine defense, Ryker Cook raced 30 yards for his third touchdown, providing an 18-point lead with four minutes remaining.

Western Branch’s Ky’Nique Baines, who led all reported Hampton Roads rushers last week, was held to 40 yards on 15 carries.

First Colonial rebounded well over the long weekend, playing five matches and placing third at the Virginia Volleyball Showcase in Richmond. The Patriots’ only loss came to Courtland of Spotsylvania County, but FC beat North Stafford in its final match to cap a 4-1 outing for the tournament.

No. 3 StoneBridge held its ground with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-9) season-opening win over Norfolk Collegiate. The Cavaliers’ Libbie Plumlee had eight kills, while Nattie Plumlee scored 10 aces and 20 points on serve. Camryn Weatherford dished out 24 assists.

No. 11 Cape Henry Collegiate earned its spot in the rankings with a 3-1 win over Maury, and No. 14 Tabb shocked some Bay Rivers faithful with a convincing 3-0 shutout of Jamestown.

The busiest team in Hampton Roads is No. 8 Greenbrier Christian Academy. The Gators are undefeated in 10 matches and have yet to lose a set.

School (record), previous

1. Kellam (1-0), 4

2. Grafton (2-0), 2

3. StoneBridge (3-0), 3

4. First Colonial (4-2), 1

5. Woodside (2-0), 6

6. Menchville (2-0), 8

7. Cox (1-0), 9

8. Greenbrier Christian Academy (10-0), 11

9. Hickory (2-1), 10

10. Great Bridge (1-0), 12

11. Cape Henry Collegiate (1-0), NR

12. Maury (0-1), 7

13. Ocean Lakes (1-0), 14

14. Tabb (1-0), NR

15. Jamestown (0-1), 5

Teams to watch: Bruton (1-0), Norfolk Christian (2-2), Granby (0-1), Bethel (1-1), Grassfield (1-1), Summit Christian (2-1).

In the Indian River match, Caedan Agustin had 34 assists while Illia Antoniuk and Andrew Burke combined for 27 kills. The Grizzlies enter the rankings this week at No. 6.

School (record), previous

1. Kempsville (1-0), 2

2. Granby (1-0), 3

3. First Colonial (1-0), 7

4. Kellam (0-1), 1

5. Gloucester (1-0), 6

6. Grassfield (2-0), NR

7. Maury (1-0), 9

8. Ocean Lakes (0-1), 4

9. Cape Henry Collegiate (0-1), 5

10. Hickory (0-0), 8

11. Princess Anne (0-0), 11

12. King’s Fork (1-0), 12

13. Menchville (2-0), 13

14. Great Bridge (1-0), 14

15. Salem (0-1), 15

Teams to watch: Denbigh (2-0), Warwick (1-0), Churchland (0-0), Kecoughtan (0-0).

Cameron Glenn ran for 85 yards on 11 attempts to lead the Raiders’ attack, but was silent in the second half as Warwick coach Corey Hairston and his staff used the opportunity to look at some other talent. The Raiders gained 331 yards and 15 first downs while shuffling players in and out of their lineup.

Keon Batts might have had the most impact. He scored the game’s final touchdown when quarterback Saeed Williams lofted a pass over the middle and the 5-foot-6 senior receiver outraced the Grizzlies’ defense for a 71-yard touchdown.

Williams was steady behind center, completing 11 of 23 passes for 162 yards. The junior also rushed for three touchdowns and kept the offense moving through adversity, mostly caused in the form of penalties.

The Raiders got whistled for 15 penalties for 135 yards — a statistic that caught Hairston’s attention.

“We went through two scrimmages and didn’t commit a penalty,” said Hairston, who was clearly disappointed by the number of flags. “We’d make forward progress and then get called back.”

Asked about a solution, Hairston added, “We just need to clean up some things.”

The Warwick defense was stifling. Christian Corbin had a sack and fumble recovery. Senior free safety Jaden Gilliam had a fumble recovery and interception on successive Grassfield possessions.

The Tribe, ranked 15th in the Football Championship Subdivision, was nearly flawless on its first pair of drives, covering 69 and 66 yards. Both drives finished with a 1-yard touchdown run — the first from preseason All-American running back Brandon Yoder and the second from last year’s leading ground gainer, Malachi Imoh.

For Yoder, the game marked his first action since suffering a season-ending injury in the fourth game of last season against Maine. The Tribe won that game 28-3 to start 4-0, but stumbled to a 6-5 mark after losing the star tailback. Imoh performed admirably as the featured back, gaining 855 rushing yards on a 6.8-per-carry average, but having the pair back together could be the key to William & Mary’s success in 2024.

“Any time you lose something that you love and then get back that joy you feel, it makes you feel like ‘we’re back,’ ” said Yoder, who gained 54 yards on 10 carries. “My nerves were sky-high, but once that ball was kicked, I was ready to go.”

The special teams delivered for the Tribe in the second quarter, with John Kearney blocking a Keydet punt at midfield, and Clayton Dobler picking up the bouncing ball 18 yards from the end zone and rumbling the rest of the way for a score and 21-0 lead.

Dobler, who overcame a horrific ankle injury at the end of last season, was not expected to recover enough to play football this year. But he was trailing a teammate as Kearney’s blocked ball began heading backward.

“I was just running behind. Then Matt (wide receiver Matthew Akuchie) got tackled and I just picked (the football) up,” said Dobler, a redshirt freshman linebacker from James River High in Midlothian.

It was the Tribe’s first blocked punt for a touchdown in eight years.

Hunter Rice got VMI on the board for its only touchdown with a 12-yard run with 2:16 remaining in the first half.

Hollis Mathis’ 45-yard reception from Darius Wilson set up the final score of the half, a Mathis 4-yard sweep around the right side, giving the Tribe a 28-7 lead at the break.

After a fourth-and-1 stop by the W&M defense to start the second half, Mathis scored again as Wilson rolled left and pitched him a pass, and the senior scooted 26 yards for his second TD. Mathis rushed for 19 yards Thursday to pass 1,000 for his career and continues his quest to become the second player in Division I history to tally 1,000 yards in rushing, receiving and passing. He has now eclipsed the mark in two categories, and with his 71 receiving yards Thursday night, he needs 526 more this season to topple the plateau.

“These guys don’t care who gets the credit as long as we are selfless and trying to win,” W&M coach Mike London said.

Added Mathis, “I don’t try to do anything that’s not expected. I just do my one-11th.”

Wilson struck for another touchdown pass late in the third quarter, lofting a 1-yard score to tight end Sean McElwain.

William & Mary averaged 16.1 yards per completion as Wilson completed 11 of 15 passes for 190 yards and two TDs. The offense totaled 448 yards, with 207 on the ground.

Three all-stars are back: Kellam’s Joel Eanes, Granby’s AJ Angeles and Kempsville junior Wyatt Strawbridge lead the group of returning All-Tidewater team members from last season, and the three make up quite a group picture.

Eanes, a dominating opposite hitter for the Knights, racked up a remarkable 279 kills last season. The Grand Canyon University commit possibly sees over every volleyball (and most basketball) players) in Hampton Roads. How tall is he? Eanes, who competed with the U.S. Under-19 national team this summer, stands 6-foot-9 and has added throwing the shot put and discus, as well as high-jumping, to his athletic repertoire.

Strawbridge is an even 6 feet tall, while Angeles, the Comets’ setter, stands 5-8.

Hampton Roads teams dominate Virginia: Although volleyball is not played in every statewide school system, it stands without question that the Hampton Roads region is a hotbed for talent within the state. Ten of the top 25 Virginia teams from the final MaxPreps.com rankings of 2023 call the Seven Cities region home.

They include Kempsville (No. 5), Ocean Lakes (No. 7), Cape Henry Collegiate (No. 10), Granby (No. 11), Kellam (No. 12), First Colonial (No. 14), Hickory (No. 15), Maury (No. 18), Indian River (No. 23) and Princess Anne (No. 25).

Zuidema returns to Cox: From 2006-15, Jason Zuidema was one of the most successful coaches on the Southside, with his Falcons winning three state titles and compiling a record of 246-35.

The team regressed over a nine-year period after his departure, finishing 5-16 last season. Dwindling numbers and injuries were seen as the main reasons for the downslide.

Hearing the call of duty. Zuidema, a Cox alum, is back at the helm. “Despite the program having wavered over the last few seasons, the boys are determined to put Cox back on the map,” he said.

Seniors Brady Spicer, Zach Hamilton, Thomas Moore and Joseph Maleski are tasked with keying the rebound.

Class 5 against Class 6: With the relatively low (fewer than 100) number of boys volleyball teams in the state, it is tough for certain regions to play a full postseason bracket. This can lead to some unfortunate circumstances. For example, in Class 5 Region A, Ocean Lakes upended Kempsville to win the crown, while Granby captured the Class 5 Region B championship.

However, both teams fell in the state tournament, as Classes 5 and 6 have combined for one bracket there. It would be interesting to see how the two teams would fare against solely Class 5 competition. Perhaps the continued growth of Loudoun County schools will allow for more playoff brackets in the near future.

Preseason tournament: The season was preceded by a jamboree that mostly included Class 5 Region A teams from the Beach and Southeastern districts. Hosted by Great Bridge and its coach, Bryan Stambaugh, the event featured eight teams and was won by the Beach Breakers, a team of home-schooled players.

Stambaugh, who got the idea from a similar Denbigh jamboree put together five years ago by their coach, John Amaral, said he and other coaches used the opportunity to either go full-force or work through different lineups in hope of finding the starting six who will begin official play Monday.

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757Teamz Top 15

(with 2023 record)

1. Kellam (17-8): The Knights lost only one starter from last year, prompting coach Aaron Campbell to predict that his team will have “its most promising year yet.” Along with Eanes, Kellam is led by the other tri-captains, senior opposite hitters Austin Makovec (74 blocks) and 6-2 Bennett Barco (66 blocks). Junior setter Bennett Pyka led the Knights with 733 assists in 2023, while his brother Nathan joins seniors Sora Perry and 6-5 Michael Blanchard as middle blockers. Sophomore Dylan Calkins (126 digs) is an outside hitter to keep on the radar.

2. Kempsville (23-4): The Chiefs are considered a top team by most of their Beach and Southeastern District peers.

3. Granby (23-3): Coach Michelle Neaves declared that her team is “hungry for another state run.” Considering that it took a grueling five-set loss to Class 6 Deep Run to knock the Comets out of the state tournament last year, the statement is fitting. Joining Angeles will be senior Percy Gordon (68 kills), junior outside hitter Alijah Lamp (47 kills) and Gabe Sol, an all-region middle blocker. Davis Mendoza will serve as the primary libero.

4. Ocean Lakes (22-6): According to coach Evan Ballenger, only two returning players saw first-team reps with last year’s Class 5 Region A championship team. But a new crew will see plenty of action this year, starting with senior captain and libero Gavin Juhas. Fellow seniors Layne Kemp (middle) and Anthony Liberator (outside hitter) will be key performers, along with sophomore setter Daniel Copen. Keep an eye on Turner Kuhle, who already has shown his prowess on the baseball field for the Dolphins.

5. Cape Henry Collegiate (19-6): The reigning Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools champion should retain its spot as the top local private-school team.

6. Gloucester (20-2): Undefeated in 18 Peninsula District matches last season, the Dukes hope to ride another wave to PD perfection.

7. First Colonial (16-7): Senior setter Sam Brown (752 assists, 58 kills, 36 blocks and 34 aces in 2023) broke his leg before the first match of last year’s playoffs, and his return will greatly help the Patriots. Other senior returners include libero Nate Duff (362 digs) and Seth Williams (76 kills, 41 blocks). The veteran squad also should see production from Bo Sawyer, Lucas Hills and incoming sophomore transfer Zia Peterson.

8. Hickory (19-7): First-year coach Carmen Coston welcomes a “great group of returners” from last season’s Southeastern District champion, including senior middle blocker Will Katchmark, to join junior outside hitters Carson Tortine and Nolan Kennedy. Setter Jason Leary is the Hawks’ other junior standout.

9. Maury (16-6): The Commodores will be another strong contender for the Eastern District championship, with seniors Zach Mendoza (290 digs, 30 assists) at libero and Jonas Stafford (397 assists) as the primary setter.

10. Indian River (13-8): The Braves look to improve on last season’s 10-3 record in the Southeastern District, which was good for third place. Their 4-4 record in the preseason jamboree might be misleading.

11. Princess Anne (13-10): The Cavaliers will be tough with Maciej Majchercyzk back at his outside hitter position. Coach Jeff Kinser calls the senior “one of the best athletes I have been around.” Walt Clevenger, who’s 6-5, will form the other half of one of the Beach District’s most powerful hitting duos.

12. King’s Fork (18-6): The Southeastern District runners-up from last year, the Bulldogs, will be a strong challenger to Hickory and Indian River.

13. Menchville (15-5): Another potential Peninsula District winner.

14. Great Bridge (15-9): The senior-laden roster goes eight deep among a 12th-grade lineup, with Johnathan Badowski and outside hitters Caden Wolfe and Jovan Lapera.

15. Salem (11-9): The Sun Devils will aspire to the upper ranks of the Beach District.

Others to watch: Warwick (16-6), Grassfield (10-8), Churchland (12-8), Kecoughtan (12-8), Heritage (12-12).

Magula eyes 500th victory for defending champion Patriots: Getting ready to begin her 29th season of coaching, First Colonial’s Edie Magula, coach of the defending VHSL Class 5 champions, brings a record of 478-190 (.716) into the season. The Patriots finished 16-0 in the Beach District and 27-1 overall last season.

New stars can shine: The entire group of first-team selections in Class 5 Region A last year were seniors, setting the stage for a brand-new lineup. The three most likely candidates to succeed them were second-teamers last year — Lucille Tignor of Cox, Mia Goode from Hickory and junior outside hitter Santina Martcheva from Ocean Lakes.

Grafton reloads after loss of Keeter; York responds with new coach: The Grafton Clippers graduated Class 3 all-stater Alexis Keeter but return eight starters to a squad that has been a state runner-up for seven consecutive seasons.

Meanwhile, Bay Rivers District rival York, just two years removed from a 26-3 record and Class 3 state title, dropped to 11-11 last season but hoped to fare better under new coach Bill Bowman, who was Warwick’s head coach for 19 years.

Three-peat in D-III? StoneBridge, which led all Hampton Roads teams with 35 wins last season, aims to earn its third straight VISAA Division III state championship this fall. The Cavaliers opened their season in style, defeating Deep Creek 3-0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-21) to kick off the official volleyball season for the area. Nattie Plumlee scooped 15 digs, Camryn Weatherford had 30 assists, Kailey Curry had nine kills and Ava Baker added eight kills.

Will student top teacher again? When Lorenzo Puentes played for Woodside, he was coached by Greg Maynard, who would later become his mentor as Puentes entered the coaching ranks. Ironically, Maynard’s standout player would take over the program at Menchville, not just a competitor from the same city and district, but also the Monarchs’ chief rival.

Last year, the two split two matches as coaches in the regular season before Menchville toppled the Wolverines 3-1 to win the Class 5 Region B title. Maynard and his Woodside team will be seeking revenge this season.

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757Teamz Top 15

(2023 record)

1. First Colonial (27-1): The Patriots lost 757Teamz Player of the Year Kayla Foley to graduation to Michigan State, and Magula returns 11 players, led by a quartet of seniors who have been on the team all four years. Iona commit Gabby Taylor heads the list. All-Region honorable-mention Helen Murray is at libero, and Rachael Zimmer remains at the middle-hitter position. Kaiyah Hiles is the leading candidate to become the main setter, and junior Teagan Emdadi returns to her starting outside-hitter spot after missing the last two months of last season with an injury.

2. Grafton (25-5): The Clippers aim for their eighth consecutive state championship-match appearance with a host of starters from last year’s Bay Rivers-leading squad. First-team all-state Ally Burke (444 digs, 40 aces) enters her junior year back at libero. Seniors Alana Washington (middle hitter), Kaylie Klemm (setter), Ellie Duer and Tiffany O’Connell (outside hitters) should fill the gap caused by Alexis Keeter’s graduation and departure to Florida Gulf Coast University after winning the Virginia Gatorade State Player of the Year honor in January. Sophomore Ana Brackens looks to follow up a successful freshman campaign, and a fellow middle hitter, junior McKenzie Smith, should be a force.

3. StoneBridge (35-1): The premier private-school program from last season also reloads for 2024. The Plumlee sisters, Nattie and Libbie, will spark the Cavs. Nattie, a first-team all-state selection, heads a strong back-row attack, while Libbie transitions to outside hitter. Ava Baker has “a huge arm and impressive vertical (leap),” according to coach Eric Plumlee. Senior Camryn Weatherford will run the offense. “She’s quick and has great hands,” Plumlee said. Mikayla Telfer has developed into “an incredible six-rotation outside with a powerful swing and unbelievable defensive play.” Kailey Curry, a 5-10 middle hitter, is an effective hitter with strong blocking ability.

4. Kellam (21-6): First Colonial knocked the Knights out of contention last season, but a youth movement could be beneficial for Kellam as soon as this season. They will still rely on four seniors — Sadie Mixer (5-11, outside hitter), Sydney Stone (5-6, defensive specialist, libero),
Leilah Beasley (5-7, opposite hitter) and Audriana Neil (5-11, middle hitter).

5. Jamestown (23-4): Tom Stephenson is back as the Eagles’ coach after a two-year hiatus. Although Jamestown graduated nine players, Stephenson feels that some talented young players are ready to step in. They will join a nucleus of three seniors. Madison Rogers (139 kills, 42 blocks in 2023), who has committed to Christopher Newport, had a major knee injury in February but has successfully rehabilitated. Allison Trogdon (5-10, middle hitter/opposite) and Cayleigh White (5-8, outside hitter) will aid in Jamestown’s attempt to dethrone Grafton in the Bay Rivers.

6. Woodside (21-3): The Wolverines should be one of two main contenders for the Peninsula District crown. Junior Anna Moody (279 assists, 187 digs, 140 kills, 90 aces) is a strong all-around player, and sophomore Maddie Jango (255 digs, 86 aces, 42 assists) returns at libero.

7. Maury (15-3): Lily Bockheim, a first-team All-Class 5 Region B selection and Eastern District Player of the Year, will lead the Commodores from the right-side and setter positions. Senior teammates Madison Watts (outside hitter) and Kathleen Searing (libero) are Maury’s other all-district veterans. Freshman Sadie Stafford could be the top newcomer in Hampton Roads and is coming off a second-place national finish in the 14U Open Division of the USAV Beach Nationals. According to coach Andrea Everett, “Watts, Bockheim and Stafford have created the
opportunity for the Commodores to run a faster offense.”

8. Menchville (21-5): 2023 Peninsula District Player of the Year Lillian Abbitt will lead the Monarchs from her outside-hitter spot. Other key cogs in the lineup include Kamryn Keasey (6-0, middle/right side) and junior Caroline Clements (5-8, outside hitter).

9. Cox (17-7): The Falcons sported a 14-2 record in the Beach District last season but still finished third. Can they move up?

10. Hickory (17-7): Senior Mia Goode is a six-rotation player, and she will be assisted by fellow Hawks Milan Curl and Mackenzie Hunter. Coach Gus Quinones expects his team to combine good defense with offensive weapons to fuel a deep postseason run.

11. Greenbrier Christian Academy (27-6): The Gators are the chief rivals of StoneBridge for the Metro Conference title.

12. Great Bridge (19-5): The entire starting lineup from last year graduated, so coach Julie Bruno will build anew. Hailey Hossfield (5-7, junior) is “an incredible libero,” according to Bruno. Junior Katarina Vardeman is “a fantastic hitter,” and sophomore Marcy Stambaugh is a great all-around player who “will only get better.”

13. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (21-5): The Saints potentially are the top team in the TCIS.

14. Ocean Lakes (12-7): Junior outside hitter Santina Martcheva may commit to a Division I university this year, and coach Christina Barnhart sees this as her “breakout” season. Seniors Bella Grundy and Kayla Bennett top a strong group of veterans.

15. Granby (13-6): The Comets, coached by Olivia Casey, will be fueled by a “big junior class with a lot of solid skills.” Cheyenne Avery (outside hitter) and Amaiya Slaats (right side/libero) will lead this group, while senior middle blocker Vienne August serves as the team captain. Sophomores Corine August (middle blocker) and Alyssa Thornton (setter) could see big production numbers.

Teams to watch: Bruton (19-7), Bethel (14-6), Norfolk Christian (20-7), Peninsula Catholic (16-6), Grassfield (13-9).

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Ryan Pecora, Kempsville

Senior middle blocker

592 kills and a .379 hitting percentage for the Class 5 Region A runner-up

First-team all-state and first-team All-Region A

Signed with Penn State

“No question the best player in all of the Tidewater area.” — Chiefs coach Chris Riley

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The rest of the first team

Vincent Yi, Ocean Lakes

Senior opposite hitter

Key player for the Class 5 Region A champion that finished 22-6

First-team all-state and first-team All-Region A

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AJ Angeles, Granby

Junior setter

492 assists, 48 aces, 25 kills, 32 blocks and 42 digs

Paced the Class 5, Region B champion Comets

First-team all-state and first-team All-Region B

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Joel Eanes, Kellam

Junior outside/opposite hitter

320 kills, 132 digs, 53 blocks, 21 aces

Second-team all-state and first-team All-Region A

“By far, one of the best players to come out of Virginia Beach.” — Knights coach Aaron Campbell

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Elijah Woods, Hickory

Senior outside hitter

489 assists, 166 kills, 41 blocks, 247 digs, 75 aces

Propelled Hawks to Class 5 Region A semifinals

Second-team all-state and first-team All-Region A

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Nate Duff, First Colonial

Senior libero

362 digs, 34 assists and 20 aces

First-team All-Region A and second-team all-state

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Wyatt Strawbridge, Kempsville

Sophomore setter

803 assists, 63 kills and 68 aces

First-team All-Region A and second-team all-state

Second team

Holden Pentecost, First Colonial senior outside hitter

Donavon Velazquez, Ocean Lakes senior setter

AJ Todl, Cape Henry Collegiate senior opposite hitter

Daniel Smith, Granby senior outside hitter

Austin Makovec, Kellam junior middle blocker

Keegan Anuar, Maury sophomore outside hitter

Tanner Schadel, Cape Henry Collegiate senior outside hitter

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Impact players

Beyond the All-Tidewater selections, plenty more players contributed to their teams’ success this season. Here’s a list of some of those who received nominations, by order of school name:

Cape Henry Collegiate

Kyle Krooner, senior

Nate Jensen, senior

Ty Adamson, senior

Churchland

Ciren Gading, senior

Denbigh

Rojan Pama, senior

First Colonial

Owen Summers, senior

Gloucester

Gavin Pham, senior

Carl Matteson, senior

Dylan Deyoung, senior

Kohlby Wilson, senior

Granby

Gabe Sol, sophomore

Malcolm Woollett, senior

Grassfield

Christian Smith, senior

Illian Antoniuk, junior

Caedan Agustin, freshman

Great Bridge

Jonathan Badowski, junior

Davian Hugh, junior

Heritage

Marcus Dozier, sophomore

San’Tonio Garrett-Hymon, junior

Ashaun Steward, senior

Hickory

Nathan Amos, senior

TJ Taylor, senior

Kempsville

Evan Parziale, senior

Quinn Riley, junior

King’s Fork

Yerai Collazo de la Cruz, senior

Ajaye Davis, senior

Maury

Jonas Stafford, junior

Zach Mendoza, junior

Menchville

James Powell, senior

Norfolk Christian

CJ Coleman, senior

Ocean Lakes

Barrett Scharfe, senior

Princess Anne

Walt Clevenger, junior

Maclej Majcherczyk, junior

Warwick

Pablo Ramos, senior