High school volleyball rankings: Ohio's Mount Notre Dame starts the season No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25

Some states played a full slate of high school volleyball matches in 2020, while some altered or canceled their calendars entirely. With play already underway in most of the country, 2021 looks to be a return to action.

The mixed bag of playing or canceled created an uneven field as far as compiling the MaxPreps Top 25 High School Volleyball Rankings coming into the season. But we've attempted to look at states that played and weigh their success, and predict how other national powers should fare ... even given missing a year.

After winning the Ohio Division I title last season, Mount Notre Dame and Preseason MaxPreps All-America pick Carly Hendrickson start atop the rankings with their season opening this week. To contrast, California's Vista Murrieta didn't play last season, but starts the year at No. 4 behind All-American Claire Little.

Expect things to ebb and flow in the coming weeks, but rest assured that the cream will eventually rise to the top as we prepare to crown the MaxPreps National Champion at the end of the season.

Notes: The Cougars went 23-2 last year, winning the Division I title. All-American hitter Carly Hendrickson returns after pounding 512 kills last season.

Notes: The Leopards return three-time All-American Averi Carlson after a 26-0 season that culminated in a Texas 5A title.

Notes: The Titans fell in the Class A finals, but return a wealth of talent including three of their top five hitters from last year (Lauren Medeck, Stella Adeyemi and Emma O'Neill) and senior setter Ava LeGrand (914 assists).

Notes: Junior hitter Claire Little led the Mustangs to a CIF Division I title in 2019 as a freshman.

Notes: Despite being senior-heavy, the Jaguars have simply reloaded. Bella Ortiz, Gabby Walker and Maddie Cox are the next generation of hitters, and setter Megan Farris looks to guide the offense. Their graduation losses include Angelique Cyr, Kaylee Cox and Caroline Dykes.

Notes: The Golden Lions went 35-4 before falling to McIntosh in the AAAAA finals. All-American Emma Farrell is back after 118 assist and 398 digs last year. They also return the four top hitters return in seniors Lura Underwood, Annemarie Rakoski, Kate Larocco and junior Nina Shaw.

Notes: Off to a hot start, the Highlanders have nearly matched 2020's win total when they went 23-4. Claire Dewine is leading the team in kills (141) and assists (201) thus far, while senior hitter Reagan Whatley returns along with freshman Ella Lewis.

Notes: Legendary coach Ron Kordes has his Rockets soaring early after a 20-3 season in 2020. Junior Sydney Helmers is joined by sophomore hitter Charlotte Moriarty and senior Ainsley Clark, while Whitney Woodrow has dished up 166 assists so far.

Notes: The tandem of All-Americans Elia Rubin and Kerry Keefe should have the Sailors in the mix for a CIF crown ... or more.

Notes: The Valkeries were 14-8 and fell to Assumption in last year's semifinals but 2020 leading hitters Tess Schrenger and Julia McNeley return along with setter Alice Kempf.

Notes: The Sea Hawks have All-American Mele Corral-Blagojevich, who tore it up in 2019 with 400 kills and 126 aces. Tommy Chafin's squad should be near the top of a crowded SoCal field all season long.

Notes: The Tigers lost Jaylynn Dunsmore and Ellie Stinson to graduation, but Kaitlyn Judge and Ava Eakins should step into those roles along with junior Gretchen Moore and freshman Charlotte Vinson. Emilee Hill returns after tossing up 1,020 assists in a 28-0 2020 season that culminated with a 4A title.

Notes: The Jaguars went 20-1 last season, the lone loss in the state finals. Meredith Brown, Maddie Hagan, Katie Poynter and Emma Barnett are back, as is setter Ella Teeley.

14. Fayetteville (Ark.), 2-1
Notes: The Bulldogs went 21-1 last season and grabbed the 3A title. Junior hitter Brooke Rockwell is back after pounding 230 kills last season with 2-8 digs. She's joined by Kennedy Phelan (800 assists) and Regan Harp (154 kills as a freshman).

Notes: The Titans went 32-6 in 2020 before falling to McIntosh in the AAAAA semifinals. Cate Wright, Mia Hood, Lauren Posa, Loren Baker and Taylor Esmie were five of their top six hitters last season and team with setter Ashlynn Barnes with an eye on the state crown.

Notes: California transfer Liv Gravatt helped the Rebels to a 31-6 mark last season. She returns after posting 881 assists, 238 digs and 105 kills along with hitters Amanda Mack, Kiernan Stamey and Maggie Sanderson.

Notes: Sophomore All-American Lauren Harden leads the Royals after 278 kills as a freshman. They went 25-1 last season, falling in the regional championships. Joining Harden this season are hitters Avery Hobson, Tiffany Snook and Lovie Wallace along with sophomore setter Macy Hinshaw.

Notes: The Gaels didn't get on the court last year, but are led by All-American Caroline Edgeworth, who has 172 assists thus far this season after 1,474 in 2019. She has hitters aplenty in senior Sophia Ewalefo and sophomores Leilia Toailoa and Ashley Duckworth.

Notes: The Admirals went 52-4 with a 5A title. They were led by hitters Ella Broadhead and Caroline Chastang along with setter Blakely Robbins.

Notes: The Warriors are led by two-time All-American Devin Kahahawai and Maui Robins and should get contributions from middle blocker sophomore Adrianna Arquette.

Notes: The Buccaneers lost their opening match in 2020 before reeling off 52 straight to capture the Alabama 7A title. Back are All-American Rya McKinnon (599 kills, 284 digs) and Baxley Downs and Maggie Harris.

Notes: Eva Hudson returns to lead the Saints after a 33-2 season that ended with a five-set 3A title win over Brebeuf. The All-American has hitting help from senior Kristin Bobay and junior Lexa Zimmerman while setter Emma Lyons looks to fill the shoes of Olivia Tellez (1,168 assists).

Notes: The Huskies went 17-2 in an abbreviated season, but grabbed the 6A title with a revenge win over Perry after losing twice in the regular season. Jordan Middleton leads Hamilton along with Micah Gryniewicz, but the team needs to replace Diana Ethridge's 772 assists.

Notes: A small-school power, the Knights went 17-1 last season. They're led by Missouri commit Riley Buckley, who has compiled 1,248 assists, 727 kills and 672 digs entering her senior season.

Notes: Top hitters Mary Neal and Aviah Miller return for the Raiders along with setter Greta Hans. Previous MaxPreps Coach of the Year Suzanne Fitzgerald led the team to a 21-2 mark last season, falling to Alpharetta in the AAAAAAA title match.