MaxPreps top 50 national high school volleyball rankings

Video: MaxPreps 2015 Volleyball National Champion - Cathedral (IN)

The question before the 2016 season began was "how much did graduation affect Indianapolis Cathedral?"

After all, Cathedral is coming off one of the most impressive seasons in high school volleyball annals, but lost four key players to graduation. The Fighting Irish ran the table on the 2015 season and claimed not only the Indiana state 4A title with a 36-0 record, but the MaxPreps mythical national title.

The Irish were so dominant that they won 96 sets while losing just nine. In their final 33 wins, they outscored their foes 90-3 and finished ranked No. 1.

It didn't take long for Cathedral to pick up where it left off. The Irish enter Wednesday's match against city rival Warren Central with a 3-0 record. One of those wins was last Saturday (3-1) over No. 5 ranked Assumption (Louisville, Ky.). The other wins came against Brownsburg, a team that won 29 out of 32 matches a year ago and Mt. Vernon (Fortville, Ind.), a team loaded with returnees from a 29-5 season in 2015.

The Huskies will start 2016 ranked atop the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Volleyball Rankings presented by the Army National Guard.

Though they lost Megan Sloan (now playing at Louisville), Audrey Adams (Xavier University), Meaghan Koors (Indiana University) and Anna Jensen (Ball State University) – the 2016 roster is loaded with college-bound talent.

Coach Jean Kesterson is quick to point out that "a large core of athletes" from last season's national championship squad return.

"That includes seven seniors and one junior," said Kesterson. "The kids know how to win, expect to win and are working hard to put us in position to win. Experience of excellence is a huge advantage for the 2016 Irish squad."

Kesterson added that several other players are being recruited, though no commitments have been announced.

"Practices have been very competitive as the team wants to keep the bar high for the program," she said. "There are enough accomplished players in each of the skills (defense, setting and hitting) returning to keep expectations high again this season. The feeling in the gym is the same as last season – let's get this done."

Is there a weakness?

"We will be developing our new offense with the new members to varsity," Kesterson said.

About half the teams in the initial poll have started play and nearly all get underway by the end of August. The first and final Xcellent polls include the Top 50. Others are Top 25 only.

1. Cathedral (Indianapolis), 3-0
Though they lost a lot of offense to graduation, the defending national champions specialize in front and back row play, and return five starters back from last season. Back are all-Americans Nia Robinson (6-foot-2 outside hitter) and Maria Schorr (5-10, setter), as well as seniors Payton White (5-9, defense) and Cassie Brooks (5-5, defense) and 6-foot junior middle Mattison Norris. All four have committed: Robinson (Northwestern), Schorr (Dayton), White (Auburn) and Brooks (Evansville). Add a trio of returning varsity players from last season – Evey Trausch (5-11, OH), Olivia Rougraff (5-11 RS) and Shelby Mudd (5-9, S) – to go with newcomer juniors Emily Kleck (6-1, MH), Joey Landeros (6-1, RS), Rachel McDonald (6-2, MH), Chloe Russell (5-9, OH) and Emily Lansing (5-7, defense) and another undefeated season is not unrealistic.

2. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 0-0
The Monarchs, who won 28 of 36 matches a year ago, are loaded with size, experience and depth. The defending CIF-Southern Section champions will be led by 6-2 senior Shannon Scully (Utah), 5-11 junior Siena Secrist (USC), 5-4 junior libero Kelsey Campeau (UCLA) and 6-0 sophomore setter Brielle Mullally. Never a team to shy away from competition, the Monarchs will open the season with a trio of tough tests - at Sage Hill (Newport Beach, Calif.), No. 13 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) and No. 29 Menlo-Atherton (Atherton, Calif.) ... all on the road.

3. Sacred Heart (Louisville, Ky.), 2-0
All-American Paige Hammons, a 6-2 senior outside hitter who has committed to Florida, leads a strong group of returnees. The team lost just one starter and returns size and experience. In addition to Hammons, returnees include setters Nadia Dieudonne (Xavier) and Abigail Westenhofer (Saint Louis), 6-0 senior middle Kaelin Gentile, 5-10 hitter Lauryn Bennett and 5-10 senior libero Megan Crush.

4. Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), 8-1
The Mustangs, who were 30-6 a year ago, have opened 2016 in impressive fashion, winning the Ann Kang Invite in Honolulu, including defeating Santa Margarita in the finals. Mira Costa lost 2-1 to Santa Margarita earlier in the tournament. Six-foot setter Britt Bommer (Northwestern commit) was named Kang MVP. Amanda Montag (Navy) was named all-tourney. Also back are 6-1 outside Alexa Underwood and junior libero Kelli Barry.

5. Assumption (Louisville, Ky.), 3-1
The Rockets simply reload year in and year out. This year's reload includes five returning players from last year's state title team, including all-American Brooke Moore (Austin Peay commit). The defending state champions have won five of the last six state titles and have 19 overall. The Rockets finished 34-7 last season, beating Owensboro Catholic in the state final. In addition to Moore, Assumption players who have committed – seniors Lexie Hamilton (Louisville), Jacqueline Askin (Bowling Green), Ana Crockett (South Carolina-Aiken), and juniors Kayla Kaiser (Georgia Tech) and junior Payton Frederick (Western Kentucky).

6. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), 8-1
Santa Margarita is led by 6-1 senior Meghan McClure (Stanford signee), sophomore setter Devon Chang and 6-0 junior middle Haley Carmo. The Eagles were 38-4 a year ago with losses coming against national powers. Chang and McClure were named to the Kang Invite All-Tournament Team earlier this season in an impressive tournament showing. The only 2016 loss is to No. 4 Mira Costa, a team Santa Margarita also has defeated. Another impressive early season win is over Southlake Carroll (Texas).

7. Fayetteville (Ark.), 0-0
The Bulldogs have something no other prep team in America has – a pair of junior all-Americans who are members of USA youth teams. Six-foot-2 Haley Warner (Florida) and 6-0 setter Ella May Powell (Washington) each have won a Gatorade State Player of the Year honor. As sophomores last season, they led the Bulldogs to a 34-3 season and a state 7A title. As freshmen, Fayetteville reached the state final. But this team is more than just Warner and Powell. Also back are defensive specialists Olivia Wales (496 digs) and Abbie Kathol (448 digs, 296 kills) and 6-2 senior middle Faith Waitsman (104 blocks, 234 kills), who has committed to Wyoming.

8. Pleasant Grove (Utah), 0-0
Every starter returns from the 26-6 state 5A runner-up. The front row will be headed by 6-7 senior Sara Hamson (BYU commit for basketball and volleyball), 6-1 Kennedy Redd and 6-5 Madi Valgardson (BYU basketball commit). Yep, you read correctly – that's a front row of 6-7, 6-1, 6-5. Gina Rasmussen will set and look for a standout all-around season from 5-9 junior Kazna Tarawhiti. The Vikings host Bingham (South Jordan, Utah) Tuesday to open the season.

9. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.), 0-0
Hamilton was 36-6 a year ago and returns a strong front line and setter. Future Cal Bear Preslie Anderson, a 6-3 middle, heads up the front, while 6-foot senior setter Sydney Lostumo (Fresno State) runs the offense. And there's more – 6-0 senior middle Heaven Harris (Northern Arizona) and 5-11 hitter Darian Clark (Cal) – put a target on the Huskies' back. They open the season at No. 21 Gilbert (Ariz.) on Aug. 30.

10. Bishop Moore (Orlando, Fla.), 0-0
The reigning 5A state titlist lost just one starter and suits up seven players who will play collegiately at the D-1 level. Though young (only two seniors), the Hornets are strong in every aspect of the game. Coach Tanya Jarvis, who guided the Hornets to a 32-0 season in 2012, expects to do well at the Nike Invitational late in September in Phoenix. Key Returners include 6-1 junior Shannon Crenshaw (Washington), 6-0 junior setter Marlie Monserez (Florida), senior libero Samantha Knapp (Georgia Tech), 6-3 senior middle Morgan Davis (Texas A&M), junior setter Gracie Ryan (Arkansas), junior Cameron Scheitzach (Kentucky) and 6-0 junior middle Claire Meier. The season begins on Sept. 1.

11. Walton (Marietta, Ga.), 7-0
The Raiders are tall, talented and deep, losing two starters from last year's 37-4 title-winning team. Key returnees are 6-4 outside hitter Gabby Gonzales, 6-3 middle Reilly MacNeill, 6-1 hitter Riley Spurlin and 6-1 middle Meghan Froemming. And the Raiders have a trio of other 6-foot (or taller) players ready for court time. Senior setter Dalaney Hans, who averaged better than 10 assists per set in 2015, is back to set the table.

12. Torrey Pines (San Diego), 0-0
With seven returning players who have committed to D-1 colleges, the Falcons look like a good bet to win their sixth-straight CIF San Diego Section title. The Falcons have experience and size. Leading the way are setter Brynn Chandler (Cal), hitter Alexis Filippone (Pepperdine Beach), 6-2 middle Chiara Spain (Yale), hitter Jaden Whitmarsh (UCLA Beach), junior setter Kiara McNulty (Northwestern), junior middle Daniela Fornaciari (Louisville) and senior middle Alexis Palmer (Pepperdine). Add newcomers 6-foot Kendra Ham and Macall Peed to this team loaded with setters and middles, and great things can happen.

13. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.), 0-0
When a coach says their team has "good returnees and plenty to work with," it usually means good things are to follow. That's expected for Mitty's 2016 version that includes Kate Formico (Cal), 6-2 Candice Denny (Arizona), 6-2 Julia Devine (USC), 5-10 Nicole Liddle (Dartmouth) and 6-1 Kamrin Caoili. All were key pieces in Mitty winning the state D-II title in 2015, its fifth-straight. As always, Mitty will play one of the toughest schedules either side of the Rockies.

14. Catholic Memorial (Waukesha, Wis.)
Memorial brings back its entire starting lineup that won last year's state title and finished with 37 wins. That includes 6-1 outside hitter Lexi Alden (Maryland), 6-1 middle Ivey Whalen (Northwestern), libero Kathryn Christian and setter Maddy Rondeau. The season begins on Thursday when the Crusaders host Divine Savior Holy Angels (Milwaukee).

15. Brentwood (Tenn.), 3-1
Brentwood finished the season with a 27-match winning streak to go 53-3 overall and win the state large school title. That streak ended at 30 in a 2-0 loss to Baylor (Chattanooga) in the Early Bird season-opening tournament. The Bruins lost three players who played in all 143 sets in 2015, but return six who did, including all-American 6-2 Garrett Joiner and frosh all-American 6-2 Logan Eggleston. Add 5-9 senior hitter Kamryn Carter (McKendree University) and Brentwood is loaded in seeking its fourth-straight 3A title.

16. Blue Valley West (Stilwell, Kan.), 0-0
The reigning state large school champions (40-4) return all but two starters and one is Madison Lilley, considered among the top players in country. Other key returnees are juniors Hannah Engelken (6-0, MB), 5-9 Jana Owens, 5-10 hitter Megan Neil and 5-10 senior Payton Uhlenhake. All had 150 or more kills last season. An early season matchup of powers takes place on Saturday – No. 16 Blue Valley West versus No. 17 Northwest.

17. Northwest (Olathe, Kan.), 0-0
The Ravens were 42-1 before losing their final two games at the 6A state tournament to finish at 42-3. They lost two starters, but return four hitters (6-0 Audrey Fisher, 5-10 Taylor Kuper, 6-0 Megan Kuper and 6-2 Tyanna Omazic) and a pair of defensive specialists. Expect 6-3 sophomore Abby Copeland to join the mix. The Ravens have size and experience.

18. Carroll (Southlake, Texas), 12-2
Senior setter Lisie Kitt (Clemson) had over 1,000 assists as a junior, 6-3 junior Asjia O'Neal (Texas) blocked 116 shots and had a kill percentage of 51.8 and all-American Haley Hallgren (USC) does it all. Add Sheridan Webb (Arkansas State), defensive specialist Abby Carroll (South Carolina for beach), middle blocker Nailah Gordon (North Carolina State) and outside hitters Mellanie King (The Citadel) and Rachel Meyne (Colgate). The Dragons have setter experience, size and depth.

19. Lovejoy (Lucas, Texas), 11-2
The Leopards lost two key players to graduation, but return enough to challenge last season's 44-7 record and a state 5A final appearance. Back are 6-3 middle Rachel Langs (Clemson), 6-2 outside hitter Callie Holden, 6-0 middle Bailey Downing, 6-0 outside hitter Haley Descehenes and defensive specialist Lexie Smith, who had 718 digs a year ago.

20. Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.), 0-0
In the last four seasons, Redondo Union coach Tommy Chaffins has two state titles and has won 152 out of 170 matches against what many consider the best competition anywhere. When he talks, people listen. He lost five starting seniors from his 36-4 title-winning team, but seems as optimistic as ever. His top returnees are sophomore middle Kyla Doig (USC commit) and senior hitter Maddie Relaz (a member of the 2014-2015 title-winning teams). Add USA Junior Youth National Team member transfer Brooklyn Schrimer (USC commit) and Chaffins should be smiling. But take notice when he says "our players four through 14 have never been stronger since I have coached at Redondo."

21. Gilbert (Ariz.), 0-0
Gilbert, which was 32-11 and a state semifinalist a year ago, will be paced by 6-0 outside hitter Kaitlyn Lines (Pacific), 6-3 junior middle Krystal Blair (134 blocks a year ago) and 6-0 hitter Alexas Rockas (UC Davis). It's a front row that makes many college coaches envious, as they combined for 1,047 kills.

22. Hebron (Carrollton, Texas), 15-3
The defending 6A state champions are led by Oregon State pledge Kylee McLaughlin and Lexie Douglas. Adanna Rollins, who transferred to defending 6A state champion Hebron from Plano, was named an early-season tournament MVP, along with all-tournament players McLaughlin and Douglas.

23. Shawnee Heights (Tecumseh, Kan.), 0-0
The T-birds, who were 21-6 a year ago, have size and depth. A pair of front row players make most coaches envious – 6-4 Megan Cooney (Illinois commit) and 6-3 Jazz Sweet (Nebraska commit). Faith Rottinghaus is a standout libero. Sweet was the Topeka Journal POY in 2014 and 2015. The T-Birds open the season on Saturday hosting Olathe East (Kan.).

24. Eagan (Minn.), 0-0
The Wildcats lost just 21 sets while winning 79 and the state 3A title. They return everyone one from the 29-5 title team. Repeat: every player returns from that experience, including future D-1 players 5-10 Gabrielle Orr (Iowa), 6-1 Alyssa Doucette (Missouri State), 6-0 McKenna Melville (UCF), 6-3 Ally Murphy (North Dakota State) and setter McKenzie Lee.

25. Buford (Ga.), 4-1
Though the Wolves had their win streak snapped at 43 (by No. 11 Walton, 3-2 on Aug. 18), they are loaded. They lost only one senior and all starters are back from last year's 41-0 season. Key returnees are all-around standout Gabby Curry (Kentucky), junior hitter Tatum Shipes (Auburn), junior Avery Cason and senior setter Morgan Mitchell, who averages better than 10 assists per set. Next up is unbeaten St. Pius X Catholic (Atlanta) on Wednesday.

26. Midway (Waco, Texas), 14-2 Midway, which was 36-8 in 2015, is loaded with five players bound for D-I colleges next year. Allye Beth Deaton (TCU commit) is back along with fellow outside Samantha Sanders (Texas A&M commit) and middle blockers Avery Rhodes (Iowa State) and Miranda Youmans (North Texas). All are 6 feet or taller. Add Callie Williams, a Tennessee pledge who transferred from four-time defending TAPPS state champion Bishop Lynch, as well. Both setters – Bianca Covento and Madison Rohre - return.

27. Geneva (Ill.), 0-0
The Vikings will have one of the most powerful front lines in prep volleyball this year with 6-1 hitter Ally Barret (UConn), 6-3 hitter Grace Loberg (Wisconsin) and 6-3 middle Alexandria Mullen (Boston College). The Vikings host Naperville Central (Ill.) on Thursday.

28. Marian Central Catholic (Woodstock, Ill.), 0-0
The Hurricanes lost two starters from their 39-3 and state 3A champion squad and are loaded with 6-foot hitters Sydney Nemtuda (Florida Atlantic commit) and Lauren Hanlon returning along with future Nevada-Reno setter McKayla Wuensch (11.1 per set). Six-foot middles Rachel Noonan and Emily Radecki are also back.

29. Menlo-Atherton (Atherton, Calif.), 0-0
California's large school runner up has everything – hitters, servers, defensive standouts and setters. M-A will be led by A-A setter Kirby Knapp, hitter Jacqueline Desanto (Michigan) and A-A defensive standout Alexa Roumeliotis. All are seniors. The season opens on Aug. 30.

30. Webb (Knoxville, Tenn.), 0-0
In 57 matches a year, the Spartans lost just a dozen sets. And 53 of those matches were victories, including the final 13 that included the state II-A title. Key returnees are all-Americans Nicklin Hames and Kayleigh Hames and Meredith Wallace.

31. Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.), 6-0
Led by 6-3 Taylor Rowland (Auburn commit) and setter Courtney Weber (South Carolina commit), the Chargers bring back experience, height and depth from last year's 28-3 team.

32. Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.), 10-0
The Red Raiders are off to a hot start led by setter Sarah Sumida and 6-foot hitters Gabby Gray, Ally Craig, Paris Buckner and Jane Wilson. They beat highly ranked Brentwood (Tenn.) to win the championship at the Early Bird Tournament last weekend. The Red Raiders were 43-6 and finished third in the 2A state tournament.

33. Notre Dame (Belmont, Calif.), 0-0
Hitters Katie Smoot (Arizona) and Tammy Byrne, middle Mele Fakatene and setter Kristine Gese lead the way. All are seniors. The season opens on Friday.

34. Mount Notre Dame (Cincinnati), 0-0
The Cougars have won the Ohio state championship the past three years and return a lot, namely front row standouts Natalie Steibel (Delaware), Tori Beckelhimer, Sarah Riesenberger and Grace Hauck. The Pandas play 2-0 Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, Ky.) on Tuesday.

35. North Branch (North Branch, Mich.), 1-0
When a team brings back its top hitters (6-1 Olivia Fike and 6-0 Allyson Severance), top blocker (Fike), top servers (Madison Miner and Reese Ruhlman), top defenders (Stephanie Fifield) and ball handler (Miner), good things are expected to follow. After all, the Broncos did win 57 matches and reached the state 3A finals a year ago.

36. Jesuit (Portland, Ore.), 0-0
On paper, it looks like Jesuit lost a lot, but on the court it might not, as 6-3 Kathryn Decker (Santa Clara), Emily Demots (Portland), Grace Massey, 6-2 Gabi Stegemoller and Claire Zanon (Chaminade) return seeking a third-straight state 6A title. The Crusaders, who lost just three sets last season, enter 2016 with a 69-match winning streak.

37. Wando (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.), 2-1
Returning from their state 4A title team that went 46-5, the Warriors return 11 players including hitters Lexi Hellberg, Keeghan Andrews, Sydney DeJong and Katie Jacques. Each had 200 or more kills in 2015. Defensive specialist Brooke Medders also returns, as does setter Karen Majewski (1,074 assists a year ago).

38. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), 0-0
The Raiders lost one senior starter from last year's 30-2 state 7A champion. That means they will be heavy favorites to repeat, especially with setters Derry Costigan and Kelsey O'Loughlin passing to 6-foot hitters Brook Bauer (4.1 kills), Emma Dixon and Allison Marble. The season opens Wednesday at Palmer Trinity.

39. Crown Point (Ind.), 3-1
The entire team returns from the 2015 state title season and that includes senior Alaina Chacon (Florida State commit), juniors Peyton Yelich (Virginia Tech) and Morgan Chacon (Arizona State). Crown Point hosts LaPorte (Ind.) on Thursday.

40. Lawrence North (Indianapolis), 3-1
North returns its top seven, including five D-1 commits and 11 overall from last year's state runner-up team. The Wildcats, the defending Marion County champions, are paced by junior middle blocker Lauren Matthews (Western Kentucky), who had 174 blocks last year. Libero Madison Cunningham (553 digs), an Eastern Illinois commit, also returns along with 6-1 hitter Lizzie Beasley and 6-0 setter Meg Beasley (who topped 1,000 assists in 2015), and 6-0 hitter Madeleine Dean, who averaged better than four kills per set.

41. Lafayette (Wildwood, Mo.), 0-0
Going for their sixth-straight state title, the Lancers will be led by 6-1 Hannah Flowers, setter Emelie Orlando and 5-11 outside hitter Merry Gebel. Junior Lily Cooper, a 6-5 middle blocker, has committed to Duke. Senior Mell Flowers, a transfer from Oklahoma, will be a leader on the back row. The season opened on Tuesday at St. Joseph's Academy (St. Louis).

42. Mother McAuley (Chicago), 0-0
Mother McAuley returns six players who played in 50 or more sets from its 2015 team that finished 31-8. Key returnees include hitters Charley Niego, Katie O'connell and Abby O'Brien. Emma Reilly (465 digs) is back to play defense. If a setter steps up, a deep playoff run will follow.

43. St. Joseph's Academy (St. Louis), 0-0
Junior setter Gabby Blossom (Penn State) and senior libero Hannah Gruensfelder (Ohio State) will have a lot to say about St. Joe's success. Also back are front row standouts Marissa Tomek and Lauren Reding. The Angels bring back their entire lineup. The season opened on Tuesday, hosting No. 41 Lafayette (Wildwood, Mo.).

44. Fairview (Boulder, Colo.), 0-0
Returning all-state players Christine Schmiedeler, Audrey Cheng (Columbia) and Caroline Schmiedeler will fuel the Cougars (22-7) in their run for another deep playoff season.

45. Amarillo (Texas), 10-2
All-staters Emerson Solano (North Florida) and Abby Warner return from 36-8 team that was knocked out of the state 6A title chase by eventual champion Hebron.

46. Panas (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.), 0-0
Leading the way will be 6-2 junior hitter Yvette Burcescu (6.0 kills per set), and defensive specialist Sabrina Patriciello. Eleven players return from last year's state finalist team (44-7-5).

47. Novi (Mich.), 1-0
With Team USA Youth Girls setter Erin O'Leary (Michigan commit) and senior Ally Cummings (Valparaiso) leading the way, Novi will have a strong run to repeat as D-1 champion. Novi was 55-2 a year ago.

48. Champlin Park (Champlin, Minn.), 0-0
The rebels lost two starters from last year's 30-5 team, but Sydney Hilley is back, so are Allie Miller, Maria Claflin, Marisa Vattendahl Vidal, Izzy Ashburn and Kaitlyn Weimerskirch. Hilley, a member of the U.S. Junior Women's Team, has committed to Wisconsin.

49. George Washington (Charleston, W. Va.), 0-0
In winning the state 3A title, the Patriots went 65-1-1. Look for more of the same as Tessa Wyner, Ashley McClung and Malika Houston return. They combined for 1,239 kills and 307 aces. Wyner was the Gatorade State Player of the Year winner for volleyball.

50. Rock Canyon (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), 0-0
The Jaguars lost two seniors from last year's 22-6 team, but outside hitter Keeley Davis and libero Kendall Hanak both return, as does setter Skylar Lane. Also back are hitters Harley Freeseman, Maddy Metcalf and Lacey Zadra, and defensive specialist Riley Bradbury.