MaxPreps 2017 preseason national high school volleyball rankings

Video: Preseason volleyball rankings
MaxPreps host Myckena Guerrero breaks down the top volleyball teams heading into 2017.

Archbishop Mitty volleyball coach Bret Almazan-Cezar is "always concerned about everything."

His biggest concern this season is replacing Kate Formico, an All-American libero now playing for Stanford.

"We return a lineup with a total of 17 state championship medals," Almazan-Cezar said. "They know what it takes."

His returners include three players who combined for more than 1,000 kills, a setter who distributed 1,323 assists (11.7 per set) and a total of six players who have committed to NCAA Division 1 volleyball programs.

Despite his concern, Almazan-Cezar's Monarchs open the season ranked atop MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Preseason National High School Volleyball Rankings. They won the California large school state title and their final 10 matches of the 2016 season.

The Monarchs (38-4 last season) swept the prestigious Durango Classic in Las Vegas, winning seven times and losing just one set. Their four 2016 losses came against teams that won 138 matches.

"But we have to find someone to replace Kate Formico," he said.

That concern stated, the Monarchs return five starters from a year ago — middle Moriah Scott, hitters Julia Devine (USC commit), Nicole Liddle (Dartmouth commit), setter Makaela Tanaka (Fordham pledge) and hitter Kamrin Caoili (Santa Clara pledge). Add to that impressive quintet is defensive specialist Skyleur Savage (Amherst commit).

Almazan-Cezar, who has lead the Monarchs to 10 state championships and seven recognized national championships during his 16 years, has his team in a trio of highly regarded tournaments, including Durango, the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions and the early season Spikefest.

On a streak of five consecutive CIF state titles, the Monarchs have claimed 13 CIF crowns since 1993.

Right behind the Monarchs to open the season is Minooka (Ill.), a team loaded with a half-dozen future Division I players, including All-American Alli Papesh, a 6-foot-1 hitter headed to Dayton.

Coach Carrie Prosek said Papesh last year was "the most explosive player in the area who really learned how to mix up her shots." And she's better as a senior.

Starting the season at No. 3 is Marymount (Los Angeles), a tall team with experience and a pair of 2016 MaxPreps Sophomore All-Americans in Devon Newberry and Grace Frohling, a 6-5 junior who can dominate from any position.

Marymount coach Cari Klein said, "This year's team is stacked with gamers who know how to win. They are confident but still hungry and that's a mix that I like. They know they are good, but they play like they've got something to prove."

Reagan (San Antonio) is ranked No. 4, off to a 20-1 start and has already beaten Texas preseason favorite Hebron (Carrollton), 2-0.

Rounding out the Top 5 is Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.), winners of its final 17 matches in 2017. Coach Paula Kirkland said, "Our libero, Anna Renwick and our other defensive specialist, Leslie Timms, are two of the best at their positions. All-American Thayer Hall will also play six rotations."

Rounding out the preseason Top 10 are perennial Kentucky power Assumption (Louisville), Bishop Moore (Orlando, Fla.), Walton (Marietta, Ga.), 'Iolani (Hawaii) and Hebron.

It's hard to keep Assumption out of the Top 5 with a roster featuring 11 future D1 players, but the Rockets lost six times a year ago and have something to prove. One of their 33 wins was coach Ron Kordes' 1,000th. You need a calculator to figure out how many state titles Assumption has under Kordes. Hint — it's in the high teens.

Kordes says the team has one goal — to win state. "Our strengths would be experience combined with physical skill and size, plus depth at each position," he said.

While some schools have played as many as two dozen matches this season, the majority of high school programs open this week and next. Final 2016 records are given, unless a team has begun 2017 play in which case that record will be in parenthesis.

1. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.), 38-4 last season
With four All-State players returning, Mitty is loaded once again. Key returnees are seniors Kamrin Caoili, Julia Devine, Makaela Tanaka and Nicole Liddle. Moriah Scott, who played in 92 sets last season, also returns.

2. Minooka (Ill.), 35-7
The state's 2016 4A runner up return 11 from a year ago including 6-1 senior All-American outside hitter Alli Papesh (Dayton commit). Add 6-1 Rocky Perinar (Tennessee commit), Taylor Baranski (Iowa State commit), 6-2 hitter Holly Bonde (Kansas State commit), 6-1 middle Sammantha Hermann (Ferris State commit), and 5-9 middle Olivia Klank (St. Louis University Commit) and you have a team with a lot of weapons. That's a lot of size and firepower. If Minooka can replace graduated setter Brooklyn Bachmann (Bemidji State University), dominating Illinois volleyball is a reality.

3. Marymount (Los Angeles), 31-5
Marymount's 2017 goal is to be better than a year ago and to win its 18th consecutive league title (longest currently running streak in the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Section). Marymount expects to go deep in four major tournaments — Queen's Crown Pre-Season, Durango, Nike TOC (Phoenix), and California Challenge). The Sailors lost two starters and return a front line that can rival any team either side of the Mississippi River. The key returners are a pair of MaxPreps Sophomore All-Americans in 6-5 Grace Frohling (San Diego commit) and 5-11 Devon Newberry (UCLA pledge). Add Colgate pledge Camryn Carfino, 6-1 middle Emma Moffet (Dartmouth commit) and 6-foot seniors Jennifer Burke, Mitzi Novicic and Emery Beacom and this team has size and experience.

4. Reagan (San Antonio), 42-5 (20-1 2017 record)
The Rattlers were impressive a year ago winning 42 matches, and opened the 2017 season by making a big statement. One of the wins was 2-0 over Hebron (Carrollton). Seniors Camryn Ennis (Kansas pledge), 6-2 twins Nika Burja and Kaja Burja, Lydia Niebla, and Elissa Barbosa give the Rattlers experience and talent up front and in the back row. The Burja twins have trained with the Slovenian National Team.

5. Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.), 46-2
Winners of its final 17 matches and the state large school title, Dorman is loaded again. The center of attention is all-everything Thayer Hall (Florida pledge), a 6-3 outside hitter. But the talent runs deep with Garland Hough (Coast Carolina), and four other returning starters Omara Daniels, Leslie Timms, Morgan McKinnon and Anna Renwick earned their share of postseason honors.

6. Assumption (Louisville, Ky.), 33-6 (4-0)
After not reaching the state finals in 2016, the Rockets are poised for a rebound with 11 players destined for future college volleyball careers — Kayla Kaiser (Georgia Tech commit), Payton Frederick (Western Ken pledge), Camille Nazor (Duke), Rylee Rader (Ohio State), Anna DeBeer (Louisville), Mary Ann O'Toole (Xavier), Emma Monks (Michigan State), Bella Bowman (George Washington), Alexis Triplett (Lipscomb), Bailey Roszman (Bellarmine) and Callie Martin (Wright State). And five other Rockets are expected to commit before the season ends. There's more: Mercy (Louisville) transfer Lauren Myrick is a 6-1 power hitter wearing Rocket colors. To say the Rockets have reloaded would be the biggest understatement of the preseason.

7. 'Iolani (Honolulu), 27-12 (18-0)
Hawaii's large school champs lost a lot to graduation, but return frosh All-American Elena Oglivie, Missouri-bound Saige Ka'aha'aina-Torres and Sasha Petticord. Iolani won the season-opening Ann Kang Invitational (defeating No. 13 Oak Ridge, Texas) and has won 20-straight matches.

8. Bishop Moore (Orlando, Fla.), 27-1
Seniors Marlie Monserez (Florida commit), Claire Meier (Wofford commit) and Cameron Scheitzach (Kentucky commit) join juniors Lauren Davis (Texas A&M commit) and Ariana Arjomand to bring a lot of experience to a team that could run the table.

9. Walton (Marietta, Ga.), 39-6 (5-0)
A pair of Ohio State pledges in 6-4 Gabby Gonzales and 6-2 Reilly MacNeill, teaming with 6-1 Katie Crocker (Kennesaw State), and 6-1 Riley Spurlin, give Walton a frontline that matches any in the country. Add impressive 6-2 sophomore newcomer middle Phoebe Awoleye and 6-0 junior Jordan Rush and that frontline reaches new heights. Molly Pember, Madison Morey, Sam Jones (West Georgia commit), Emery Dupes and Kendall O'Brien give Walton a lot of athletic depth as it goes for its seventh state large school title in eight seasons.

10. Hebron (Carrollton, Texas), 46-6  (10-2)
A lot of talent returns from the 2016 6A state titlist. That starts with 5-11 senior outside hitter Adanna Rollins (Minnesota pledge), who was the MVP of the state championship match. She recorded a team-best 540 kills as a junior. Also returning are 6-1 middle Emma Clothier (Florida State commit) and 6-1 middle blocker Lauren Merrill (William & Mary pledge). Senior libero Annie Benbow is coming off an All-State season. If Hebron finds a setter, another lengthy postseason stretch is expected.

11. Fayetteville (Ark.), 30-6
Any team with two players who are perennial All-Americans and members of the USA National Youth Team is going to be highly ranked. When conversations turn to high school volleyball, setter Ella May Powell (Washington pledge) and front-row standout Haley Warner (Florida commit) are always mentioned. Though they lost a trio of starters to graduation, they also return libero Carley Galloway and welcome a group of a half-dozen front row standouts. An up-tempo offense will create nightmares for opponents as the Bulldogs go for their third state large school title.

12. Cox Mill (Concord, N.C.), 34-0
Ten players return from last year's unbeaten team, including 6-3 all-American Taylor Rowland (Auburn pledge), 6-2 Courtney Weber (South Carolina commit), Ali Siersma (Troy pledge) and Lauren Phillips. All are seniors and big-time hitters. The most pronounced strength of the 2017 team will be the high level experience of all of the players on the roster.

13. Oak Ridge (Conroe, Texas), 48-1 (9-2)
Key returners include Carly Graham (Rice pledge), Molly Russell (College of Charleston commit), Ashlyn Cianciulli and Shae Green. That's a lot from a team that went 48-1 and spent much of the season atop the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Rankings.

14. Webb (Knoxville, Tenn.), 43-8 (4-1)
Every player returns from last year's state title team, led by versatile senior and MVP of last year's state finals Nicklin Hames (Nebraska commit). She will miss the first two weeks of the season as she is playing with the US Youth National team. Also back are junior Kayleigh Hames (Pepperdine commit), who had more than 700 kills last season, North Florida commit Meredith Wallace and freshman setter Haley Jenkins, who led the Lady Spartans as an 8th-grader last year.

15. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 35-7
The Monarchs graduated their top player, but they were very young a year ago and have four postseason award-winning starters back — Mia Tuaniga, Kristina Pepek, Kelsey Campeau and 6-3 Natalie Berty. And Mandalay Rennon also played more than 100 sets last season.

16. Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.), 23-13
Coach Tommy Chaffins says he has six setters who will play collegiately. But setting might not be his team's strong suit. Led by 6-1 senior hammer Brooklyn Schrimer, 5-11 junior middle Kyla Doig and 6-0 junior hitter Jasmine Davis hitting could be potent. That said, sophomore libero Nalani Iosia was the team's MVP as a freshman.

17. Brecksville-Broadview Heights (Broadview Heights, Ohio), 29-1
The 2016 large school state champion won its final 11 matches (winning 33 sets and losing just two). The Bees return a lot, including top hitters Emma Tupa (3.9 average per set) and Joanna Chang (3.6 average per set), leading blocker Amber King and setter Shannon Williams (Cincinnati pledge), who dished out 14.1 assists per set.

18. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego), 29-10
The Dons will once again be tall and athletic and feature two sport All-American Megan Faraimo (committed to UCLA for softball), 6-4 junior Peyton Wilhite, 6-3 junior Lindsey Miller and defensive specialist Karenna Wurl.

19. Fossil Ridge (Fort Collins, Colo.), 26-3
The Sabercats offense — and defense — goes through 6-5 All-American Riley Zuhn (Nebraska commit), but she's not the only hitter on this team. Look for Catie Semadeni, Tyler Lindgren and Mataya Megson to contribute a combined nine or so kills per set. Lindgren also sets, digs and serves.

20. Dublin Coffman (Dublin, Ohio), 24-4
Last season, the Shamrocks averaged 13.4 kills, 2.4 aces and 21.8 digs per set and return all but one starter from the state runner up team. Junior Riley Wagoner (5.5 kill average), Jacy Sheldon (who served for 260 points), Dana Axner (6.3 dig per set average) and setter Jen Schulze lead the way.

21. Boca Raton (Fla.), 24-2
The Bobcats won their final 13 matches a year ago and claimed the state 9A title. They lost two senior starters, but 10 others return including setter Tatianna Rivas (11.4 assists per set), Lili Henderson, Vittoria Sottani and Laura Stevenson (all earned all-region honors).

22. Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.), 39-5
Though the Aztecs will be led by 5-11 all-around Brooke Nuneviller (Oregon pledge), they have a quartet of 6-3 front row players (Emma West, Alyssa Wissinger, Krystal Blair and Madelyn Noble) who will get their share of the attention. Nuneviller is a member of the USA Junior Team and was Arizona's volleyball Gatorade winner in 2016.

23. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), 35-8
Eleven seniors return from the 2016 large school state runner up team, including Devon Chang (UCLA pledge), Sarah Ciszek (Sacred Heart commit), Haley Carmo (Fullerton commit) and Peyton Ehmke (George Mason pledge).

24. Mother McAuley (Chicago), 40-1
The defending MaxPreps National Champions aren't going to like this No. 24 preseason ranking. After all, they finished the season with 32 wins and return all-American Charley Niego. But Mother McAuley graduated eight seniors, including six who played three-fourths of the team's sets. Niego, however, was the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year and is Notre Dame bound.

25. Yorktown (Ind.), 37-1 (2-0)
The Tigers have no six-footers, but do have 5-7 do everything Kenzie Knuckles (Nebraska commit). As a matter of fact, they only have one player over 5-10 and that is 5-11 junior Tegan Seyring. The Next 75

26. Novi (Mich.), 52-1
Led by MaxPreps National Junior of the Yea Erin O'Leary (Michigan pledge), Novi enters the season with 42-match win streak after going 52-1 and a Michigan large school championship in 2016. Novi could climb the ranking ladder quickly.

27. RHAM (Hebron, Conn.), 34-3-1
The Sachems captured the state Class L title and ended the season on a 17-match win streak. That streak should continue with 6-2 senior All-American Alana Hruska (Connecticut pledge) returning (5.4 kills per set as a junior). She pairs impressively with 5-11 senior Anna Barry (3.3 kills per set).

28. Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.), 36-8
The Chargers feature 10 players returning from last year's state D1 title team, including postseason honorees senior middle Kristin Austin and senior setter Lindsey Sparks.

29. Providence (Clarksville, Ind.), 36-5 (3-1)
Providence will be led by senior Marissa Hornung, who coach Terri Puricha says "does the work of five (seniors), She's very driven, and a hard worker."

30. Auburn Riverside (Auburn, Wash.), 22-1-1
The Ravens finished the season with 16 wins in a row and the state 4A title. Senior Calley Heilborn is the top returnee.

31. Rouse (Leander, Texas), 40-9 (18-3)
Seniors E'lan McCall and Dani Cole lead a deep group of hitters. Two of the three losses this season have been to No. 4 Reagan (San Antonio).

32. Mt. Carmel (New Orleans), 41-11
If the defending state champion Cubs find a setter to go along with 6-2 junior All-American Ellie Holzman, 5-10 junior Sofia Conaway and 5-10 sophomore Emily Meyer, they will contend with anyone.

33. Dike-New Hartford (Dike, Iowa), 39-6
Twins Baylee Petersen and Sydney Petersen (Texas pledge) have foes seeing double trouble. They led the Wolverines to the 2016 state title, giving them their second state title in three years for a program that ranks third in Iowa with 12 all-time.

34. Avon (Ind.), 30-8 (2-1)
Jael Johnson, a 6-3 senior who has committed to Purdue, and senior setter Darian Goins (LSU pledge), give the Orioles a great set-and-kill combo.

35. Oviedo (Fla.), 26-4
The Lions lost one starter from last year's team that averaged 13.6 kills and return a trio of big hitters.

36. Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, Ky.), 24-12 (2-0)
The Pandas' roster features a dozen players 5-10 or taller.

37. Menlo School (Atherton, Calif.), 25-8
Four starters, including all-American Selina Xu, are back from last year's state D4 title team.

38. Mercy (Louisville, Ky.), 28-11 (2-0)
Thirteen return from last year's 28-win team.

39. La Vernia (Texas), 42-11 (13-0)
Chloe Patton, Kennedy Adams and Christa Reyes could play for any team. 40. Long Beach Poly (Calif.), 23-10
Six returning seniors give the Jackrabbits experience.

41. Millard North (Omaha, Neb.), 27-11
The Mustangs did what no one expected: win the 2016 large school championship. This year they are heavy favorites with seven players returning who played in 97 or more sets, including super sophomores Izzy Lukens and McKenna Ruch.

42. Center Grove (Greenwood, Ind.), 26-10 (3-1)
The Trojans have opened the season averaging six blocks per set.

43. Oconomowoc (Wis.), 40-6
The Raccoons lost two senior starters from 40-win team, and sophomore standout Tayler Alden returns along with 11 others. This team has size and a surplus of athleticism.

44. Paintsville (Ky.), 28-5 (6-1)
Senior Megan Taylor, a 6-1 hitter headed to Marshall, is already averaging 5.3 kills per game at 70 percent.

45. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), 29-10
The Gaels lost three sets in winning their final 10 matches — and the state large school championship. They return super sophomore hitter Tommi Stockham.

46. Bayside Academy (Daphne, Ala.), 57-5
Ann Schilling begins her 31st season coaching the Admirals, a team she has led to 22 state championships (including the past 15 straight) and 1,388 wins. Seniors Ansleigh Dailey and Brantley Rhodes highlight another record-setting bid.

47. Pope John Paul II (Slidell, La.), 45-2
Camille Dedeaux and Ansley Tullis give Pope John Paul II the tools for a four-peat in D4.

48. Notre Dame Prep (Pontiac, Mich.), 52-10-6 (5-0-1)
Unbeaten in six matches, the Fighting Irish are averaging 14.8 kills per set. Junior All-American Madeline Chinn leads the way with a 5.1 per set average.

49. Ankeny (Iowa), 34-6
Only once in the last 10 seasons have the Hawks not won 30 or more games. There's no indication that this will be their second sub-30 win season during that span.

50. Xavier College Prep (Phoenix), 34-7
Future Georgia Bulldog Lanie Wagner will make life difficult for opponents.

The Next 50

51. Torrey Pines (San Diego), 28-6
Jaden Whitmarsh leads another tall and talented Falcons team.

52. Ankeny Centennial (Iowa), 33-3
An experienced front row gives the Jaguars an edge on most nights as they seek a fourth-straight crown.

53. Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.), 55-9 (8-0)
All-American Anna MacDonald is averaging 7.2 digs per set for a team seeking its fourth-straight state title.

54. Byron Nelson (Trophy Club, Texas), 30-15 (11-1)
Seven seniors make this team legit.

55. Brentwood (Tenn.), 50-4 (8-2)
All-American Garrett Joiner will miss the season with an injury and the Bruins aren't in the Top 25.

56. Cedar Falls (Iowa), 36-4
A deeper playoff run is expected for the Taylor Lynch-led Tigers.

57. Punahou (Honolulu), 21-11
Mark your calendars for Sept. 5. That's when the Buff ‘n Blue meets No. 10 Iolani.

58. Carroll (Southlake, Texas), 43-7 (13-2)
Despite All-American Asjia O'Neil's decision not to play this season, the Dragons have won seven in a row.

59. Eagan (Minn.), 28-1
The Wildcats lost more than any team ranked in the Top 100, but have their eyes set on repeating as state large school champions.

60. Ursuline Academy (Cincinnati), 22-5 (1-0)
If team chemistry connects, the Lions will have it all.

61. Immaculate Heart Academy (Washington Township, N.J.), 38-5
The Blue Eagles won 38 matches last year without a senior. Look for 6-3 sophomore Anna Morris to have a breakout season.

62. Crown Point (Ind.), 36-4 (2-1)
The state large school runner up graduated a lot, but return senior hitters Morgan Chacon, Reece Kral and setter Alex Equihua (1,000 plus assists in 2016).

63. McGill-Toolen (Mobile, Ala.), 48-10
The Yellowjackets are shorter than a year ago, but third place in 2016 has them hungry.

64. Old Tappan (N.J.), 25-2
The reigning state champs start the season with a six-match win streak, but No. 66 Mount Olive wants revenge from the state title game.

65. Lone Peak (Highland, Utah), 25-4
Reigning state champs open the season on a 14-match win streak.

66. Mount Olive (Flanders, N.J.), 25-3-1
The Marauders return all but one starter from state 3A runner up.

67. Papillion-LaVista South (Papillion, Neb.), 30-11
The Titans return all but one starter and one of those returners is Taliyah Flores (North Dakota pledge).

68. Kamehameha (Honolulu), 27-7-1
Kili Robins could be the best hitter on the Island and teams with junior Lexis Akeo, who sets with the best. 69. Lovejoy (Lucas, Texas), 42-8 (11-3)
Twin towers Rachel Langs (Clemson pledge) and Allie Moger (Colorado commit), each 6-3, will take Lovejoy far this season.

70. Rockford (Mich.), 48-9-1 (5-0)
All-American setter Hailey Delacher has picked up where she left off last season and in five matches has already topped 100 assists.

71. Bushland (Texas), 43-3 (3-1)
The Falcons ran their two-year win streak to 39 in a row before losing early this season.

72. Northwest (Germantown, Md.), 19-1
With All-American Jenaisya Moore leading the Hitters, the Jaguars are preseason favorites to repeat as state champions.

73. Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), 30-10
The Mustangs have won 60 matches over the last two seasons, but haven't won a state title since four straight from 2004 to 2007. Look for 6-6 Caroline McQuiggan to get a lot of attention this season.

74. Holy Family (Broomfield, Colo.), 24-5
Junior Ali Travis and seniors Rachel Siurek, Julia Giltner and Jody Gallagher give senior setter Sara Berghoff plenty to work with.

75. Centennial (Las Cruces, N.M.), 24-1
The Hawks enter the season with a 24-match win streak.

76. Lakewood (Calif.), 32-6
The Lancers swept the Moore Volleyball League at 12-0 in 2016 and aim to repeat.

77. Dimond (Anchorage, Alaska), 23-6 (2-0-1)
The Lynx are led by junior hitters Gracie Schuller, Mia Ekstrand and Alissa Pili.

78. Sunnyslope (Phoenix), 28-14
The state 2016 5A runner ups return a dozen from last year's 28-win team.

79. The Woodlands (Texas), 40-8 (11-1)
The senior-dominated team has lost only once this season and that was to No. 10 Hebron.

80. Panas (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.), 33-2-4
The Panthers won their final 20 2016 matches and the state large school championship.

81. Coppell (Texas), 28-16 (10-1)
The Cowboys are off to a quick start with setters Ava Racz and Stella Yan combining for 11.3 assist per set.

82. Bonneville (Idaho Falls, Idaho), 38-5
Winners of their final 22 matches, the Bees have six returners with state championship experience.

83. Wapahani (Selma, Ind.), 32-6 (2-0)
The Raiders lost just one senior from their 32-6 team that won the state 2A title.

84. Rose Hill (Kan.), 39-6
Several top players return for the Rockets, who won their final 20 matches and the 4A D1 title.

85. Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.), 32-6
There are three key seniors to replace, but coach Brad Baker always reloads: 360 wins and 40 losses over the last 10 years and 110-10 over the last three years.

86. Barnstable (Hyannis, Mass.), 26-1
Led by All-American Riley James, Barnstable has 18 wins in a row after winning state large school title.

87. Lafayette (Wildwood, Mo.), 31-6-1
The Lancers are tall, athletic and experienced once again and are favored to win the state Class 4 title again.

88. Green Hope (Cary, N.C.), 28-1 (3-1)
Sophomore setter Sydney Dowler leads 13 returners who went 28-1 with a 4A state title.

89. Musselman (Inwood, W. Va.), 29-12-5
The Applemen might lack height, but you can't tell it with players like Jaden Gray. A repeat state title would not be a surprise.

90. Notre Dame Academy (Green Bay, Wis.), 40-7
The Tritons return eight from their state runner up team that won 40 matches in 2016.

91. Stamford (Conn.), 23-3
Led by senior Andrea O'Connor, the Black Knights are the early season favorite to repeat as Class LL state champions.

92. Mountain Pointe (Phoenix), 35-9
Winners of 14 of their last 16 matches in 2016, a state runner up finish won't be high enough for the Pride this season. Setter Gabby Leo (10.4 assists per set) heads the list of returnees.

93. Perry (Gilbert, Ariz.), 26-6
Led by 6-3 towers Ryann Davis and Kennedy Kaminsky, the Pumas should improve on their 26-6 record from a year ago.

94. Cinco Ranch (Katy, Texas), 18-17 (11-1)
Since losing their season opener to No. 79 The Woodlands, the Cougars have won 11 straight.

95. Bishop Shanahan (Downingtown, Pa.), 32-3-1
A half-dozen six-footers returning from a 32-3 season make the Eagles imposing.

96. Venice (Fla.), 24-4 (2-0)
A pair of lopsided wins to start the 2017 season are an indication Venice is for real ... again.

97. Cedar Ridge (Round Rock, Texas), 29-17 (17-3)
The Raiders might just have one six-footer, but they have everything else.

98. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.), 32-4
Led by 6-3 junior All-American May Pertofsky and athletic Jaylen Jordan, the Trailblazers should improve on last year's 32-4 record.

99. Pella (Iowa), 32-5
Eight players return from last season's D4 runner up squad including 6-1 Emily Holterhaus.

100. Bishop England (Charleston, S.C.), 36-14
How can a Top 100 be complete without the Battling Bishops, winners of 17 straight state championships.