Returning 2A state champion Scottsdale Christian (15-0 in power-ranking matches) is the top seed in the 2018 bracket once again. The Eagles haven’t lost a single 2A match, or a power-ranking match, since losing in the semifinal round in 2016, an incredible 33 matches in a row and 48 of the last 50. You would to go all the way back to Oct. 29, 2015 to find the last loss to a sectional or regional opponent.

Thatcher (17-0) comes in as the 2-seed after winning it all in 2014 and 2015. Thatcher lost in the quarterfinal round last year, one game away from playing against Scottsdale Christian. That was the closest the two programs have come to playing each other and it’s uncertain if the two programs have ever met after researching recent available schedules but a meeting in the 2018 state championship round is a strong possibility.

Let’s take a look at some of the top seeds that might challenge for the top:

 

No. 3 Glendale Prep (15-2): 2017 Semifinals

The Griffins lost to Scottsdale Christian 3-0 and No. 4 Trivium Prep 3-1 this year.  “Our team’s success comes from the girls,” head coach Jennifer Roberge said. “They look at each other as family:  You fight for and with family, you love family, and show grace with family. Our biggest accomplishment has been our ability to have strength in the challenge of rigorous academics, practice and tournaments, and life struggles. They have come together and built strength within themselves.  Awe inspiring.”

Team Leaders: Jessica Vargas, Sr. Outside Hitter: She leads with dynamic productivity. Caitlin Kao, Jr. Setter: She leads with quiet strength. She gets the job done well!

“The team’s dynamics have been pushed this year,” Roberge added. “We have a roster of nine, making practice difficult to play and push well. On top of the fact that their coach has been injured all season and unable to hit balls at them. These girls have persevered greatly to get to where they are as people and players of this game.”

 

No. 4 Trivium Prep (14-3): 2017 Quarterfinals.

The Crimson Knights lost to Scottsdale Christian 3-0 and No. 11 Parker 3-1 this year. “The Trivium Preparatory Academy Volleyball Team has worked hard over the course of the season to become a unified team who executes well and stays focused at all times,” said head coach Beth Wilson. “One of our biggest accomplishments has been forming a strong bond with the new 2018 team members and becoming a group who plays as one team instead of as six individuals on the court.”

Team Leaders: Paula Rosztoczy, Sr. Setter: Macyn Willingham, Sr. Libero. Maddy Schleifer, Sr. Outside Hitter: “These three girls have been starting since they were freshman and have developed into leaders within the last couple of years,” Wilson added. “They run the offense and the defense with precision and are key in keeping the mental part of the game in check with their teammates.”

 

No. 5 Phoenix Country Day (14-3): 2017 Quarterfinals

The Eagles lost to No. 7 Scottsdale Prep 3-2, No. 6 Veritas Prep 3-0 and Scottsdale Christian 3-0 this year.

 

No. 6 Veritas Prep (12-6): 2017 State Runner-up.

The Falcons lost to No. 3 Glendale Prep 3-1, No. 4 Trivium Prep 3-2, No. 7 Scottsdale Prep 3-1 and No. 1 Scottsdale Christian twice. “This year I think the best is yet to come,” said head coach Emily Lindley. “Our goal is to peak in post season. We are hoping for a strong post season showing with matches full of strong starts and constant confident play.  “

 Team Leaders: Averi Miller, Jr. Outside: “She's a dominant leader on the court involved in almost every play. She plays six rotations and we can always count on her to be fired up and fight for our team.” Ellie Coulter, Jr. Setter: “Ellie has amazing court sense. She know where everyone is supposed to be at all times. She helps the younger players whether she's in or off the court. She's worked hard this year to help give our middles the confidence they need to help keep our offense balanced.”

 

No. 7 Scottsdale Prep (13-5): No 2A playoffs.

The Spartans lost to No. 4 Trivium Prep 3-1, No. 3 Glendale Prep twice, No. 9 Northland Prep 3-2 and No. 8 Valley Lutheran 3-2. “Easily the reason for the team's success is the players learning to take points one at a time and just remaining competitive no matter the challenge in front of them,” said first-year head coach Dan Chen. “There really hasn't been a big accomplishment achieved yet we just go out and play. From day one of the summer open gyms we discussed being near the top to make State that is still the goal.”

Team Leaders: Kaitlin Gordon, Sr. RS., Anna Hague, Sr. MB., Jenna Kempf, Sr. OH., and Amy Zhou, Sr. DS. “From the moment I met them I told them this is their team. Their year, they can define it or just go through the paces. They've had ups and downs the previous three years so for them to come in with the attitude that they wanted to learn from a new coach, new system, and make this work it has made my job a lot easier,” Chen added.

 

No. 8 Valley Lutheran (13-4): 1A State Semifinals.

The Flames lost to No. 5 Phoenix Country Day 3-1, No. 3 Glendale Prep twice and No. 7 Scottsdale Prep 3-0. “We have been successful for several years and our players commit and work to keep it that way,” head coach Randy Krieger said. “We finished second in two tournaments this year and played several teams from higher classifications.”

Team Leaders: Alena Haro-Orlando, Sr. Outside Hitter, Faith Measel, Jr. Middle, Rianna Haro-Orlando, So. Setter.