Four area volleyball teams will take the court Saturday with a chance to extend their seasons into the OHSAA state semifinals.
Lake Catholic Volleyball, Gilmour Academy Volleyball, Riverside Volleyball and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Volleyball will compete in regional championship matches across three divisions, with each facing an opponent capable of making a deep postseason run.
The four matchups offer a little bit of everything: conference rivals meeting for a third time, a rematch decided in five sets earlier this season, an opportunity for a program to make its first state tournament appearance, and a battle between teams with contrasting schedules and momentum.
There is plenty of history at stake.
According to the OHSAA’s all-time state volleyball tournament records, the eight teams competing in these four regional finals have combined for 49 previous state tournament appearances and 18 state championships through 2025.
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Gilmour Academy leads the group with 14 appearances, Padua owns five state championships, and Lake Catholic won three consecutive titles from 2022 through 2024. Riverside, meanwhile, is seeking its first trip to the state tournament.
All four matches will be played Saturday, Nov. 7.
Division IV: Lake Catholic vs. Elyria Catholic
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Alliance High School
Records: Lake Catholic 22-4; Elyria Catholic 23-3
Rankings: Lake Catholic — No. 1 OhioVarsity Division IV Power Rankings, No. 2 State Coaches Poll; Elyria Catholic — No. 4 State Coaches Poll.
Ohio Varsity Matchup Predictor: Elyria Catholic 56%, Lake Catholic 44%.
For the third time this season, Lake Catholic and Elyria Catholic will meet with plenty at stake. This time, the winner will advance to the Division IV state semifinals.
The North Coast Conference rivals split their first two meetings. Elyria Catholic earned a 3-1 victory on Sept. 8, but Lake Catholic returned the favor with a 3-0 sweep on Oct. 1.
That defeat was the Panthers’ last loss.
Since then, Elyria Catholic has rattled off 13 consecutive victories, including a 3-0 win at top-ranked Magnificat on Oct. 14. Lake Catholic has won eight straight since falling to Padua in five sets on Oct. 6.
Both teams have been dominant in the postseason.
Lake Catholic swept Max S. Hayes, Woodridge, Jefferson and Firelands to reach the regional final. Elyria Catholic followed an identical route through the tournament, sweeping Youngstown East, Beachwood, Canfield and Norton.
Neither team has dropped a set in four postseason matches.
Lake Catholic has been particularly strong at the net. Ahnna Bergant leads the Cougars with 307 kills and adds 289 digs, while Ryann Schneider has contributed 193 kills and MacKenzie Smith has 153.
The Cougars also feature a formidable group of blockers. Emma Riebe leads the team with 102 blocks, Sophia Raguz has 86, and Smith has 62.
The offense runs through Emily Dunavant, who has recorded 477 assists, 109 kills and 205 digs,. Isla Calo adds 329 assists.
Defensively, Lola Loncar has been outstanding, recording 458 digs and 56 service aces. Sophia Newland adds 228 digs and 46 aces.
Elyria Catholic counters with its own balanced attack.
Ella Feskanich leads the Panthers with 255 kills and 47 aces, while Arianna Dimacchia has 198 kills, 148 digs, and a .304 hitting percentage.
Claire Petrus has contributed 115 kills and 68 blocks, and Mollie Mulgrew has 107 kills. McKenna Mulgrew anchors the front line with 98 blocks.
The Panthers also employ two productive setters. Emelia Hirsch and Jessica Conner have recorded 360 assists apiece.
Ava Notarberardino leads the back-row defense with 298 digs and adds 44 aces.
The two teams are remarkably similar statistically. Each finished 9-3 in North Coast Conference play, each owns an 11-2 record against their common opponents, and both have won approximately 73 percent of their reported sets.
Lake Catholic has 11 victories against teams with winning records, while Elyria Catholic has 12.
The matchup also carries considerable postseason history.
Lake Catholic has reached the state tournament 12 times and won four championships, including three straight from 2022 through 2024. The Cougars also won the 2010 state championship and reached the state semifinals last season.
Elyria Catholic is seeking its second state tournament appearance and first since 1993.
Players to watch: Lake Catholic — Bergant, Dunavant, Schneider, Riebe and Loncar. Elyria Catholic — Feskanich, Dimacchia, Petrus, McKenna Mulgrew and Notarberardino.
On deck: The winner advances to the Division IV state semifinals Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6:00 p.m. at Wright State University against the winner of Ottawa-Glandorf vs. Jonathan Alder.
Division III: Gilmour Academy vs. Padua
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Norwalk High School
Records: Gilmour Academy 14-7; Padua 17-8
Rankings: Gilmour Academy — No. 2 OhioVarsity Division III Power Rankings, No. 7 State Coaches Poll; Padua — No. 5 State Coaches Poll.
Ohio Varsity Matchup Predictor: Gilmour Academy 50%, Padua 50%.
One of Saturday’s most intriguing regional championships features two teams that already know how evenly matched they are.
Gilmour Academy defeated Padua in five sets on Sept. 16, and the Ohio Varsity Matchup Predictor gives each team an equal chance of winning Saturday’s rematch.
The Lancers have won six consecutive matches, including four postseason victories. They swept Harvey, Bedford and Westlake before defeating Shawnee, 3-1, in Thursday’s regional semifinal.
Padua has been equally impressive in tournament play. The Bruins swept Hathaway Brown, Revere and Clay to reach the regional final without surrendering a postseason set.
Both teams have played demanding schedules.
Gilmour has eight victories against teams with winning records and has faced opponents with a combined .576 winning percentage. Padua has six quality victories and a .533 opponent winning percentage.
The teams have also performed well against several of the state’s top programs.
Gilmour owns victories over Mentor, Archbishop Hoban, Lake Catholic, St. Joseph Academy and Padua.
Padua has defeated NDCL, Lake Catholic, Archbishop Hoban, Anthony Wayne and Elyria Catholic.
The matchup at the net should be particularly entertaining.
KJ Williams leads Gilmour with 236 kills and 88 blocks. Aiden Pike and Ava Anders have contributed 182 kills each, while Evelyn Myers has 149.
Mira Siebert directs the offense with 548 assists, and Giuliana Rutter has added 166.
Defensively, Kaya Wilson leads the Lancers with 283 digs, while Avery Martin has 184 digs and 34 aces. Myra Limberg adds 42 blocks.
Padua counters with a dangerous group of attackers.
Gracie Placak leads the Bruins with 291 kills, while sophomore Mallory Rosa has 262. Mia Gaal adds 151 kills, 199 digs and a team-high 55 aces.
The Bruins share the setting responsibilities between Ali Bradford (448 assists) and Kacy Borowy (422), giving them two experienced distributors.
Giulia Reginelli has been a defensive standout with 446 digs, while Joey Kurtz leads Padua with 44 blocks and Kate Pokorny adds 121 kills and 30 blocks.
Both teams have shown they can handle pressure in extended matches. Gilmour is 2-0 in five-set contests, while Padua has played seven such matches, going 4-3.
The history between the programs adds another layer to Saturday’s showdown.
Gilmour Academy has 14 state tournament appearances and four state championships, most recently winning it all in 2024. Padua has reached the state tournament nine times and won five championships, with its most recent title coming in 2017. The Bruins last appeared in the state tournament in 2020, when they finished as runners-up.
Players to watch: Gilmour Academy — Williams, Pike, Anders, Siebert and Wilson. Padua — Placak, Rosa, Gaal, Reginelli and Kurtz.
On deck: The winner advances to the Division III state semifinals Friday, Nov. 13, at 8:00 p.m. at Vandalia Butler High School against the winner of Bloom-Carroll vs. Toledo Notre Dame Academy.
Division II: Riverside vs. Magnificat
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Woodridge High School
Records: Riverside 19-5; Magnificat 22-3
Rankings: Riverside — No. 1 OhioVarsity Division II Power Rankings; Magnificat — No. 1 State Coaches Poll.
Ohio Varsity Matchup Predictor: Magnificat 58%, Riverside 42%.
Riverside enters Saturday’s Division II regional championship with an opportunity to accomplish something the program has never done.
The Beavers are one victory away from their first appearance in the OHSAA state volleyball tournament.
Standing in their way is a Magnificat team with a 22-3 record, the No. 1 ranking in the Division II State Coaches Poll and a history of postseason success.
Riverside has won seven consecutive matches, including 3-0 victories over Hudson and Lakewood in its two most recent postseason contests.
Magnificat has won five straight and swept Valley Forge, Massillon and North Canton Hoover during its tournament run.
The Blue Streaks own nine victories against teams with winning records, compared to five for Riverside. However, Riverside has faced the stronger overall schedule based on opponent winning percentage, .507 to .410.
The common-opponent comparison is also intriguing.
Riverside swept Hudson, while Magnificat needed five sets to beat the Explorers. Both teams lost to Lake Catholic, although Riverside pushed the Cougars to five sets while Magnificat fell in three.
Both also lost to Mentor earlier in the season, but Riverside responded by sweeping the Cardinals in an Oct. 15 rematch.
Offensively, Riverside is led by Jacleyn Zgonc, who has recorded 319 kills, 115 digs and 18 blocks. She averages approximately 4.8 kills per set and has a .365 hitting percentage.
Aubrey Laurenty has contributed 161 kills and a team-high 51 blocks while hitting .394, and Meggie Zgonc adds 154 kills.
Makayla Koenig has been a key to the Beavers’ offensive success, recording 632 assists, 155 digs and 35 aces.
Julia Huffman leads the defense with 219 digs, while Rylee Kish has a team-high 46 aces. Peyton Nebe adds 34 blocks.
Magnificat features a balanced attack led by Grace Regula, who has recorded 267 kills, 178 digs and 60 aces.
Kaelin White has 166 kills and 158 digs, while Lizzie Godlewski has added 145 kills.
Scarlett McDavid directs the offense with 687 assists, while Julianne Bocci anchors the back row with 289 digs.
The Blue Streaks also boast an imposing presence at the net. Mary Clayton leads the team with 72 blocks and adds 133 kills, while Lauren Locker has 54 blocks and 97 kills.
Magnificat has won 68 of its 85 reported sets this season, an 80 percent success rate. Riverside has won 52 of 68, approximately 76 percent.
The Blue Streaks are also 2-1 in five-set matches, while Riverside is 0-1.
Magnificat has reached the state tournament seven times and won the 2021 state championship. The Blue Streaks also advanced to the state semifinals last season.
Riverside has never reached the state semifinals, making Saturday’s opportunity particularly significant for the Beavers.
Players to watch: Riverside — Jacleyn Zgonc, Laurenty, Koenig, Meggie Zgonc and Huffman. Magnificat — Regula, McDavid, White, Clayton and Bocci.
On deck: The winner advances to the Division II state semifinals Friday, Nov. 13, at 4:00 p.m. at Vandalia Butler High School against the winner of Westerville South vs. Big Walnut.
Division III: NDCL vs. Medina Highland
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Mentor High School
Records: NDCL 18-7; Medina Highland 20-6
Rankings: NDCL — No. 1 OhioVarsity Division III Power Rankings, No. 2 State Coaches Poll; Medina Highland — No. 9 State Coaches Poll.
Ohio Varsity Matchup Predictor: Medina Highland 62%, NDCL 38%.
NDCL enters Saturday’s Division III regional championship with one significant advantage over Medina Highland: The Lions have already beaten the Hornets this season.
NDCL swept Highland, 2-0, on Sept. 19, and the Lions’ strength of schedule suggests they have been tested against tougher competition throughout the year.
However, Highland enters the rematch with the better overall record and more recent momentum.
The Hornets have won seven straight matches since falling to Wadsworth on Oct. 6, while NDCL has won three consecutive matches.
Both teams have been sharp in the postseason.
NDCL swept Madison, Avon Lake and CVCA to reach the regional final, winning nine consecutive tournament sets.
Highland swept Maple Heights, Brush and Louisville before defeating Boardman, 3-1, in Thursday’s regional semifinal.
The differences in schedule strength are substantial.
NDCL’s opponents have a combined .607 winning percentage, compared to .479 for Highland. The Lions have 10 victories over teams with winning records, compared to seven for the Hornets.
NDCL also owns a 2-2 record against common opponents Elyria Catholic, Jackson and Wadsworth, while Highland is 0-4.
The Lions feature a dangerous attacking trio led by Frankie Brkic, who has recorded 250 kills and 245 digs.
Madeline Rand has 193 kills and 184 digs, while Mia Moissis adds 190 kills, 227 digs, and 50 aces.
Sam Wheeler has been a standout in the back row with 456 digs and 59 aces.
NDCL’s setting responsibilities have been handled by Ryley Murphy (491 assists) and Kami Titman (259), while Audra Smith leads the front line with 113 kills and 43 blocks. Kendall Sminchak adds 36 blocks.
Highland counters with an impressive offensive lineup led by sophomore Samantha Ross, who has 293 kills, 281 digs, and 40 aces.
Gigi Shank adds 211 kills and 200 digs, while Madison Morgan has 119 kills and a team-high 48 blocks.
Allison Stanik has contributed 110 kills, and Gianna Mutch has 103 kills and 37 blocks.
Highland also employs two experienced setters. Emma Tramonte leads the team with 385 assists, while Payton Hrics has 377 assists and a team-high 57 aces.
Alaina Weingart leads the Hornets defensively with 443 digs.
The historical significance is considerable for both programs.
NDCL has reached the state tournament five times and won three championships in 2014, 2015 and 2022. The Lions also advanced to the state semifinals last season.
Highland’s only previous state tournament appearance came in 1981, when the Hornets won the state championship.
Saturday’s victory would send Highland back to the state tournament for the first time in 45 years or return NDCL to the state semifinals for the second consecutive season.
Players to watch: NDCL — Brkic, Rand, Moissis, Wheeler and Smith. Medina Highland — Ross, Shank, Hrics, Tramonte and Weingart.
On deck: The winner advances to the Division III state semifinals Friday, Nov. 13, at 6:00 p.m. at Vandalia Butler High School against the winner of Bellbrook vs. Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas.
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Volleyball Stat Leaders
2026-2027Attacking
K
Faith Vencilledgewood491
Ellie Spencerkirtland322
Jacleyn ZgoncRiverside319
Ahnna BergantLake Catholic307
Mia Mudraindependence292
Lauren HanekJefferson286
Emily Slusherindependence261
Rhiley Williamsgeneva260
Natalie Soltiscardinal259
Frankie BrkicNDCL250Complete Leaders
| Rank | Player | School | SP | K | K/S | KILL % | ATT | E | HIT % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Faith Vencill | edgewood | 67 | 491 | 21.00 | 120.5% | 875 | 52 | 1.113 |
| 2 | Ellie Spencer | kirtland | 96 | 322 | 10.50 | 89.2% | 958 | 184 | 0.209 |
| 3 | Jacleyn Zgonc | Riverside | 66 | 319 | 4.80 | 48.3% | 660 | 78 | 0.365 |
| 4 | Ahnna Bergant | Lake Catholic | 92 | 307 | 13.60 | 210.3% | 771 | 92 | 1.137 |
| 5 | Mia Mudra | independence | 81 | 292 | 52.30 | 708.8% | 639 | 100 | 5.469 |
| 6 | Lauren Hanek | Jefferson | 85 | 286 | 12.90 | 146.8% | 750 | 124 | 0.279 |
| 7 | Emily Slusher | independence | 81 | 261 | 41.50 | 595.6% | 603 | 115 | 4.203 |
| 8 | Rhiley Williams | geneva | 83 | 260 | 10.60 | 165.1% | 626 | 118 | 1.266 |
| 9 | Natalie Soltis | cardinal | 81 | 259 | 3.20 | 35.1% | 738 | 139 | 0.163 |
| 10 | Frankie Brkic | NDCL | 77 | 250 | 3.20 | 36.4% | 686 | 114 | 0.198 |
Serving
A
Gabby Kaplanlakeside84
Andriana Grmankirtland74
Taylor Klukchardon71
Ellie Spencerkirtland70
Mia Mudraindependence66
Moira WondersBerkshire66
Molly Flyntfairview66
Chloe Kingfairview65
Lilli DeweeseBerkshire63
Callie McGuiremadison61Complete Leaders
| Rank | Player | School | SP | A | A/S | ACE % | SA | SE | SERV % | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabby Kaplan | lakeside | 81 | 84 | 1.00 | 22.3% | 377 | 50 | 165.1% | 18 |
| 2 | Andriana Grman | kirtland | 94 | 74 | 2.70 | 49.4% | 423 | 37 | 255.4% | 0 |
| 3 | Taylor Kluk | chardon | 76 | 71 | 1.00 | 22.2% | 327 | 43 | 87.3% | 13 |
| 4 | Ellie Spencer | kirtland | 96 | 70 | 3.20 | 70.0% | 408 | 42 | 175.9% | 0 |
| 5 | Mia Mudra | independence | 81 | 66 | 16.10 | 255.8% | 339 | 37 | 1,135.3% | 0 |
| 5 | Moira Wonders | Berkshire | 77 | 66 | 15.60 | 275.5% | 353 | 42 | 1,052.4% | 219 |
| 5 | Molly Flynt | fairview | 81 | 66 | 7.00 | 50.0% | 216 | 23 | 171.6% | 0 |
| 8 | Chloe King | fairview | 78 | 65 | 5.00 | 81.8% | 299 | 35 | 92.9% | 0 |
| 9 | Lilli Deweese | Berkshire | 77 | 63 | 11.80 | 268.4% | 288 | 34 | 1,051.3% | 170 |
| 10 | Callie McGuire | madison | 76 | 61 | 3.00 | 62.2% | 303 | 45 | 350.1% | 157 |
Blocking
TOT BLKS
Emma RiebeLake Catholic102.0
Sophi Smithrootstown97.0
KJ WilliamsGilmour Academy88.0
Emily Mechenbierperry86.0
Sophia RaguzLake Catholic86.0
Gillian Paynebeaumont85.0
Vera Willoughbyorange82.0
Faith Vencilledgewood74.0
Cecile Gindiorange71.0
Payton Woodringedgewood70.0Complete Leaders
| Rank | Player | School | SP | BS | BA | TOT BLKS | B/S | BE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emma Riebe | Lake Catholic | 92 | 20 | 82 | 102.0 | 6.90 | 3.9 |
| 2 | Sophi Smith | rootstown | 78 | 68 | 29 | 97.0 | 1.30 | 4.3 |
| 3 | KJ Williams | Gilmour Academy | 78 | 50 | 38 | 88.0 | 6.30 | 15 |
| 4 | Emily Mechenbier | perry | 73 | 49 | 37 | 86.0 | 1.20 | 3.9 |
| 4 | Sophia Raguz | Lake Catholic | 91 | 11 | 75 | 86.0 | 5.90 | 3.3 |
| 6 | Gillian Payne | beaumont | 76 | 14 | 71 | 85.0 | 1.10 | 3.7 |
| 7 | Vera Willoughby | orange | 61 | 60 | 22 | 82.0 | 1.30 | 4.1 |
| 8 | Faith Vencill | edgewood | 67 | 23 | 51 | 74.0 | 2.40 | 3.4 |
| 9 | Cecile Gindi | orange | 62 | 55 | 16 | 71.0 | 1.40 | 0 |
| 10 | Payton Woodring | edgewood | 67 | 24 | 46 | 70.0 | 1.00 | 3.2 |
Digging
D
Bria Golemkirtland600
Ella Haynrootstown522
Lola LoncarLake Catholic458
Sam WheelerNDCL456
Molly Flyntfairview395
Maddie BowerBerkshire386
Ellie Spencerkirtland378
Adelyn Grantcardinal376
Haylee Rhodesedgewood345
Ava Garrettmentor335Complete Leaders
| Rank | Player | School | SP | D | DE | D/S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bria Golem | kirtland | 96 | 600 | 26 | 21.30 |
| 2 | Ella Hayn | rootstown | 79 | 522 | 98 | 6.60 |
| 3 | Lola Loncar | Lake Catholic | 91 | 458 | 0 | 29.80 |
| 4 | Sam Wheeler | NDCL | 81 | 456 | 1 | 5.60 |
| 5 | Molly Flynt | fairview | 81 | 395 | 0 | 21.60 |
| 6 | Maddie Bower | Berkshire | 77 | 386 | 0 | 52.70 |
| 7 | Ellie Spencer | kirtland | 96 | 378 | 17 | 11.10 |
| 8 | Adelyn Grant | cardinal | 81 | 376 | 0 | 4.60 |
| 9 | Haylee Rhodes | edgewood | 67 | 345 | 0 | 14.40 |
| 10 | Ava Garrett | mentor | 75 | 335 | 0 | 4.60 |
Ball Handling
AST
Summer Matthewsedgewood715
Lucy Kleppercardinal650
Makayla KoenigRiverside632
Keira Schaabwest geauga594
Mira SiebertGilmour Academy548
Chloe Kingfairview526
Annabel Robertsmayfield512
Emily Grubichkenston499
Ryley MurphyNDCL491
Emily DunavantLake Catholic477Complete Leaders
| Rank | Player | School | SP | AST | AST/S | BHA | BHE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Summer Matthews | edgewood | 67 | 715 | 26.40 | 1,708 | 72 |
| 2 | Lucy Klepper | cardinal | 81 | 650 | 8.00 | 2,182 | 11 |
| 3 | Makayla Koenig | Riverside | 66 | 632 | 9.60 | 1,485 | 1 |
| 4 | Keira Schaab | west geauga | 77 | 594 | 7.90 | 1,653 | 0 |
| 5 | Mira Siebert | Gilmour Academy | 79 | 548 | 41.70 | 1,479 | 14 |
| 6 | Chloe King | fairview | 78 | 526 | 31.10 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Annabel Roberts | mayfield | 80 | 512 | 6.40 | 1,467 | 5 |
| 8 | Emily Grubich | kenston | 94 | 499 | 5.30 | 1,417 | 0 |
| 9 | Ryley Murphy | NDCL | 51 | 491 | 9.60 | 1,519 | 1 |
| 10 | Emily Dunavant | Lake Catholic | 90 | 477 | 28.90 | 1,800 | 20 |
Serve Receiving
RR
Bria Golemkirtland546
Lola LoncarLake Catholic514
Taysha Riveralakeside494
Ella Haynrootstown489
Cora Bracegeneva479
Adelyn Grantcardinal477
Madeline SteenJefferson462
Reannan Konopkabrooklyn450
Sophie Caminochardon436
Kara Selbykenston435Complete Leaders
| Rank | Player | School | SP | RR | RE | R/S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bria Golem | kirtland | 96 | 546 | 40 | 16.80 |
| 2 | Lola Loncar | Lake Catholic | 91 | 514 | 33 | 29.10 |
| 3 | Taysha Rivera | lakeside | 81 | 494 | 71 | 7.50 |
| 4 | Ella Hayn | rootstown | 79 | 489 | 81 | 8.30 |
| 5 | Cora Brace | geneva | 83 | 479 | 41 | 13.60 |
| 6 | Adelyn Grant | cardinal | 81 | 477 | 38 | 5.90 |
| 7 | Madeline Steen | Jefferson | 80 | 462 | 52 | 5.80 |
| 8 | Reannan Konopka | brooklyn | 73 | 450 | 110 | 6.20 |
| 9 | Sophie Camino | chardon | 76 | 436 | 43 | 5.70 |
| 10 | Kara Selby | kenston | 89 | 435 | 54 | 6.00 |





