GAMES
RANKINGS
Some of the stars of Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
The 2023 All-VYPE Private School Volleyball Teams presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
LSA advanced all the way to the TAPPS-5A State Final, with FBCA trailing just behind them, whereas Concordia Lutheran and Bay Area Christian finished in the state final-four in the TAPPS 6A and 4A brackets, respectively.
Similarly, in the SPC, both Episcopal (4A) and Houston Christian (3A) finished their tremendous seasons as the state runner-ups.
Without further ado, here are your 2023 All-VYPE Private School Volleyball team presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
...
COACH OF THE YEAR: Kim Odinga, Concordia Lutheran
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
In her first year back with the program, coach Kim Odinga re-ignited Concordia Lutheran Volleyball to the point where it was reminiscent of the 2016 championship team she had coached previously.
The Crusaders had talent to spare. With the slew of college commits and club-competitors on the squad, paired with Odinga’s familiarity with the territory, it came as no surprise that Concordia Lutheran advanced to the State Semis and finished the year with a record of 38-13.
ALL-VYPE TEAM PHOTO GALLERY: Taylor Crain, LSA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
ALL-VYPE Private School Volleyball Team
Hitter of the Year: Ally Frailey, Episcopal
Middle of the Year: Bayleigh Minor, FBCA
Setter of the Year: Kirra Musgrove, LSA (S/RS)
Libero/DS of the Year: Taylor Crain, LSA
Newcomer of the Year: Amaya Love, St. Agnes Academy
...
First-Team
Hitter: McKinzie Riley, Concordia Lutheran
Hitter: Ruth Ochelli, FBCA
Middle: Brenna Fledderman, Bay Area Christian
Setter: Anna Blaine, Concordia Lutheran
Libero/DS: Madison Hobbs, Second Baptist
Second-Team
Hitter: Haley Herndon, Concordia Lutheran
Hitter: Rylee Henderson, Concordia Lutheran
Middle: Zoe Humphrey, St. Pius X
Setter: Brooke Fledderman, Bay Area Christian
Libero/DS: Megan Morello, St. John XXIII
Third-Team
Hitter: Emerson Lilja, LPCA
Hitter: Layne Bulow, FBCA
Middle: Jenniya Lane, Episcopal
Setter: Madison Kreiger, Houston Christian
Libero/DS: Julianne Hon, John Cooper School
Honorable Mention
Hitter (3): Cambry Gerardi, FBCA; Emma Samuelson, Houston Christian; Camila Foreman, St. John XXIII;
Middle (2): Kenna Sambrano, LSA; Isabella Law, St. Thomas Episcopal;
Setter (5): Kara Thomas, Episcopal; Carleigh Schluter, Concordia Lutheran; Onyi Ndee, Kinkaid; Melody Janz, Cypress Christian; Aniston Collins, LSA
Libero/DS (2): Marimar Mendiburu, St. Agnes; Carmen Harless, Concordia Lutheran;
The stars of 2023-24 Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
DOWN TO THE WIRE: Previewing the TAPPS Final Four matchups; Photo Gallery
Here is a breakdown of what's to come this week.
...
Concordia Lutheran Crusaders vs. Prestonwood Christian Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Concordia Lutheran (37-12; 9-2) have blazed through the first two rounds of the postseason, sweeping both Trinity Christian and John Paul II to punch their ticket to the final four.
In her first season back with the team, Coach Kim Odinga wasted no time in optimizing her talented lineup.
Senior OPP Rylee Henderson (West Georgia-commit), Kinzie Riley (Jr. OH), Haley Herndon (Jr. OPP), and Adele Neuhaus (Sr. MH) have been among the numerous weapons on offense, while Texas State-commit Anna Blaine, Carmen Harless (Dallas Baptist), Carleigh Schluter (Sam Houston), and Sara Sellers (Jr. DS) have played brilliantly on the supporting end.
The Crusaders will look to keep their momentum rolling as they prepare to face Prestonwood Christian (34-4; 12-0) who is on a tear of their own.
If successful, Concordia Lutheran will return to the state championship game for the first time since 2018.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kirra Musgrove -- LSA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Fort Bend Christian Eagles vs. Lutheran South Pioneers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
FBCA (33-5; 13-2) is coming a big-time win (3-1) against St. Joseph, and they have their sights set on a return to the TAPPS-5A championship game.
It's no secret who the stars are. Bayleigh Minor (Jr. MB), Ruth Ochelli (Jr. RS), Layne Bulow (Jr. OH), and Cambry Gerardi (Sr. OH) round out an deadly offensive quarter for the Eagles, with Daniela Ramirez (So. L) and Lauren LeRoux (Jr. S) providing support on the back-side of the rotation.
On the LSA side, the Pioneers (40-7; 14-1) earned the TAPPS 5A-District 5 title prior to defeating San Antonio Christian and St. John XXIII in last week's five-set nail-biter.
Junior setter Kirra Musgrove has been on fire all season (575 kills) and that's evidently carried over into the postseason. She is backed up by a slew of playmakers -- namely, Taylor Crain (Sr. L), Aniston Collins (So. S), Kenna Sambrano (Jr. MH), and Remy Keller (Sr. OH).
These two clubs have already played each other three times this season, with LSA holding a one game advantage over the Eagles. However, FBCA defeated the Pioneers in the State Semis a year ago, so this could really be anyone's game.
Suffice it to say, this is one matchup you won't want to miss
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Rosehill Christian Eagles vs. Keystone Christian Cobras
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Rosehill Christian (27-9; 14-0) has been on a hot-streak throughout the entire Fall season, which has continued into the TAPPS-3A playoffs.
The Eagles reached the State Semis a year ago, but nearly fell to Round Rock Christian. Now is their chance for redemption and it seems like they are a up to the task, with Keystone Christian (26-6; 8-0) -- whom the Eagles defeated in the postseason a year ago -- standing in their way.
Returning TAPPS All-State honorees, Kaleigh Frazier (Sr. OH) and Mercy Freeman (Sr. MH), will be key contributors in the upcoming battle, alongside Keely McNeill (Sr. S), McKenzie Pamphile (Sr. MH), and Macy McPartland (Sr. L).