2026 EAST COUNTY VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

2026 SEASON PREVIEW

By EastCountySports.com

The East County girls volleyball season is beginning with Christian, Santana and Granite Hills holding the strongest positions in the initial ECS rankings, but considerable uncertainty remains throughout the region as teams finalize rosters and begin nonleague play.

Christian enters as the highest-rated East County program after finishing 19-13 and No. 13 in the final San Diego Section rankings last season. Santana was next among the area’s core programs at No. 24 following a 20-win campaign, while Granite Hills finished No. 27 after going 19-13.

Those three form the opening group in the ECS preseason order, followed by Helix, El Capitan and Grossmont. Steele Canyon, Valhalla, West Hills, Mount Miguel, El Cajon Valley and Monte Vista complete a field that should become easier to evaluate once the first full week of matches is played.

Several teams had not submitted complete 2026 varsity rosters when the preseason rankings were assembled. For that reason, the initial ECS player watch list is limited to athletes whose current roster status and previous varsity production can be verified. More players will be added as rosters and match statistics become available.

ECS PRESEASON RANKINGS

1. Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry takes over the No. 1 position after finishing 28-15, winning the City Eastern League and reaching the Division II championship match. The Patriots defeated Poway, La Jolla and Mt. Carmel during their section playoff run before falling to Santa Fe Christian. They then swept Cleveland in the opening round of the Division III state playoffs.

Lauren Shanner returns after recording 288 kills at 2.6 per set while hitting .401. She also led Henry with 64 blocks during her freshman season. Setter Natalie Rynard returns after producing 1,190 assists and a team-leading 78 aces as a sophomore, giving the Patriots one of the area’s most accomplished returning offensive combinations.

Ella Conway added 34 blocks as a sophomore, while Ada Parker recorded 133 assists as a junior. Both appear on the current roster alongside Rynard and Shanner. Nina Stauffer, Eva Cantorna, Grace Rookus, Sydney Conway, Taylor Gonzalez, Ashlan Daniels, Payton Isaacs, Jada Shuck, Chloe Howell, Sidney Villalobos-Alderman, Leah Gonzalez and Lauren Trinh complete the listed group.

Henry must replace substantial outside-hitting and back-row production, but the Patriots return their primary setter, most efficient attacker and two proven front-row contributors.

With Rynard directing the offense and Shanner providing efficient production at the net, Patrick Henry has the strongest current case for No. 1. Christian, Santana and Granite Hills remain close behind, but Henry’s returning foundation and Division II championship appearance make the Patriots the East County preseason favorite.

2. Christian

Christian begins at No. 2 after finishing 19-13 and as the highest-rated East County program last season. The Patriots earned the top position through their overall rating and strength of competition, although a significant roster transition leaves several important roles to be filled.

Among the players that led last year’s team, 6-foot-3 middle hitter Makenna Grieshaber led Christian with 62 blocks while hitting .212 as a sophomore. Paetyn Tamp recorded 321 digs, 387 serve receptions and 172 assists during her freshman season.

Raynee Schendel, Peyton Allen and Harper Neal were also on last season’s roster. The Patriots remain the preseason standard, but Santana, Granite Hills and Helix have enough returning experience to challenge for the top spot.

3. Santana

Santana begins third after finishing 20-7 on the court last season and No. 24 in the section rankings. The Sultans also have one of the few complete 2026 rosters presently available, providing a clearer picture of their returning experience.

Allyson Russell is the most prominent proven returner after recording 119 blocks last season. Olivia Magneta, Ashlyn Golembiewski, Sierra Bolz, Aubri Haislip, America Lopez and Makenna Castle also are on the team after contributing to the 2025 team. Addison Smith is another returning member, while Naomi Olayan, Alexa Freitas and Angelina Tomasello are part of the current group.

Santana will have to create significant offensive and ball-handling responsibilities for the returning group. Russell’s production at the net gives the Sultans an important starting point, but their ability to replace departed kills, assists and back-row production will determine whether they can match last season’s success.

Santana opens its posted schedule at Olympian on Aug. 20 before meeting Clairemont and Santa Fe Christian. Its combination of returning varsity contributors and proven team success gives the Sultans a narrow preseason edge over Granite Hills.

4. Granite Hills

Granite Hills begins at No. 4 after finishing 19-13, sharing the Grossmont Hills championship with a 7-1 league record and reaching the second round of the Division II playoffs. The Eagles return proven production at setter, middle hitter and in the back row, giving them a credible opportunity to defend their league title.

Lily Ennis returns after recording 390 assists, 130 kills, 191 digs and a team-leading 100 aces. Miranda Haisch contributed 117 kills and 27 blocks while leading Granite with a .243 hitting percentage. MacKenna Palmer strengthens the defense after averaging a team-best 3.6 digs per set and handling 194 serve receptions. Caitlyn Eagle and Savannah Hickman also return with varsity experience.

Granite must replace leading hitter Skyler Riley, who recorded 212 kills, along with Tatum Ripke’s 374 assists and important front-row and defensive production. The current roster also includes Ryea Leaverton, Cecilia Chiang, Kenzie Ellis, Angela Raffo, Brinkley Lawton, Skylar Rice, Makaila Iverson and Gwen Hendrickson, giving the Eagles several candidates to assume larger roles.

Ennis, Haisch and Palmer give Granite an established core capable of challenging Christian and Santana for the top East County ranking. The determining factor will be whether the Eagles develop another dependable outside attacker to replace Riley’s production. If that answer emerges, Granite should again contend for the Grossmont Hills championship and remain a serious Division II postseason threat.

5. Helix

Helix begins at No. 5 after reaching the Division III semifinals last season. The Highlanders return eight players from that postseason roster, giving them enough continuity to challenge the teams above them despite losing five seniors.

Aliyah Bowser returns as a 6-foot outside hitter, while 6-foot Emma Becker gives Helix size at middle hitter. Kennedy Haytasingh and Savannah Moore also return in the middle, and returning outside hitters Rylee Danielson and Sephia Inciong provide additional front-row experience. Skyleigh Hardeman is another confirmed returner.

Morgan Argont returns at setter, while junior Niah Tausaga joins the listed roster at the same position. Their ability to organize the offense will be particularly important.

The Highlanders face University City, Poway, Mt. Carmel, Scripps Ranch, La Jolla, Coronado and Patrick Henry during nonleague play before entering the demanding Grossmont Hills schedule.

Helix has enough returning size and postseason experience to make No. 5 a conservative starting point. Bowser and Becker give the Highlanders two 6-foot attacking options, while Haytasingh, Moore, Danielson and Inciong create front-row depth. If the rebuilt back row holds up and the setters establish an effective rotation, Helix could contend for another league championship and climb into the East County top three.

6. El Capitan

El Capitan begins at No. 6 after finishing 20-16 and reaching the Division I playoffs last season. The Vaqueros return most of the leading producers last season, giving them one of the deeper groups of proven varsity contributors in East County.

Sofia Simone returns as the leading attacker after averaging 2.5 kills per set. Rylee Declercq averaged 1.7 kills per set and led the team with a .413 hitting percentage while contributing five blocks. Josephine Conyers provides unusual versatility as an outside/right-side hitter and setter. She recorded 19 kills, 29 assists, 33 digs and a team-leading 11 aces in the reported statistical sample.

El Capitan also returns considerable ball-control experience. Raven Honstead averaged a team-best 4.8 digs per set, while Harper Liedecke averaged 2.8 and led the team with one ace per set. Skylar Powell handled a team-high 31 serve receptions and added six aces. Setter Olivia Bania recorded 28 assists and 19 digs, while Sadie Greenwell returns as another experienced defensive specialist.

The current roster also includes returning players Toby Edelson and Teegan Hinrichsen, along with Chloe Lunk, Kiala Hooley, Abby Thoren, Payton Ames and Sydnie Koch. Outside hitter Ragan Novotny is the lone freshman listed on the varsity roster.

Simone and Declercq give El Capitan established attacking options, Conyers can contribute across multiple rotations, and Honstead, Liedecke and Powell provide a strong defensive foundation.

The Vaqueros will have to improve upon last season’s 2-6 league record as they enter a Grossmont Hills race that includes Granite Hills, Helix, Steele Canyon, Grossmont and Santana. With experienced options at the net, setter and throughout the back row, El Capitan has the personnel to improve substantially in league play and remain a 20-win-level program.

7. Foothills Christian

Foothills Christian begins at No. 7 after finishing 23-14, placing second in the Pacific League at 8-4 and reaching the Division III semifinals. The Knights won playoff matches against Hilltop and Bonita Vista before falling to eventual division champion Olympian in four sets. They also recorded notable regular-season or tournament victories over West Hills, Canyon Crest Academy, Imperial and Rancho Buena Vista.

Grace Hallahan led last year’s team with 293 kills at 3.9 per set while hitting .309. She also contributed 280 digs, 307 serve receptions, 32 aces and 22 blocks as a junior. Noelle Morr recorded 111 kills, a team-leading 326 digs and 313 receptions, while Olivia Morr directed the offense with 350 assists and a team-high 38 aces. Skye Molchonoff added 39 blocks as a freshman, and Lealanie Waters averaged three digs per set.

Foothills must replace the team-leader in blocks and kills, but last season’s underclassmen accounted for much of the Knights’ attacking, setting and defensive production. That foundation, combined with a 23-win season and deep playoff run, places Foothills firmly in the upper half of the East County rankings and gives it the potential to challenge the five teams above it.

8. Grossmont

Grossmont begins at No. 8 after finishing 23-11 and winning its league with a 9-1 record. Although the Foothillers must replace their leading attacker, they return substantial production at the net, setter and throughout the back row.

Sofia Reid returns after recording 272 kills, 76 blocks and 55 aces while leading Grossmont with a .348 hitting percentage. Imani Hayes supplied 239 kills, 232 digs and a team-leading 82 aces while handling 557 serve receptions. Together, Reid and Hayes give the Foothillers two proven attackers around whom they can rebuild the offense.

Grossmont also returns both of its leading setters. Mila Moyer recorded 673 assists, while Jacqueline Villalobos added 337. Ciarrah Doliente anchors the defense after producing team highs of 332 digs and 676 serve receptions, along with 57 assists. Madison Busch also returns after handling 396 receptions.

The current roster includes Faith Poling, Emilie Mendoza and additional returning contributors, along with Yesenia Arellano, Eloa Archer, Samantha Juarez Lopez, Joni Nucup, Rachel Moore, Denisse Arriaga and Audrey Taboga.

Kayla Kenis’ back-row production must also be replaced. Reid’s efficiency and blocking make her the leading candidate to assume a larger offensive role, while Hayes gives Grossmont a productive six-rotation option.

Grossmont’s No. 6 ranking may prove conservative. The Foothillers return more documented production than several teams above them, particularly at setter and in serve receive. If Reid and Hayes absorb enough of the lost attacking volume, Grossmont should contend in the Grossmont Hills and could quickly move into the East County top four.

9. Steele Canyon

Steele Canyon begins at No. 9 after finishing 15-12 and winning its league with a 9-1 record. The Cougars return their top three attackers, their leading blocker and their leading setter, giving them one of East County’s strongest collections of proven returning production.

Taylor Carpenter headlines the group after recording 294 kills at 3.8 per set while hitting .312. The 6-foot outside hitter also contributed 185 digs, 297 serve receptions and 32 aces, making her a proven six-rotation player and one of the leading individual players in the East County rankings.

Macie Sicat returns after producing 121 kills, 116 digs and 40 aces. The 6-foot-2 Tiana Baker recorded 98 kills, led the Cougars with 75 blocks and hit .248. Izzy Trotto added 53 blocks, while Crisa Garcia averaged 1.5 kills and 1.7 digs per set. Madison Barefield returns at setter after leading Steele Canyon with 264 assists.

The Cougars also have significant size around that returning production. Kate Ryan and Trotto are listed at 5-foot-10, Zoe Smelser at 5-foot-9 and Carpenter at 6 feet. Roxy Carrillo is listed as a libero and outside hitter, while Audrey Hernandez returns in the back row. Holly Ordway, Leah Heinen and Natalia Santana provide additional depth.

Steele Canyon’s serve receive and back-row defense are the primary preseason questions.

Carpenter gives Steele Canyon a legitimate primary attacker, while Baker, Sicat, Trotto and Garcia provide established support. If Carrillo and Hernandez help replace defensive production and Barefield settles the offense, the Cougars have enough size and returning firepower to challenge the teams immediately above them in the Grossmont Hills race.

10. Valhalla

Valhalla begins at No. 10 after finishing 5-22 against a difficult schedule. The record was modest, but the Norsemen return most of their leading attackers, blockers and back-row contributors, giving them a realistic opportunity to make one of East County’s larger improvements.

Avery Dabish returns after recording 101 kills, a team-leading 213 digs, 270 serve receptions and 24 aces. Jordann Bollens added 98 kills, 206 digs and a team-high 326 receptions. Audrey Reece averaged 1.3 kills per set, giving Valhalla three returning outside hitters with established varsity production.

The Norsemen also return their leading front-row defenders. Finley Ryan recorded a team-high 35 blocks, while Morgan Miles added 19. Both are listed at 5-foot-9, as is Bollens. Natalie Kalosian averaged a team-leading 4.1 digs per set, while Trianne Nguyentu contributed 3.4 digs per set.

The largest opening comes at setter. Navaeh Jaeger returns after receiving some varsity setting experience, while Marli Luapi Osoimalo and Marissa Asoufi are also listed as setters. The Norsemen must also replace their leader in kills from last season and significant back-row production.

Valhalla’s roster includes additional front-row options in Tessa Leffew, Kiria Arnold and Marcie Grein, along with Vanessa Moscoso, Nevaeh Kalosian and freshman Valerie Toma.

The Norsemen have more returning production than their 5-22 record suggests. Dabish, Bollens and Reece give Valhalla experienced attackers, while Ryan and Miles provide continuity in the middle. If the new setting rotation stabilizes the offense, Valhalla should improve upon last season’s record and has enough returning experience to challenge the teams immediately above it.

12. Mount Miguel

Mount Miguel begins at No. 12 after finishing 13-10 and 4-4 in league play last season. The Matadors produced a winning record but face substantial turnover after most of their leaders were seniors last season.

As a sophomore, Myla Maga led Mount Miguel with 23 blocks and also recorded 109 digs.

Sayomi Hoffman-Scott and Milani Murray were juniors last season, while Mariajose Cobos was a sophomore last season. Those players could move into expanded roles after Mount Miguel lost its three leading attackers, its top two setters and most of its recorded serving and back-row production.

The largest challenge will be replacing players who led the Matadors in kills, digs, aces and serve receptions. Mount Miguel must also rebuild its setting rotation and replace significant blocking production.

The Matadors’ 13-win season provides a positive starting point, but No. 10 is appropriate until the new rotation takes shape.

13. Monte Vista

Monte Vista begins at No. 13 after finishing 11-21 overall and 2-6 in the Grossmont Valley. The Monarchs won 33 sets, lost 60 and ended their season with a four-set loss at Gompers Prep Academy in the opening round of the playoffs.

Monte Vista produced most of its success during tournament play, finishing 5-5 at neutral sites. The Monarchs recorded tournament victories over SET, Cristo Rey, Hoover, Kearny, Madison and Bonsall, showing an ability to compete effectively against teams closer to their level.

Their regular-season victories included a sweep of Cristo Rey, a four-set road win at Kearny and two league wins over El Cajon Valley. Monte Vista also pushed Mount Miguel to five sets before losing 3-2. The Monarchs struggled against the stronger portion of their schedule, dropping straight-set matches to Valhalla, El Capitan, Morse, Grossmont and Steele Canyon.

The Monarchs were competitive in several tournament settings but finished only 4-9 at home and 2-7 on the road. Improving their performance in full best-of-five matches will be essential.

Monte Vista opens at No. 12, however, the Monarchs’ 11 victories and competitive five-set meeting with Mount Miguel show that the gap is not overwhelming.

14. River Valley

River Valley begins at No. 14 despite finishing 12-5 overall and 7-2 in league play last season. The Snow Leopards defeated Monarch 3-1 in the opening round of the playoffs before ending their season with a straight-set loss at Calipatria.

Monika Rakic, Avery Clauson, Ziah Traylor and Ihuoma Eziyi are expected members of the 2026 team. Its 12-win season gives the Snow Leopards an opportunity to move upward quickly once play begins.

15. Liberty Charter

Liberty Charter begins at No. 15 after finishing 7-20 and 0-8 in the Frontier-Summit League last season. The Lions recorded victories over Bayfront Charter, Cristo Rey, El Cajon Valley, SET, Bonsall and Coastal Academy before falling to Canyon Hills in the opening round of the playoffs.

The current roster includes Elina Raees, Felicity Schendel, Hannah Larson, Genevieve Wells, Charley Glass, Leah Donahue, Summer Svendsen, Chloe Richards, Breanna Bendick, Brooke Cunningham, Abigail Funk, Jillian Caudle and Aubrey McClain.

Liberty’s immediate objective is improving within league play after going winless in eight Frontier-Summit matches. The Lions showed they could defeat comparable opponents last season, including a four-set road victory over El Cajon Valley and several tournament wins. A complete roster gives Liberty a clearer preseason foundation than the team below it, but early results will determine whether the Lions can challenge River Valley and Monte Vista.

16. El Cajon Valley

El Cajon Valley begins at No. 15 after finishing 5-20 and 1-9 in league play.

Olive Melendez led the Braves with 93 kills at 1.9 per set. As a junior, she also recorded 137 digs, 26 aces, 105 serve receptions and six blocks.

Sarai Garcia recorded 130 digs and a team-high 133 receptions last season. Ruby Silva contributed 28 kills, a team-leading 17 blocks and 10 assists, while Braelyn Rojas added 20 aces and nine blocks in 2025. Neelam Ameer Hussain recorded 37 assists last year.

El Cajon Valley’s greatest needs are developing a consistent setting rotation and finding additional attacking production.

SEASON AHEAD

The regular season continues through Oct. 23, followed by the San Diego Section playoffs and championship matches from Nov. 5-7.

Torrey Pines enters as the defending Open Division champion. Scripps Ranch won Division I last season, Santa Fe Christian captured Division II, Olympian won Division III, Rock Academy claimed Division IV, O’Farrell won Division V and St. Joseph Academy captured Division 5-AA.

East County begins the season without a defending section champion, but Patrick Henry and Christian possesses the area’s strongest established ratings. Santana and Granite Hills lead the Grossmont Conference contingent, with Helix, El Capitan, Grossmont and Steele Canyon close enough to reshape the order.

For now, Patrick Henry and Christian are 1-and-1A. The more competitive question is how closely Santana, Granite Hills and the rest of East County can follow.

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