Two MIAA volleyball champions will be crowned in 2025 for the first time since 2012

by Nelson Coffin

For the first time in more than a decade, two volleyball titles will be on the line at the championship matches, slated for Nov. 7 at Mount St. Joseph.

Gilman will have the opportunity to earn its ninth overall and second consecutive crown in the A Conference, while Archbishop Curley, Friends, Boys’ Latin, St. Paul’s and John Carroll will vie for the first B Conference since the Crusaders prevailed in 2012.

The host Gaels, Calvert Hall College, Loyola Blakefield and Archbishop Spalding will challenge the Greyhounds for A Conference supremacy when the regular season begins Sept. 12. St. Paul’s and John Carroll will open B Conference play Sept. 9.

A CONFERENCE

According to Calvert Hall coach Bill Murray, any of the five conference teams could end up on top this fall.

“We’re all capable of knocking each other off,” he said. 

His Cardinals are an experienced group, owing to the fact that all 14 players on the roster also compete for club teams.

“We have a lot of good players,” he said, alluding to the Cardinals’ depth.

Having said that, senior captains, 6-foot-5 outside hitter Mason Miller and 6-3 setter Zander Greco, will be leading the way for the Cardinals this season.

After bowing to eventual champion Gilman in a taut playoff battle last fall, Archbishop Spalding is preparing for another competitive season in the A Conference.

“Our boys are hungry this year,” coach Eric Raynor said. “We are looking forward to seeing the underclassman step up and perform at the higher level.”

One such player, junior captain Byrce Rothe, has taken the recent additions to the varsity team under his wing looking to bring them up to speed, Raynor added.

Meanwhile, senior captain Spencer Lawrence has been there to lead his team for the last four seasons and looks to do the same this year. 

And outside hitter Enzo Capistrano keys the offense with fellow senior Broc McDevitt and junior Nathan Fellows stationed alongside Rothe. 

“The Cavs look to pick up right where they left off in hopes for another successful season,” Raynor said.

Mount Saint Joseph coach Matthew Schmidt said that his team is looking to navigate the controversial split of MIAA volleyball into A and B conferences, a change that sees five games removed from every team's schedule.  

“With less competition available on the calendar, how will the heightened focus on A Conference games affect the Gael's chances at being a playoff team and contending for another championship,?” he asked.

With just two starters back from last year's MIAA runners up, the Gaels will need to establish an identity quickly, Schmidt said, while wondering how his seniors will step into leadership roles and if underclassmen are ready to challenge for starting positions.

Nevertheless, with seven seniors — middle blockers Keiran Althouse, Quinn Roberts and Troy Henderson, outside hitter Luke Gaston, setter Jake Miderlein and liberos Miles Krippendorf and Jack McGuinn — on board, the Gaels should be right in the thick of things as usual.

"Five of our seniors have been on the varsity team since their sophomore year, so we are quite experienced, especially in attacking the ball," Baier said. "If we can win the serve and serve-receive battles, we will do quite well this year."

B CONFERENCE

John Carroll coach Tim Kutcher said that the Patriots boast a strong mix of talented newcomers and experienced returners. 

“With the new conference alignment, we have a great opportunity to contend near the top of the B Conference while continuing to build on a young and promising roster,” he added.

Kutcher will rely on senior middle hitters Rob Gaines and Matt Wilson, who will anchor the front line with veteran blocking and attacking power.

Junior Mason Proctor and sophomore Tyler Olivi return to lead the setting and defense with newcomers Sam Butler, Jackson DeReamer and Peyton Williams expected to make an immediate impact, “adding depth and versatility to our offensive attack,” Kutcher said.

Look for seniors Jack Grabowski and Brendan Stewart to bring additional leadership and stability to focus on building chemistry, strengthening communication and competing as a unified team. 

“We are looking to take our well-rounded roster to build a more dynamic offense and improve on last year's struggles as we mature into a more experienced team,” Kutcher concluded.

An influx of new players gives Boys’ Latin coach Avery Engel optimism about the upcoming season.

Senior libero Tyler Purtiz will be joined by juniors Justin Fedash (outside hitter), Wells Hawk (middle/opposite hitter), Brody Grey (OH), William Kemp Kelly (MH), Jonas Hazard (OPH, Adrian Gage (setter), Brice Grabowski (MH) and TJ Shaw (setter/defensive specialist) on the court.

“The boys seem dedicated and excited to begin the season,” Engel said. “They have a newfound motivation with the new split conference.” 

Chapelgate Christian Academy enters the season in a rebuilding phase, “but with a strong foundation of returning talent and a promising group of newcomers,” coach Sylvanus Alves said.

Seniors Kai D'Angelo, Trevor Smith, Aiden Lange, Luke Kahn, Terrell James, and Joseph Lee are all expected to play pivotal roles with junior Sebastian Osuri and sophomores Bishop Moore and Sawyer Dunst.

Talented freshmen Isaac Santos, Kruz Porras, Walter Umanah, Gabrielle Condellac, and Noah Kahn bring fresh energy and depth to the squad, Alves added.

“Despite a smaller roster following the graduation of key seniors, the team is united and motivated,” Alves continued. “This year is about growth. We may not have the numbers, but we have heart and a strong bond. Our goal is to build something lasting. We’re focused on development and laying the groundwork for long-term success,”.

Archbishop Curley has the talent to compete for a  B Conference title. 

Senior opposite hitters Ben Brzozowski (captain), Jacob Ruth, Ryan Fox and Darshan Patel join juniors Joshua Rutherford (captain) and Reece Babikow at the net with senior middle hitter Shayne Altomare and junior middle hitter Heber Brown.

Juniors Brett Znamirowski (libero), Logan Raynor (passer) and Rafael Reside (setter) will also be counted on to keep the Friars on point.

“For us, it’s about consistency and execution — when we play our game, we can be successful against anyone,” coach Randy Noppinger said. “We have the pieces in place to make a strong push this season, and the key will be translating our ability in practice to performance on the court.”

Middle blocker Beckett Stevens, outside hitter/defensive specialist Colin Hunsinger, outside hitter Brody Wells and setter Colten Krause will help the Crusaders' cause in a big way.