Maryland High School State Volleyball Championships

Eventual State Champion Oakdale (left) battles against Middletown in the MPSSAA state volleyball championships. Photo Credit: Wayne Lee Dutrow

The Maryland High School State Volleyball Championships were contested with semi-finals and finals over the past weekend, ending with the last two finals on Monday. A total of four champions were crowned in the four divisions of competition in the MPSSAA, with all matches at the University of Maryland’s Ritchie Coliseum.

1A – Smithsburg defeats Perryville 25-9, 25-13, 25-12

The Smithsburg Leopards of Washington County captured their 10^th state volleyball title in school history, and fifth in the past six years.

Coach Rachel Brashear had her girls well-versed in the motto this year of “tradition never graduates.” Brashears is herself a grad of the school.

Washington County is known as a volleyball power in the state of Maryland, with nearby Williamsport having won a total of 13 championships. Only Centennial has more, totaling 14.

2A – Oakdale defeats Rising Sun 25-17, 25-10, 25-18

Probably the most interesting story of the four divisions in that of the Oakdale Bears. The state title is their first and is also the first volleyball championship ever for a high school out of Frederick County.

Oakdale is a rather new school, operating only in its fifth year, and only as the third year with all four grades in residence.

Oakdale finishes their season with an 18-2 record, while Rising Sun had a perfect season ruined and finish at 23-1. In fact, the Tigers from Cecil County had only lost one set over the entire season before being shut down 3-0 by the Bears.

Oakdale was led by 6-2 senior Liz Twilley, who will be playing on the same floor next year for the University of Maryland.

3A – North Hagerstown defeats Glenelg 25-15, 25-21, 25-21

North Hagerstown High School, also of Washington County, captured their third title in school history. The most recent previous title was in 2012.

Senior Zoe Schreiber saw her high school varsity volleyball career book-ended by these two titles. She led the team with 20 kills and five aces.

The Hubs of NHHS finished the season at 18-1, while the Gladiators of Glenelg ended 16-3.

The Hubs were able to overcome the outstanding play and 18 kills of 5’5” outside hitter Sarah Girard – an American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American honorable mention, the only MD player to be recognized in their poll.

4A – Severna Park defeats Northwest 25-14, 25-19, 22-25, 25-15  

More from Maryland Preps

• Maryland High School Sports Roundup
• Top Uncommitted Maryland High School Football Prospects
• 4-Star WR Tino Ellis Names Maryland in His Top 6
• Area Schools Victorious in Maryland High School Basketball Finals
• Local Schools in Maryland High School Basketball State Semifinals

After the first three divisions of state competition saw the winning team sweep the finals 3-0, Severna Park was on their way as well, leading 2-0. But Northwest of Montgomery County put up a fight in the third set, winning narrowly, before SP came back with a strong 25-15 score in the fourth.

It was the sixth state title for the Falcons of Severna Park, although it was their first in 21 years. They were finalists, however, just last year. The win also secured a perfect 20-0 season.