Four local volleyball players were named to the Virginia High School League’s 4A all-state team released Wednesday.
Jamestown sophomores Maria Esch and Ellie Popelka and Grafton’s senior setter Christa Hall were each voted to the first team. The Clippers’ Rachel Blitt received second-team honors.
Esch finished the season with 228 kills to go along with 378 digs and 49 blocks in leading the Eagles to their fourth-consecutive state tournament berth. Popelka tallied 214 kills and 59 blocks despite missing seven matches to recover from surgery.
Hall, who helped Grafton win the 4A South Region title before losing in the state quarterfinals, led Grafton with 522 aces, 360 digs and 133 kills. Blitt, a junior, was second on Grafton’s team with 208 kills and 16 blocks.
The entire all-state team is listed below.
4A All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Katie Houser, James Wood
Coach of the Year: Sherrilyn Hanna, Loudoun County
First Team
Katie Houser, James Wood
Taylor Borup, Loudoun County
Christa Hall, Grafton
Maddie Kline, Fluvanna
Maria Esch, Jamestown
Hannah Vandegrift
Miranda Hall, Hanover
Ellie Popelka, Jamestown
Emily Solis, Loudoun County
Second Team
Rachel Blitt, Grafton
Shelby Frost, Jefferson Forest
Leslie Walters, Fluvanna
Katie Crofford, Fauquier
Samantha Purnell
Taylor Smith, Heritage
Lauren Wells, Glen Allen
Taylor Gail, Deep Creek
Rebecca Hoover, Hanover
