The Northeast Florida high school volleyball season is heating up, and the Duval Sports D1 Week 3 Top 10 features a new team at the top. After two weeks of strong performances, Beachside moves into the No. 1 spot, while Fleming Island drops to No. 2. Trinity remains among the area’s elite at No. 3, and several teams continue to battle for position in a competitive Top 10.
1. Beachside (9-0) — ▲ 1
The Barracudas are the new No. 1 team after opening the season with a perfect 9-0 record. Beachside has been dominant, including a 3-0 victory over Middleburg on Sept. 3 and a 3-0 sweep of Mandarin on Sept. 8.
Nina Simanic, Mollie Vandeusen, Ariella Bostic
The Barracudas have plenty of firepower. Freshman outside hitter Nina Simanic leads the team at 3.9 kills per set and had 15 kills in Beachside’s recent 3-0 win over Mandarin. Setter Mollie Vandeusen had 19 assists in that match, while middle hitter Ariella Bostic leads the team in hitting percentage and total blocks.
Beachside has also recorded victories over Providence and Nease during its current winning streak. The Barracudas travel to Bartram Trail on Sept. 14 before hosting Ponte Vedra on Sept. 15.
2. Fleming Island (6-1) — ▼ 1
Fleming Island falls one spot despite continuing to play at a high level. The Golden Eagles have posted impressive wins over Providence, Bishop Kenny, Ridgeview, Mandarin, Oakleaf and Fletcher. Their 3-2 win over Fletcher on Sept. 3 showed their ability to survive a close battle.
Lillie Eason, Lauren Brosky, Kaylee Clark
Junior Lillie Eason has been one of the Golden Eagles’ biggest offensive weapons, averaging 5.0 kills per set. Lauren Brosky provides another strong attacking option, while senior middle blocker Kaylee Clark has been a force at the net.
They recently fell to Sante Fe, a very good team out of Gainesville who has downed Middleburg as awell.
Fleming Island faces Ponte Vedra on Sept. 10, followed by Bartram Trail and a highly anticipated matchup against Trinity on Sept. 17.
3. Trinity (7-1) — No Change
Trinity remains at No. 3 after building a 7-1 record. The Conquerors have put together wins over Ridgeview, St. Augustine, Providence, Fletcher and Bishop Kenny. They fell to Beachside early in the season.
Nova Hewlett, Raelyn Williams, Emma Hernesman
Senior outside hitter Nova Hewlett leads Trinity with 4.4 kills per set and 75 total kills. Raelyn Williams has been highly efficient offensively, leading the team in hitting percentage, while setter Emma Hernesman has 133 assists and leads the team with 15 aces.
The biggest upcoming test is against Fleming Island on Sept. 17, followed by Ponte Vedra on Sept. 22 and Bolles on Sept. 28.
4. Middleburg (3-3) — No Change
The Broncos remain fourth despite an even 3-3 record. Middleburg owns notable wins over Bartram Trail, Oakleaf and Ponte Vedra, including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ponte Vedra.
Katelynn Laezza, Abigail Grybb, Reese Forkum
Sophomore Katelynn Laezza has emerged as one of the area’s top young attackers, averaging 3.9 kills per set. At 6-foot-4, sophomore Abigail Grybb gives the Broncos a major presence at the net, leading the team in hitting percentage and blocks. Freshman libero Reese Forkum is averaging 5.4 digs per set.
The Broncos have faced a difficult stretch, including losses to Santa Fe, Trinity and Beachside. Their upcoming schedule includes Clay, Chiles and Bishop Kenny, followed by a Sept. 16 matchup against Wolfson.
5. Ponte Vedra (2-1) — No Change
Ponte Vedra stays at No. 5 with a 2-1 record. The Sharks will have a major opportunity to strengthen their position when they host Fleming Island on Sept. 10.
Vivienne Woodbury, Lily Keeley, Brianna Rihlmann
Junior outside hitter Vivienne Woodbury leads the Sharks with 3.8 kills per set and seven aces. Senior middle blocker Lily Keeley has been extremely efficient, posting a .528 hitting percentage, while junior Brianna Rihlmann anchors the defense with 4.5 digs per set.
They will also face Beachside on Oct. 1 and Middleburg on Oct. 8.
6. Bolles (4-1) — No Change
Bolles remains No. 6 after an impressive start. The Bulldogs defeated Fletcher 3-2 and Christ’s Church Academy 3-0 before falling to Beachside.
Sophia Albaugh, Izzy Fischer, Mallie Brackin
Senior Sophia Albaugh is the Bulldogs’ veteran offensive leader and was named First Team in Bolles’ All-First Coast honors. Izzy Fischer brings experience on the outside and in serve receive, while junior middle blocker Mallie Brackin provides size and strength at the net.
Bolles bounced back with a 3-0 victory over St. Johns Classical on Sept. 4. The Bulldogs face Oakleaf, Yulee and Ponte Vedra next, with a Sept. 14 matchup against Ponte Vedra looming as another important test.
7. Fletcher (4-3) — ▲ 1
Fletcher moves up one spot to No. 7. The Senators have already picked up an impressive victory over Wolfson, defeating the Wolfpack 3-1 on Aug. 25.
Chelsea Akakatang, Brikelle Phillips, Juliette Watson
Junior middle hitter Chelsea Akakatang is a major difference-maker, leading Fletcher with 2.6 kills per set and 35 blocks. Senior libero Brikelle Phillips leads the defense at 3.2 digs per set, while setter Juliette Watson has been productive from the service line with 18 aces.
Fletcher’s three losses have come against strong competition, including Trinity and Fleming Island. The Senators will have another opportunity to make noise when they face Atlantic Coast on Sept. 17, followed by a rematch with Bolles on Sept. 29.
8. Wolfson (5-1) — ▼ 1
Wolfson drops one spot to No. 8 but remains one of Jacksonville’s most dangerous teams.
The Wolfpack bounced back from their loss to Fletcher with wins over Baldwin and Bartram Trail before knocking off Bishop Kenny 3-0 on Sept. 2.
Bethany Stephens, Averie Porter, Mae Abernathy
Sophomore Bethany Stephens is leading the Wolfpack with 3.4 kills per set and 17 aces. Averie Porter has been a key presence at the net, while junior Mae Abernathy contributes 3.4 digs per set.
Wolfson has an important stretch ahead, including Oakleaf on Sept. 15 and Middleburg on Sept. 16.
9. Bishop Kenny (4-3) — No Change
Bishop Kenny stays at No. 9 after a difficult stretch against some of the area’s best teams. The Crusaders opened the season with wins over Lincoln, Spruce Creek and Creekside, but dropped consecutive matches to Wolfson and Trinity.
Bishop Kenny responded in a big way on Sept. 8, sweeping Tocoi Creek 3-0.
Chloe Johnson, Aleena Lundy, Claire Newell
Junior outside hitter Chloe Johnson leads the Crusaders with 3.6 kills per set and a .263 hitting percentage. Aleena Lundy has been a key blocker, while senior Claire Newell provides stability in the back row with 4.2 digs per set.
The Crusaders will face Middleburg on Sept. 15, followed by Providence and Bolles later in the month.
10. Tocoi Creek (6-1) — No Change
Tocoi Creek rounds out the Top 10 after an outstanding start to the season. The Toros opened the year with wins over Mandarin, Nease, Episcopal, Providence, Bradford and Atlantic Coast.
Tocoi’s six-match winning streak, however, came to an end against Bishop Kenny on Sept. 8, when the Crusaders swept the Toros 3-0.
Avery Smith, Anikah Scott, Melanie Carey
Junior outside hitter Avery Smith leads the Toros with 4.0 kills per set. Junior middle hitter Anikah Scott has been strong at the net with seven blocks, while senior libero Melanie Carey is averaging an impressive 6.3 digs per set.
Tocoi Creek will look to bounce back against Christ’s Church Academy on Sept. 10.
Week 3 Storyline: The Top Is Getting Crowded
The biggest change this week is at the top, where Beachside takes over No. 1 from Fleming Island. The Barracudas’ unbeaten start and recent wins over Middleburg and Mandarin make them the team to beat heading into the next stretch of the season.
Fleming Island remains within striking distance at No. 2, while Trinity continues to prove it belongs among the area’s elite. Meanwhile, Fletcher climbs to No. 7 and Wolfson slips to No. 8, creating even more competition in the middle of the rankings.
With Fleming Island, Beachside, Trinity, Middleburg, Ponte Vedra and Bolles all facing challenging matches ahead, the Week 4 rankings could look very different.
The Northeast Florida volleyball race is officially wide open—and every match matters.
