After taking fourth a season ago, Central Catholic returns as the No. 1 ranked team in Class 6A for Oregon high school volleyball.
Behind them are plenty of Portland Interscholastic League teams trying to make their mark by not only winning a league title, but winning some matches in the postseason as well.
The big schools and more have plenty of talent to keep an eye on in 2022. We run through some of the best for the 2022 season.
Central Catholic
The Rams will have a target on their back heading into the 2022 season as they were tabbed the No. 1 team in the OSAA preseason coaches poll. It's no surprise after Central Catholic took fourth at state last year and returns plenty of its talent.
Starr is a four-year varsity player and will be a three-year starter at setter for the Rams, plus she's already committed to play at UC Davis next year. Cooper and Starr are both returning First-Team All-Mt. Hood players and the former will provide offensive power and some defense in the middle. Hunt was a breakout freshman last season as well and will also provide a punch at the net.
Those are just three of the many standouts for the Rams like Malia Parker who is recovering from a foot injury still. One other senior is Alycia Wilson, who will miss the season with an ACL injury, but there's still plenty for her to provide leadership wise on the bench.
Cleveland
The Warriors return senior outside hitter and middle blocker Piper Harmon, who was on the All-PIL teams a season ago.
David Douglas
The Scots return a couple of talented juniors in Acosta and McMoore. Acosta is a more veteran presence at the libero spot after being named First Team All-Mt. Hood a season ago. McMoore comes up from the JV ranks to join the Scots' front row thanks to a big club season.
"We have a talented group of athletes with the potential to be strong competition this season," coach Janeen Rainey said. "I look forward to seeing them grow as a team over the next few weeks."
Grant
The reigning PIL champs will likely be the favorites in 2022 with the trio above returning. Head coach Erin Cole calls Coffey the heart of the Generals defense at the libero spot. Peterson will provide the power the net as one of Grant's top two hitters. And McCarthy will do a little bit of it all as the Generals' top setter, whether that be setting up her teammates or getting her own powerful swings in.
"Our goal is to win the league, and win a first round playoff game to advance to the 2nd round, which we have not done in over 15 years," Cole said.
Ida B. Wells
The Guardians return junior Carly Straub, who was Second Team All-PIL last season.
Jefferson
Forbes will be calling the shots in the back court for the Demos as head coach Shyanna Davis said the junior keeps them in games defensively. Meanwhile Andrews runs the offense as Jefferson's returning setter and can pick up a few kills herself from time to time.
"We are looking to continue to do better than we did the previous year," Davis said. "We are up and coming and hoping to continue to improve and win more games with our defense and discipline."
McDaniel
The Mountain Lions are looking for their first trip to the playoffs since 2009 and this trio could be a big reason for that. Pine was Second Team All-PIL a year ago and is an all-around playmaker for McDaniel. Johnson was honorable mention last season and has been on varsity all four years, so she provides plenty of leadership. And Helms is an under-the-radar setter according to coach Kyla Henry, saying Helms doesn't get enough credit, but nothing hits the floor when she's in the rotation.
Parkrose
The Broncos return senior Khalia Jabbie and junior Kayanna Lazenby after they made the All-NWOC teams last season.
Riverdale
Schallich and Chiu will be the leaders for the Mavericks in 2022 according to coach Nick Sgambato. The duo both lead by example, work hard and are enthusiastic toward the game. Meanwhile sophomore Thais da Silva Corsi will be an important outside hitter after being named honorable mention all-league a season ago.
Roosevelt
The Roughriders return senior middle blocker Isabel Melean-Williams and junior outside hitter/libero Evelynn Mizze, who both made the All-PIL teams last season.
St. Mary's
The Three Rivers League is a tough one, but coach Wendy Stammer believes these three and more could lift the Blues to more success in 2022. Fedota is committed to play at the University of Puget Sound and will have plenty of impact in the middle on offense and defense. Nguyen was Second Team All-TRL last season at the setter spot and will bring plenty of energy. And Pernsteiner was honorable mention last year and can hit from the outside or the middle, giving the Blues a couple different looks for one of their top arms.
The Portland Tribune sent out surveys to all area athletic directors to pass on to fall coaches. If a school is missing, the Tribune didn't receive a survey back in time for publication.