5A Volleyball: Top Performers Ready to Shine in the New Mexico Volleyball State Tournament
As the 2024 New Mexico high school volleyball state tournament arrives, the excitement surrounding some of the state’s most outstanding players reaches a fever pitch. In the spotlight are the undefeated Las Cruces Bulldawgs, aiming to defend their title with a powerful roster, but strong competition from the Cleveland Storm, La Cueva Bears, and Los Lunas Tigers ensures this won’t be an easy feat.
The Las Cruces Bulldawgs: Defending the Crown. The Bulldawgs enter as the tournament’s number-one seed with a flawless 23-0 record, fueled by a roster brimming with talent. Leading the charge is Addison Massey (Class of 2026), an outside hitter whose 430 kills and 192 digs reflect her remarkable versatility. Massey’s powerful strikes and sharp instincts make her one of the most feared offensive players in the tournament, and with her at the helm, Las Cruces holds a clear advantage.
Joining Massey is Ava Price (2027), the rising sophomore who has made her mark with 116 kills and 146 digs this season. Price is quick and instinctive, bringing skillful play to both offense and defense, and her young career suggests a promising future for the Bulldawgs. Then there’s Mercedes Willis (2025), a steady force on both sides of the net, with 110 kills and 27 blocks.
Hailey Rautenstrauch (2025) is another key attacker for Las Cruces, tallying 109 kills as she contributes depth to the team’s offense. With Emma Rose Barrera (2025) and Sydney Pipkin (2026) rounding out the backcourt, Las Cruces fields a formidable defense. Barrera’s 49 aces and 184 digs showcase her service prowess and defensive stability, while Pipkin, with an impressive 725 assists and 48 aces, expertly orchestrates the offense. Pipkin’s playmaking skills and relentless drive keep the Bulldawgs’ offensive tempo high, while Lenea Carr (2025) fortifies the defense, recording 41 total blocks to make it difficult for opposing hitters to find open spaces.
The Cleveland Storm: The Balanced Contender. Only two losses blemish Cleveland Storm’s impressive 21-2 record, and with a roster filled with seasoned players, they pose a serious threat to Las Cruces. At the core of Cleveland’s strength is Kelsey Heffner (Senior), a middle blocker whose .417 hitting percentage and 73 blocks place her among the state’s top front-line defenders.
The Storm’s offense revolves around Ceci Vance (Senior), an outside hitter with 274 kills and 74 aces. Vance has a sharp, aggressive style and can strike effectively from multiple angles. Her skill from the service line, combined with her hitting, provides a dual threat that has kept Cleveland competitive all season long. Molly Maurer (Sophomore) rounds out Cleveland’s lineup as one of the state’s premier setters. With a league-leading 853 assists, Maurer has the vision and precision to run the offense seamlessly, making her a critical component of the Storm’s quest for a championship.
La Cueva Bears: District Dominance with a Dangerous Attack. The La Cueva Bears, District 2-5A champions, have an outstanding 20-3 record and enter the tournament riding high after a perfect district season. Leading La Cueva’s offensive assault is Karyna Werley (Senior), who boasts an impressive .379 hitting percentage and has amassed 316 kills.
Alongside Werley is Jula Utash (Sophomore), who has racked up 232 kills this season, providing La Cueva with a versatile scoring option. Utash’s agility and precision make her a perfect complement to Werley, giving the Bears a potent one-two punch that will be challenging for any team to counter. Together, these two players form the foundation of La Cueva’s offense and make them a force to be reckoned with as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.
Los Lunas Tigers: Unwavering Defense and a Fighting SpiritAt 15-6, the Los Lunas Tigers may appear to be underdogs, but their strong showing as District 5-5A champions speaks volumes about their resilience and skill. Mia Mendoza (Senior) is the linchpin of the Tigers’ offense, with 609 assists to her name.
In the backcourt, Lauren Shiplet (Senior) leads the Tigers’ defense with 406 digs, showcasing her quick reactions and strong defensive instincts. Shiplet’s focus and positioning make her a wall at the back of the court, frustrating opponents’ attempts to score and providing stability in high-stakes situations. The Tigers also have power at the net in Lynae Hands (Junior), who has notched 42 blocks and has a hitting percentage of .247.
Kaelynn Ashley of Albuquerque High leads with 304 kills, showcasing her versatility as both a middle and outside hitter, while Aleena Hubbard from Santa Fe High has amassed 294 kills, providing her team with a powerful offensive edge. From Rio Rancho, Alyssa Dominguez brings 52 aces to the tournament, making her a serving threat and a versatile asset as both an outside hitter and defensive specialist. Ayva Ashley of Albuquerque High follows closely with 50 aces, contributing her skills as both a setter and right-side hitter, strengthening her team’s strategic options. Centennial High’s Maren Bekken enters with 259 kills, proving herself a key offensive weapon on both the outside and right side, while Kendall Fenstermacher of Sandia High (Albuquerque) adds her 249 kills as a setter and outside hitter, giving her team depth in playmaking and scoring. Rounding out the list, Skylar Schwartz from Volcano Vista High (Albuquerque) has tallied 246 kills, bringing athleticism and precision that will make her a tough competitor at the net.
