Top 25 Arkansas high school volleyball rankings (10/22/2023)

When Hackett defeated Fort Smith Southside in the Fort Smith Invitational on Sept. 30, the question was raised: Is this the year the best team in Arkansas is not in Class 6A?

When Hackett defeated the Lady Mavericks 2-1, Hackett was No. 8 in the state and Southside was No. 2. The Lady Hornets moved up, not only because of that victory, but they defeated a lot of teams in higher classes such as 5A teams including Mount St. Mary, Vilonia, Alma and Van Buren, 4A teams Mena, Prairie Grove and Shiloh Christian and defending 2A champion Mansfield.

With Fayetteville seeing its 38-match winning streak against in-state opponents come to an end with a 3-1 loss to Springdale Har-Ber, Hackett now moves to the top spot.

With the state tournament this week, all eyes will be on Hackett to see if they finish the season not only with a Class 3A state title, but the No. 1 spot in SB Live’s Arkansas rankings.

NOTE: Records now reflect the team’s overall record.

1. Hackett (35-1-2)

Previous rank: No. 2

Last week: 3A-West Conference Tournament at Elkins: def. Elkins 3-0; def. Paris 3-0

This week: Class 3A state tournament at Valley Springs; vs. Manila, noon Tuesday

COMMENT: “I was super happy with our performance tonight. I felt like we played with determination were in control of all aspects of our game. These girls are super excited about heading to state next week.” — Hackett head coach Bridgett Freeman

2. Fayetteville (22–8)

Previous rank: No. 1

Last week: lost to No. 14 Springdale Har-Ber 3-1; def Rogers Heritage 3-0

This week: Class 6A state tournament at Conway; vs. Bryant/Bentonville West, noon Wednesday

COMMENT: First time since Oct. 2021 that the Lady Bulldogs lost an in-state match, ending a streak of 38 consecutive victories against in-state opponents. “It seems fitting that our last in-state loss was at Har-Ber the week before the 2021 State Championship. It is a tough place to play and Coach [Cassie] Loyd has her team on a roll and playing very well here at the end of October. It was a tough, hard-fought loss; and hand it to Har-Ber. I thought they served well and played with a lot of tenacity. We hope to learn from our loss and move forward before heading to Conway next week.” — Fayetteville head coach Jessica Phelan

3. Fort Smith Southside (25-5)

Previous rank: No. 4

Last week: def. Springdale 3-0; def. Fort Smith Northside 3-0

This week: Class 6A state tournament at Conway; vs. Little Rock Central/Rogers, 6 p.m. Wednesday

COMMENT: “I’m very proud of our kids and their level of play right now. I know 6A is going to be packed with some really talented teams and some super competitive matches. It’s the best time of the year. We’re playing Southside volleyball right now and looking forward to getting to play another day.” — Fort Smith Southside head coach Natalie Throneberry

4. Hot Springs Lakeside MTXE (23-5-2)

Previous rank: No. 5

Last week: def. Hot Springs 3-0; def. No. 19 Cabot 3-2

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. Russellville, 2 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT Lady Rams earn a share of 5A-South Conference title. “I am very proud of these ladies. They are super focused and to win at home Tuesday night and get share of title was huge. Then tonight was a big win against a strong team and helped us prepare for state and situations. Our team is not getting shook right now. Staying focused and bringing lots of energy to the court. Post Season here we come!” — Hot Springs Lakeside MTXE head coach Rhonda Thigpen

5. Conway (29-4)

Previous rank: No. 3

Last week: def. Bryant 3-1; lost to No. 7 Benton 3-1

This week: Class 6A state tournament at Conway; vs. No. 9 Springdale Har-Ber/North Little Rock, 4 p.m. Wednesday

COMMENT: “We played really well at times and really bad at times. Benton was definitely able to take us out of our rhythm. They had some great hitters and played well against us tonight.”

— Conway head coach Laura Crow

6. Baptist Prep (33-2-1)

Previous rank: No. 6

Last week: 3A-Central Conference Tournament at Mayflower: def. Jessieville 3-0; def. Mayflower 3-0; def. Central Arkansas Christian 3-0

This week: Class 3A state tournament at Valley Springs; vs. Salem, 4 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: “We are excited for state tournament next week. We look forward to competing and enjoying the rest of our time together. Of course the end goal is to make it to Hot Springs but we are enjoying the journey and not taking any game for granted. We have had a great season and I am so proud of how hard they have worked. Everyday with my seniors is special. I am blessed.” — Baptist Prep head coach Krista Spoon

7. Benton (26-5)

Previous rank: No. 7

Last week: def. Texarkana 3-0; def. No. 3 Conway 3-1

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. Siloam Springs, 4 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: “We seemed to put it all together tonight. Front row really showed out blocking with16 blocks on the night. This made it so much easier for our back row defense to read for the digs. We kept a lot of balls alive that were out of system. Conway came at us, as always, We have a love-hate relationship with them. We love them when they are playing others but we sure do want to beat them when they are across the net. We always challenge each other to play hard and get better. Tonight was our night after losing to them twice this year. We expect them to have a good run in the state tournament and wish them well.” — Benton head coach Michelle Shoppach

8. Brookland (31-4-1)

Previous rank: No. 8

Last week: 4A-Northwest Conference Tournament at Highland: def. Batesville Southside 3-0; def. Wynne 3-0

This week: Class 4A state tournament at Shiloh Christian; vs. Bauxite, 4 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT “It took us a little bit to get going tonight against Wynne. Being able to come from behind and get the 1st set victory was huge. We’re excited to get back to the state tournament and see how the week plays out.” — Brookland head coach Nancy Rodriguez

9. Springdale Har-Ber (19-11)

Previous rank: No. 14

Last week: def. No. 1 Fayetteville 3-1; def. Rogers 3-1

This week: Class 6A state tournament at Conway; vs. North Little Rock, 4 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: Prior to Tuesday night’s victory, Lady Wildcats were the last in-state team to beat Fayetteville. “I am so proud of our group for a gritty team effort. They played hard and for each other. We have been working hard on mental toughness and our confidence on the court and that showed tonight. I am so proud of how good of teammates our kids were — it was clear they were battling for each other tonight! Fayetteville is a tough, well-coached team. We were excited to get a win tonight.” — Springdale Har-Ber head coach Cassie Loyd

10. Marion (23-6-1)

Previous rank: No. 9

Last week: def. Batesville 3-0; def. Jonesboro 3-0

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. Sylvan Hills, 4 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: Lady Patriots go 14-0 in 5A-East. “I'm really proud of this team because they continued to work and get better, basically every game. We thought early on we'd be pretty good and we'd have a shot to have a special season, but to win 23 games and go undefeated in our league is beyond special. The girls bought in, embraced the challenge, and played good, clean volleyball. I love being around them, they're a ton of fun, and they love the game. That combination really makes it a lot of fun to coach.” — Marion head coach Lisa Beasley

11. Shiloh Christian (26-6)

Previous rank: No. 10

Last week: 4A-Northwest Conference Tournament at Huntsville: def. Prairie Grove 3-0; def. Farmington 3-0

This week: Class 4A state tournament at Shiloh Christian; vs. Lonoke, noon Tuesday

COMMENT: “I am so proud of how my team has come together and played at such a high level. They are determined and are doing a great job at controlling the things we can control. We are excited to be hosting the 4A State Tournament and being able to sleep in our own beds and not in a hotel for a week! We look forward to a fantastic tournament and know we must play at a high level to achieve our goal that we have set this year.” — Shiloh Christian head coach Nathan Bodenstein

12. Valley View (24-8)

Previous rank: No. 11

Last week: def. Jonesboro 3-1; def. Searcy 3-0

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. Vilonia, 2 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: “This is the best time of year for volleyball in our state. We’re Looking forward to the competition that state tournament brings. Everyone is going to be playing their best volleyball. We are preparing for everyone to give us their best game.” — Valley View head coach Margie McGee

13. Mansfield (31-2-1)

Previous rank: No. 12

Last week: 2A-West Conference Tournament at Mansfield: def. Lifeway Christian 3-0; def. Lavaca 3-0

This week: Class 2A state tournament at Quitman; vs. Cedar Ridge, noon Tuesday

COMMENT: “This is the fourth consecutive district championship we have won and the girls earned it. I have enjoyed watching them play this season and am excited to see what we do at the state tournament next week, as we are in search of our fourth state championship. — Mansfield head coach Kaylie Andrews

14. Harrison (19-5)

Previous rank: No. 13

Last week: lost to Russellville 3-2; def. Siloam Springs 3-0

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. Lake Hamilton, noon Tuesday

COMMENT: “This is our first time to take the conference title again since 2018. 5A is a tough conference and I’m proud of the work this group has done to get back to this point. Last year we struggled and finished fifth. So I’m just proud of the effort and determination that went into this season to get this far. Of course we are not finished. One game at a time. That has been our our focus. Working in the “ present “ one game at a time all season. We will just keep that going. Reese Ricketts of course has been a huge contributor. She is a powerhouse hitter. The team really works to feed her the ball and runs different routes when she isn’t available. They are all very selfless and work hard for each other. This has been just a great journey so far.” — Harrison head coach April Mattix

15. Greenwood (20-10)

Previous rank: No. 15

Last week: def. Alma 3-0; def. Greenbrier 3-0

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. No. 17 Sheridan, 6 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: “I feel like we’ve had a strong finish since our Ozark Tournament and this last week of conference. We are excited for post season and the state tournament and feel good about our last few practice going into next week.” — Greenwood head coach Jennifer Golden

16. Bentonville (18-14)

Previous rank: No. 16

Last week: def. Rogers Heritage 3-0; def. Springdale 3-0

This week: Class 6A state tournament at Conway; vs. Jonesboro, 2 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: “We are ready to battle! We will be entering in as a 3 seed from the western conference. We plan to take it one play at a time and one day at a time.” — Bentonville head coach Allison Venable

17. Sheridan (25-4)

Previous rank: No. 17

Last week: def. Jacksonville 3-0; def. El Dorado 3-0

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. No. 15 Greenwood, 6 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT Skylar Sterritt had 28 kills and 7 digs in both matches. Sunnie Davis had 78 assists and 19 digs in both matches and Kayden Porter had 26 kills and 28 digs.

18. Paragould (22-7)

Previous rank: No. 20

This week: def. West Memphis 3-0; def. North Little Rock 3-0

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. Little Rock Christian Academy, 6 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: “The second half of the season, we’ve played very well. We’ve dug ourselves into some holes, but managed to play our way out of them. We have a tough road and we’re playing some of the best teams out there, but I don’t think we have a terrible draw.” — Paragould head coach Reed Fogleman

19. Cabot (18-9)

Previous rank: No. 19

Last week: def. No. 18 Mount St. Mary 3-0; def. North Little Rock 3-0; lost to No. 5 Hot Springs Lakeside MTXE 3-2

This week: Class 6A state tournament at Conway; vs. Bentonville/Jonesboro, 6 p.m. Wednesday

COMMENT: “We are excited the state tournament will be closer to home this year. I feel like we are in a good place to compete. We have played some of the top teams in the state the last few weeks and have been taking away positives as well as making adjustments where needed. The girls are continuing to push each other, grow, and work hard and we will be ready for Wednesday.” — Cabot head coach Anna Robertson

20. Mount St. Mary (19-9-1)

Previous rank: No. 18

Last week: lost to No. 19 Cabot 3-0; def. Sylvan Hills 3-0; lost to Little Rock Christian Academy 3-2

This week: Class 5A state tournament at Searcy; vs. Batesville, noon Tuesday

COMMENT: Belles are 3-3 in past six matches.

21. Mena (20-5-1)

Previous rank: No. 21

Last week: def. Fountain Lake 3-0; def. Arkadelphia 3-0

This week: Class 4A state tournament at Shiloh Christian; vs. Batesville Southside, noon Tuesday

COMMENT: “This conference championship means a lot, mainly because many people doubted we could win it this year after replacing so many positions from last year. These young kids are starting to grow up on the court and I am so happy for them. The state tournament is going to be tough. Hopefully the moment won’t be too big for us. Hopefully, they will settle in quick and have fun. We have at tough first round match against (Batesville) Southside, I know they will be ready to play.” — Mena head coach Brad Lyle

22. Pottsville (22-3)

Previous rank: No. 22

Last week: 4A-Central Conference Tournament at Lonoke: def. LISA Academy West 3-0; def. Lonoke 3-0; def. Pulaski Academy 3-2

This week: Class 4A state tournament at Shiloh Christian; vs. Prairie Grove, 4 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: Apaches follow up regular-season conference title with tournament title.

23. Conway Christian (23-1-1)

Previous rank: No. 23

Last week: 2A-North Tournament at Quitman: def. Yellville-Summitt 3-0; def. Conway St. Joseph 3-0

This week: Class 2A state tournament at Quitman; vs. Magnet Cove, noon Tuesday

COMMENT: “The girls had a great week defeating Yellville and St. Joe both in three sets in the 2A North district tournament. Both Yellville and St. Joe are scrappy teams and fight all the way until the end. We are looking forward to entering the state tournament as a one seed and hoping to enter the state tournament with the same momentum.” — Conway Christian head coach Kobe McKnight.

24. Lavaca (20-11–1)

Previous rank: No. 24

Last week: 2A-West Tournament at Mansfield: def. Thaden 3-1; lost to Mansfield 3-0

This week: Class 2A state tournament at Quitman; vs. Barton, 6 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT Last year’s runner-up hoping for another long run.

25. England (18-4)

Previous rank: Not ranked

Last week: 2A-Central Tournament at England: def. Magnet Cove 3-0; def. Taylor 3-0

This week: Class 2A state tournament at Quitman; vs. Marshall, 4 p.m. Tuesday

COMMENT: “We knew going into the finals Taylor would be tough especially after playing them already. They are well coached and have experience. Our girls knew what was on the line and were ready to go! We are looking forward to State and hopefully we will have a good showing.” — England head coach Samantha Brewer

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