St. Marys sophomore Morgan Bardwell (9) attempts a spike against Fort Frye earlier this season. (Photos by Kerry Patrick)

CHARLESTON – If Greenbrier West wants to repeat as Class A state champions the seventh-seeded Cavaliers will have to get past No. 2 Gilmer County and the final year of the Dobbins twins – Ava and Blair.

State tournament favorite Wirt County, which fell to the Cavaliers in the 2024 quarterfinals, faces No. 8 Pendleton County following Wednesday’s 8:30 a.m. opener between No. 4 East Hardy and No. 5 Madonna.

The Titans (35-10-1) of head coach Chelsea Stickelman begin their run in the 1:30 afternoon session.

“This team has worked hard all season long to get to this point,” said the coach. “We’ve struggled as all teams do but they’ve really shown they are ready to play tough teams.

“I think beating St. Joe really helped them realize they can play tough teams and they are a tough team.”

St. Marys libero Alyssa Winland reaches for a dig during a match earlier this season at Fort Frye High School. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

No. 6 St. Marys, which will have to do more with less as junior stalwart Brynnley Bulluck is on the shelf injured, drew third-seeded Sherman for the last quarterfinal.

A year ago the Blue Devils (25-11-1) of head coach Stephanie Corathers made history by advancing to the big show for the first time when the tournament was held by itself at West Virginia State University.

The loss of Bulluck, who has more than 400 kills, is not particularly good timing for the Pleasants County program. The Tide roll with the one-two punch of masher Sophia Rollo and setter Emma Russell as well as fellow senior outside Carter Plantz.

“Still processing our regional win after such an emotional night. Losing Brynnley wasn’t just the loss of a key player, but also a team leader,” admitted Corathers, who will look to senior libero Alyssa Winland as well as sophomores Rylee Renner (setter) and Morgan Bardwell (hitter) to help lead the way. “We don’t have any 6-foot girls so we have to play strategic. People always ask what we run. We don’t run a normal volleyball rotation or something consistent because we aren’t built for it, so to be able to transition between games or even in a game is crazy.

“However, it makes for a good team when no one can ever determine what the heck we’re doing! Last year was a rollercoaster with classifications and lawsuits. While we went to state, it felt like we truly didn’t get to enjoy it. Coming into this season, I felt we had the talent to be able to compete. However, you never know with these girls. They tend to let the mental game get the best of them. If this team plays their game, we are tough. Obviously, we will be in a bigger atmosphere. It will be an environment we haven’t experienced. At this point, I want them to enjoy the ride and have fun, but most of all – leave it all on the court.”

Wirt County head coach Katie Frazier is just glad the orange and black are actually returning to the capitol city this fall.

“We are obviously very excited to be back in Charleston, especially on time with double-A through quad-A this year,” expressed Frazier, who will be with seniors Addie Stephens, Makayla Moore, Katherine Lemley and Bella Starcher one more time.

“It’s been a long season and a lot of work up to this point, but it’s been a really fun year for the girls and us coaches. For the most part the girls have really just done anything we’ve asked of them and are looking forward to getting one last chance to play together this week.”

Stephens, who has 92 aces, had 35 kills as the Tigers eliminated Tug Valley in the regional. She has 536 downed spikes with a .518 hitting efficiency.

Sophomore setter Breigyn Dawson, who has 111 aces and 925 assists, keys the offense and will try and help bring home the first state crown to Elizabeth since 2020.

The Tigers, who had the seven seed when the seniors were sophomores, lost to eventual state champion and No. 2 seed Williamstown. During that 2023 season No. 8 Pendleton County upset No. 1 Buffalo.