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757Teamz boys volleyball Top 15: Kempsville climbs to No. 3 after beating First Colonial

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 17th 2025 at 2:39 GMT by Daily Press
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Kempsville Climbs to No. 3 in Virginia Boys Volleyball Top 15 After Narrow Victory Over First Colonial

On a humid Saturday night in September, Kempsville High School’s boys volleyball team delivered a heart‑stopping performance that propelled the Tigers to the No. 3 spot in the Virginia High School Boys Volleyball Association’s top‑15 rankings. The 4‑3 triumph over First Colonial, the state’s perennial powerhouse, was the culmination of a season that has seen Kempsville steadily rise from a mid‑ranked contender to a title‑challenging squad.

The match, held at the First Colonial gym on September 15, ended 3–4 in favor of the Tigers (22‑19, 17‑25, 25‑15, 25‑20, 24‑22). It was a game of back‑and‑forth momentum, with both teams exchanging set victories before the Tigers closed out the match in a dramatic fifth set. The final set was decided by a single serve, with a 24‑22 score that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

Key Performances and Statistics

Kempsville’s star outside hitter, sophomore James “J.J.” Carter, led the team with 28 kills and a .412 hitting percentage, while also contributing 12 blocks and 8 digs. His performance earned him the most valuable player (MVP) award for the match. The team’s setter, senior Tyler Hughes, orchestrated a balanced attack, registering 55 assists and a 1.12 attack efficiency. The defense was bolstered by junior defender Malik Thompson, who recorded 15 digs and a 0.45 dig efficiency.

First Colonial’s senior libero, Emily Ruiz, delivered an impressive 18 digs and a 0.56 dig efficiency, but the Tigers’ disciplined serve‑receive—averaging 6.7 points per set—proved decisive. The serve‑receive statistics highlighted the Tigers’ advantage in the fifth set, where they outscored First Colonial 24‑16 in points won off the serve.

Coaching Perspectives

Coach Derek Lawson of Kempsville emphasized the importance of mental resilience. “We had to stay composed after losing the third set. The guys knew the game was still on the line, and we pushed hard in the final two sets,” he said. “Their serve‑receive was solid, but we kept the pressure on and made sure to capitalize on our opportunities.”

First Colonial’s head coach, Sarah Thompson, acknowledged the Tigers’ performance. “Kempsville played exceptionally well. They were aggressive and did not let a single point slip away. It was a tough loss for us, but we’ll come back stronger next week.”

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The 757TeamZ platform, which aggregates data from state tournaments and regular season play, ranks teams based on win–loss record, strength of schedule, and performance in high‑stakes matches. According to the methodology page, a win against a top‑10 team is worth an additional 0.5 points, while a loss to a team ranked outside the top 20 deducts 0.3 points. The Tigers’ recent victory over a highly ranked First Colonial added significant points to their score, propelling them past second‑ranked Westfield, who narrowly missed out on the top‑15 due to a loss to a lower‑ranked opponent earlier in the season.

Other Notable Teams in the Top 15

The updated top‑15 list now reads:

1. First Colonial – 19‑1 (0.95)
2. Westfield – 18‑2 (0.94)
3. Kempsville – 17‑2 (0.92)
4. Chesapeake – 16‑3 (0.90)
5. Northern Virginia – 15‑3 (0.88)
6. Southside – 14‑4 (0.85)
7. Richmond Hill – 14‑4 (0.84)
8. Newport News – 13‑5 (0.82)
9. Williamsburg – 12‑6 (0.80)
10. Hampton – 12‑6 (0.79)
11. Fairfax – 11‑7 (0.77)
12. Prince George – 11‑7 (0.75)
13. Chesapeake South – 10‑8 (0.73)
14. Norfolk – 10‑8 (0.72)
15. Fredericksburg – 9‑9 (0.70)

The Tigers’ surge to third place is a testament to their consistency and strategic execution against tough competition. Their next challenge will be a home‑court series against Chesapeake, who have demonstrated formidable depth and experience.

Looking Ahead

Kempsville’s schedule remains packed with high‑stakes games, including a pivotal match against Westfield on September 22. Coach Lawson expressed confidence in his team’s ability to maintain momentum. “We’re focusing on staying fresh and keeping our core strategy intact. The players have shown that they can adapt and thrive under pressure.”

The Tigers’ rise has also sparked increased interest from college recruiters, with several Division II programs expressing keen interest in the Tigers’ leading offensive players. Meanwhile, First Colonial, after a swift adjustment period, is poised to rebound with a series of targeted training sessions.

Additional Resources

• [ Kempsville Boys Volleyball Team Page ] – Roster, statistics, and upcoming schedule.
• [ First Colonial Boys Volleyball Team Page ] – Detailed team profile and past performance.
• [ 757TeamZ Ranking Methodology ] – Explanation of ranking criteria and point system.
• [ Game Highlights Video ] – Full match replays and analysis.

The 757TeamZ platform will continue to monitor the Tigers’ progress, updating rankings weekly based on game outcomes. As the season advances, Kempsville’s performance will likely remain a focal point for analysts and fans alike, as they close in on a state championship berth.