Biddeford’s Danielle Emerson gets the ball past Gorham’s Summer Gammon in the Class A state final. Emerson helped lead the Tigers to an 18-0 record and their first state championship since 2010. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer
Erin Andrews, Falmouth senior, outside hitter: Andrews has been improving each season and could be the backbone of a strong Navigators team this fall. She’s an excellent server and passer and strong blocker, and has taken on a leadership role this summer leading up to the season.
Bella Cortez, Cheverus junior, defensive specialist/libero: As a sophomore, Cortez stood out enough in the Stags’ back row to earn first-team all-SMAA recognition. She’s a difference-maker and could help lead Cheverus through Class A’s tough field and back to the playoffs.
Sophia DiPhilippo, Gorham senior, setter: DiPhilippo is the central piece of a veteran-laden Rams team that appears poised to be a Class A threat. She had 48 aces and 65 digs, and her 319 assists led the state. “She never thinks that what she’s doing is good enough,” Coach Emma Tirrell said.
Nora Dowling, York senior, setter: Dowling is an intense, competitive player and the Wildcats’ lone returning first-team all-WMC selection. She brings a hard serve and good offensive game, and will have to lead the York team with Chloe Slovenski out for the season.
Danielle Emerson, Biddeford senior, setter/outside hitter: The Varsity Maine Player of the Year in 2022, Emerson returns as one of the most dominant and versatile players in the state. She had 168 kills, 114 assists and 94 digs last season while leading the Tigers to the Class A title.
Lara Gin, Deering senior, outside hitter: The Rams are a team that could crack the top group of teams in Class A, and Gin is a big reason why. She’s an excellent scorer up front, but she’s versatile enough to play anywhere. “She’s exceptional, but she always wants to learn,” Deering Coach Nika Francois said.
Natalie Moynihan, Scarborough junior, outside hitter: Red Storm opponents have learned to fear Moynihan. Her 200 kills and 56 aces led the team. “She has a powerhouse of an arm,” Coach Nicole Petherbridge said, “and as soon as she gets you to respect that, she’ll be the one to mix up her shots on you.”
Ella Nickerson, South Portland senior, outside hitter: Also a Varsity Maine All-State softball pick, Nickerson is a skilled hitter and one of the top front-row talents for a Red Riots team that expects to be a playoff contender. She had 35 aces and 25 kills last season.
Annie Vinnakota, Yarmouth senior, outside hitter: The Clippers’ only returning senior from last year’s championship team, Vinnakota is the team’s leader in addition to being a Western Maine Conference first-team All-Star. She’s a strong server and good defender, and she had seven kills against Gardiner in the Class B final.
Quinn Wherley, Kennebunk sophomore, libero/defensive specialist: As a freshman, Wherley had no trouble becoming the confident leader of the Rams’ defense. She has command of the back row, has great instincts for where the ball is going, and brings a hard, accurate serve.
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