Bristol, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Hidden Valley High School volleyball team secured victory at the Sunset Slush Summer Slam tournament in Bristol, sweeping all five matches. With standout performances from players like Mae Kochenderfer and Camlyn Morstad, the Titans showcased their impressive skills, overcoming strong opponents such as Ridgeview and Wise County Central. The team’s resilience and teamwork shone through despite graduating key players from last season. Looking ahead, they aim to maintain their winning momentum in their upcoming home match against William Byrd.
Bristol
The Hidden Valley High School volleyball team emerged victorious at the Sunset Slush Summer Slam tournament held in Bristol, hosted by the Virginia High Bearcats. The Titans, reigning as two-time defending champions of the VHSL Class 3, showcased their formidable skills by sweeping all five matches in a ten-team tournament.
During the tournament’s pool play, Hidden Valley demonstrated their dominance by defeating several strong competitors. The Titans secured wins against:
- Grundy with scores of 25-17 and 25-18
- Ridgeview, who are the defending VHSL Class 2 state champions, with scores of 25-16 and 25-19
- Richlands with scores of 25-15 and 25-20
- Rural Retreat with scores of 25-23 and 25-17
In the championship match, Hidden Valley faced Wise County Central and won decisively with scores of 25-15 and 25-17. Despite losing six seniors from last year’s successful team, including standout Caleigh Ponn—who is now competing at Kansas State—the Titans exhibited excellent teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament.
Key players in the finals included freshman Mae Kochenderfer, who scored nine kills, and senior Camlyn Morstad, who contributed seven kills. Coach Pierre Ellis highlighted the “next man in” mentality adopted by the team, motivating players to step up in the absence of last year’s seniors.
Hidden Valley last participated in a counted match on November 23, 2024, securing a state title against Grafton. Coach Ellis noted that the team’s spirit and commitment were instrumental in their performances during the tournament.
Wise County Central finished second in the tournament, achieving four victories out of their five matches. Their key players, Ameera Youmessi and Brylee Mosier, played significant roles in their performance, particularly in the championship match against Hidden Valley.
Looking ahead, the Titans are set to play their first home match of the season on Tuesday against William Byrd. Players and coaches from Hidden Valley recognize the legacy of former successful teams as a motivating factor in maintaining their high standards of performance on the court.
Background Information
Hidden Valley High School’s volleyball team is known for its strong performance in previous seasons, standing out as two-time defending state champions. The team’s recent success at the Sunset Slush Summer Slam illustrates their continued commitment to excellence, even as they adapt to changes in player lineup due to graduations.
Upcoming Matches
As the Titans prepare for their first home match against William Byrd, excitement builds among players, coaches, and fans. The team aims to further establish their winning record and continue their legacy of success.
Key Tournament Statistics
| Match | Scores | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25-17, 25-18 | Grundy |
| 2 | 25-16, 25-19 | Ridgeview |
| 3 | 25-15, 25-20 | Richlands |
| 4 | 25-23, 25-17 | Rural Retreat |
| Finals | 25-15, 25-17 | Wise County Central |
FAQ Section
What teams participated in the Sunset Slush Summer Slam tournament?
Ten teams participated in the tournament, including Hidden Valley High School, Wise County Central, Ridgeview, Grundy, Richlands, and Rural Retreat.
How did Hidden Valley perform in their matches?
Hidden Valley won all five of their matches in the tournament, concluding with a victory against Wise County Central in the finals.
Who were the standout players for Hidden Valley during the tournament?
Freshman Mae Kochenderfer and senior Camlyn Morstad were standout players in the finals, scoring nine and seven kills, respectively.
When is Hidden Valley’s next match?
Hidden Valley’s next match is at home against William Byrd on Tuesday.
What is the significance of the team’s previous success?
The success of previous teams serves as motivation for current players and coaches, as they strive to uphold a legacy of excellence in the volleyball program.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Herald Courier: Hidden Valley Volleyball Victory
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Herald Courier: Tri-City Fair Fun
- Google Search: Tri-City Fair
- Herald Courier: Local News Update
- Google Scholar: Local News
- Herald Courier: High School Volleyball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Sports
- Herald Courier: Volleyball Tournament Highlights
- Google News: Volleyball Tournament
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
