Bristol, Virginia, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Hidden Valley High School volleyball team showcased their prowess by clinching the Sunset Slush Summer Slam tournament, winning all five matches. They defeated Wise County Central in the finals with scores of 25-15 and 25-17, solidifying their reputation as a dominant force in Virginia’s high school volleyball scene. Standout performances included Mae Kochenderfer’s nine kills in the championship, demonstrating the team’s resilience despite recent roster changes. Both Wise County Central and Ridgeview also displayed competitive spirit, promising an exciting upcoming season.
BRISTOL, Virginia – The Hidden Valley High School volleyball team emerged victorious at the Sunset Slush Summer Slam tournament held on August 30, 2025, cementing their dominance in the sport by winning all five of their matches. The two-time defending VHSL Class 3 state champions defeated Wise County Central in the finals with decisive scores of 25-15 and 25-17.
The tournament took place in Virginia High’s Bearcat Den and featured a competitive field of ten teams. Hidden Valley’s performance throughout the day showcased their impressive capabilities, reinforcing their status as a formidable contender in the upcoming season. Their victory in the championship match came after a compelling journey through pool play, where they claimed wins against Grundy, Ridgeview, Richlands, and Rural Retreat.
Wise County Central, finishing as the runner-up, won four out of five matches in the same tournament. Initially, they led the first set 9-8 and the second set 5-3 before Hidden Valley capitalized on their momentum and executed a strong comeback. The Warriors had earlier achieved victories over Chilhowie, Fort Chiswell, Council, and Virginia High, demonstrating their competitive spirit and skills throughout the tournament.
Notably, Ameera Youmessi from Wise County Central was a standout performer, contributing eight kills against Hidden Valley, while amassing a total of 43 kills across all matches. Other key players from Wise County Central included Drew Damron, who recorded four kills, Brylee Mosier with eight assists and two kills, and Riley Stallard, who contributed four digs during the matches.
Hidden Valley’s performance in the finals was bolstered by freshman Mae Kochenderfer, who made an impact with nine kills, and senior Camlyn Morstad, who added seven kills. Despite recent roster changes, including the loss of six seniors and the notable departure of the 2024 state player of the year to Kansas State, Hidden Valley’s Coach Pierre Ellis maintained confidence in his team’s depth, emphasizing the philosophy of “next man in.” This approach encouraged players to step up and collaborate as a cohesive unit throughout the tournament.
During the tournament, Ridgeview, the previous year’s VHSL Class 2 state champions, faced Hidden Valley but ultimately secured third place against Chilhowie. The coach from Ridgeview acknowledged the invaluable experience gained from competing against the talented Hidden Valley squad, further highlighting the high level of competition at the tournament.
With the start of the new season approaching, both Wise County Central and Ridgeview are expected to be strong contenders in the Mountain 7 District. The performances at the Sunset Slush Summer Slam provide optimism surrounding the teams, with players and coaches expressing enthusiasm for their future endeavors and the growing team chemistry amidst the transitional period.
Key Match Highlights:
- Final: Hidden Valley def. Wise County Central (25-15, 25-17)
- Notable players from Hidden Valley included Mae Kochenderfer and Camlyn Morstad.
- Ameera Youmessi led Wise County Central with 43 kills over the tournament.
- Ridgeview placed third after competing well against Hidden Valley.
Overview of the Tournament:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Valley | 5 | 0 | Mae Kochenderfer (9 kills), Camlyn Morstad (7 kills) |
| Wise County Central | 4 | 1 | Ameera Youmessi (43 kills total) |
| Ridgeview | 3 | 2 | Performance against Hidden Valley |
FAQ Section
Who won the Sunset Slush Summer Slam volleyball tournament?
How did Hidden Valley perform in the tournament?
What notable players performed well in the tournament?
What teams are expected to be rivals in the upcoming season?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hidden Valley Titans Win Sunset Slush Summer Slam
Additional Resources
- Herald Courier: Local News
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Herald Courier: High School Volleyball
- Google Search: Hidden Valley High School volleyball
- Herald Courier: Life & Entertainment
- Google Scholar: volleyball tournament study
- Herald Courier: Community News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: tournament
- Herald Courier: Girls Volleyball
- Google News: volleyball victory
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.
