An Arizona high school volleyball fan would have to go back to 2015 to see a state finals match that didn’t include Valley Christian, Snowflake or Northwest Christian in the 3A conference.

That was of course the last year of Divisions I-VI. The AIA returned to conferences and regions in 2016.

Nevertheless, the 2022 state playoffs are set to get underway Saturday, Nov. 5, and yet again, the same three power-house clubs are up to their old tricks, grabbing the top three seeds in this season’s playoff bracket.

NO. 3 CRUSADERS

Since 2016, Northwest Christian has appeared in four state championship matches, winning three straight titles from 2018-2020.

Their only loss? A 3-0 sweep at the hands of Fountain Hills in 2016 when they were the No. 1 overall seed.

At this point in the season, every team’s goal is to win a state title, but for Northwest Christian head coach Chuck Hunter, his club is focused on consistency.

“State is something we all work toward, but we know it doesn’t define who we are. We have had a successful program and the girls work hard to keep the success going. If we play our game, play together, and stay consistent, the rest will take care of itself,” Hunter said.

A big key to the Crusaders (27-9, 12-0 3A North) success this season, including a 3A North region title, is Viv Samaniego.

With 287 kills, the junior outside hitter ranked No. 11 overall in 3A this season and her hitting percentage at a 0.313 clip was No. 4 overall in the state.

“She is a steady player that swings, passes, serves and plays defense really well,” Hunter said.

Other standouts include Jessica Jacoby, a senior who had 52 ace serves this season, and Abigail Araujo, who led the Crusaders with 277 digs.

“This has been a great group to girls to coach. Our roster is big, but it has brought on healthy competition and great team chemistry,” Hunter said. “My desire is that we fight for each other not with each other. That takes a lot of intentional work with our girls and I look forward to see how do in the playoffs.”

First Round Matchup:

When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 1 p.m.

Where: Marcos de Niza High School

Who: No. 14 Safford (23-12, 6-3 3A South) vs. No. 3 Northwest Christian

NO. 2 TROJANS

Considering Valley Christian hasn’t lost a power point game since early September, there’s no telling how far this No. 2-seeded program can go this year at state.

The defending 3A state champion Trojans (23-6, 10-0 3A South) have swept their opponent in eight straight regular season power point matches, 3-0. In fact, Valley Christian has 15 sweeps under their belt this fall, with only Northwest Christian making it interesting on Sept. 21, a 3-2 win by the Trojans, and a 3-2 loss to Snowflake on Sept. 6.

Korah Nordin leads the Trojans with 341 kills this season, good enough for fourth overall in the state. And her 0.422 hitting percentage was No. 2 overall in the state behind only her teammate, Kate Phillips (274 kills), who hit 0.482.

“We had a plan from the moment tryouts hit. We have been in the state championship three years straight, and we, as a program, are set out to continue to get back,” Valley Christian head coach Tyler Trathen said.

The Trojans lost to Northwest Christian in 2019 and 2020, 3-0, before winning a title a year ago over Snowflake, 3-0.

First Round Matchup:

When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 3 p.m.

Where: Marcos de Niza High School

Who: No. 15 Camp Verde (15-13, 8-4 3A North) vs. No. 2 Valley Christian

NO. 1 LOBOS

Top-seeded Snowflake (32-4, 10-0 3A East) is looking make things right after losing in the 3A state championship a year ago to Valley Christian, 3-0.

The Lobos have made it to the state semifinals in six consecutive seasons, and they are attempting to make it at least seven straight this weekend.

“There is really great competition in 3A this year. I know every team works incredibly hard to make it to the state tournament. I’m just grateful to be counted among the teams playing in this tournament,” Snowflake head coach Jamie Robinson said.

Livi Schneider leads the Lobos with 344 kills, while Kadee Penrod had 69 ace serves and 328 digs this season, good enough for 12th overall in the 3A this season.

Schneider attributes his club’s success this season due to his offseason routine with club volleyball, and early-morning workouts throughout the year.

“This team has been blessed with incredible parents who are willing to take their daughters all over state to play in matches and attend camps,” Schneider said. “There is a real culture around volleyball and in Snowflake that starts when these girls are young.”

First Round Matchup:

When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.

Where: Marcos de Niza High School

Who: No. 16 Parker (18-14, 8-4 3A West) vs. No. 1 Snowflake

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.