FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga — The Alpharetta volleyball team traveled to Denmark High School Sept. 18 to sweep the Danes 3-0.
Alpharetta, currently ranked No. 1 in all classifications in Georgia, has lost only one match this season to Cartersville. The Raiders have dropped just six sets all year, securing the No. 13 spot on MaxPreps’ national rankings.
Returning seniors libero Kailey Leonard, middle blocker Audrey Simpson, an Alabama commit, outside hitter Kennedi White, committed to Emory, and right side Stephanie Payne, still uncommitted and on the All-American watchlist, are two-time champions with the Raiders.
Replacing three starters in the class of 2025 has gone smoothly for Alpharetta. White was playing last year behind Brooke Boyles, who finished in the top 30 for total kills in Georgia. Simpson had been playing behind Madison McLin, who had the fourth-highest hitting percentage in the state.
The Raiders have turned to the youth to replace Abigail Li, their setter now playing at Georgia Tech. Freshman Susie Dai posted 13 assists against the Danes. Sophomore Harsha Velugoti contributed 12.
Libero Kailey Leonard, who played one set as defensive specialist while fellow senior Tabitha Estes got a turn in the dark jersey, had 13 serve receives and 11 digs, including multiple impressive ups on FAMU commit Azaria Ehima.
Senior outside hitter Hannah Smith,center, digs the ball at Denmark High School Sept. 18.
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Ehima and the Danes kept the Raiders busy with a back-and-forth first set. Alpharetta survived after numerous ties and lead changes, 26-24.
The Raiders cleaned up errors in the second set, seeing success by sharing the sets among all hitters. All 15 members of Alpharetta’s team touched the court, closing out set two 25-17.
Sophomore Leilani Lamar, a transfer this season from Tampa Prep, logged three straight aces in the second set, a solo block and four kills against the Danes.
“The players and coaches have been really welcoming,” she said. “Everyone stepped up and we all really just played our best today.”
The Danes came out hot in the third set, keeping the score close until Alpharetta went on a 5-0 run to go up 16-8. The Raiders closed out strong, 25-14.
Alpharetta co-head coach Elizabeth Margeson said that even in a year that included replacing three starters, continuity has been maintained, even strengthened this season.
“We have a very deep team, at every position,” she said. “We have a sophomore and a freshman at setter, and they’ve been consistent throughout the season. It’s really a testament to how hard they work and the older girls they have around them with great communication.”
Denmark opposite Azaria Ehima had a down night after a season-high 21 kills against Forsyth Central Sept. 16. Ehima logged nine kills and two aces against the Raiders.
