Fort Defiance seeks another volleyball title as season begins

The 2026 Shenandoah District volleyball season started on August 25, with Fort Defiance aiming for a third consecutive championship after back-to-back state runner-up finishes. Fort lost standout Maecy Frizzelle but returns several key players, including Caroline Hanger and Alexis Miller, with coach Amber Pitsenbarger optimistic about the team's depth. Wilson Memorial emerges as a potential challenger, bringing back multiple all-district selections including Estee Irving and Maggie Parrott. Other teams like Alleghany and Buffalo Gap also look to compete, each with varying degrees of experience and strategic aims. Key matchups will unfold in the coming months to determine the district champion.

• 8:06 AMYahoo Sports — Shenandoah District volleyball preview: Can Fort repeat as champs?