Division 1 Cinderellas Making It Out Of Regionals

<p>There is nothing quite like the story of Cinderella, unappreciated and underrated, with everyone overlooking her until she showed what she was capable of.  Everyone loves the story of an underdog, so let’s take a look at these rebel “princesses” trying to make their way to the “golden ball."</p> <p><strong><u>Sectional 5 –</u></strong></p> <p><strong>#5 Hamilton (24-20)</strong></p> <p>Hamilton upset #4 Brookfield Central on Saturday in 4 sets.  Central had previously beaten Hamilton at the end of September in 4 sets.  Hamilton managed to end up on top, even with Central’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22407" first="Mckenna" last="Wucherer"] </strong>(2022 – Committed to Minnesota) tallying 23 kills and averaging almost 6 kills per set. Hamilton has a number of weapons, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80154" first="Sarah" last="Schrader"] </strong>(2020 – Committed to UW-Milwaukee), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="32740" first="McKenna" last="Packer"] </strong>(2019 – Committed to Lewis University), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80259" first="Jessica" last="Bagley"] </strong>(2020 – Outside Hitter), and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33734" first="Lakyn" last="Graves"] </strong>(2021 – Middle Blocker). </p> <p>Schrader is super tough to defend when she attacks from the back row, while Packer does a great job making herself available out of the middle and holding the opposing block.  Bagley has a bag full of tools when she takes a swing, while Graves is quick in transition to attack and has a high reach and fast arm swing.  This is a tough group that will be going up against a strong #1 Arrowhead (42-6) team on Thursday.</p> <p><strong><u>Sectional 6 -</u></strong></p> <p><strong>#6 Oregon (28-9)</strong></p> <p>Oregon made their big upset against #3 Union Grove on Saturday.  This regional may not have had the best seeding, but I would have guessed Union Grove would have taken the first set.  Oregon had a different idea and swept the Broncos in 3 (26-24, 25-19, 25-15).  </p> <p>Oregon’s <strong>Bekken Pearson </strong>(2019 – Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker) and Union’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="80156" first="Olivia" last="Dir"] </strong>(2020 – 5’10 – Outside Hitter) both recorded 10 kills in the match.  Pearson had a little more support with <strong>Erin Wriendt </strong>(2019 – Right Side) and <strong>Leah Rogers </strong>(2019 – Outside Hitter) right behind her in the kill category.  Oregon’s <strong>Sydona Roberts</strong>(2019 – Middle Blocker) took care of the net with 4 blocks, while Union struggled in slowing down the Panther offense.  Oregon will face #2 Westosha Central (34-10) on Thursday for what should be a very tight battle!</p> <p><strong><u>Sectional 8 –</u></strong></p> <p><strong>#6 Nicolet (18-21)</strong></p> <p>Nicolet never fails to surprise me!  The Knights defeated #3 Wauwatosa East on Saturday while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33056" first="Chloe" last="Tome"]</strong> (2019 – Committed to Missouri State – Beach) fought to keep her team going with 15 digs, 12 kills, and 2 aces.  Nicolet just had a few too many weapons to manage with <strong>Ava Ellegard </strong>(2021 – 5’11 – Outside Hitter), <strong>Anne Marie Karnes </strong>(2019 – 6’1 – Middle Blocker), <strong>Madeleine Ellegard </strong>(2019 – 5’10 – Middle Blocker) and <strong>Katie Heidenrich </strong>(2022 – 5’7 – Outside Hitter) - all peaking when they should!</p> <p>Ava Ellegard has impressive hustle, and Heidenrich is dangerous with a strong float serve.  The Knights will have their work cut out for them as they take on #2 Waukesha West (32-10) on Thursday.  This is a match that could potentially go to 5!</p>