What D2 Players Could Be The “X-Factor” Come Sectionals?
Come tournament time, the stars usually shine bright, but for teams to keep advancing to the postseason it usually takes a couple big performances to make it to that next level. Who are some athletes in Division 2 who will…
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Continue ReadingCome tournament time, the stars usually shine bright, but for teams to keep advancing to the postseason it usually takes a couple big performances to make it to that next level. Who are some athletes in Division 2 who will be that “X-Factor” come Sectional Semifinals and possibly Sectionals? There have already been a few upsets along the way – what will be the next one? These are some athletes who will be key for their team in getting to the next step.
Allison Routhieaux – Luxemburg-Casco
The Spartans have been on a roll as of late since their late season loss to Denmark. They have rattled off withs that include two against Freedom as well as De Pere Tournament Title. They have strong attackers all the way around, but Routhieaux has been the consistent force in the backrow providing a solid first contact to get the offense in system. Steady, solid, and again – consistent with her game where she can get the ball to the setter, Bekah Day so she can run the show.
Emma Oelhafen – Xavier
Oelhafen just broke the Xavier single season record in kills and plans on adding to that Thursday night when Xavier takes on Little Chute. Little Chute has been a major road block for Xavier in years past and these two meet again with Little Chute having upset Fox Valley Lutheran. Xavier will host and with the swing and all-around play of Oelhafen, they will be looking to advance to the sectional final.
Zoe Gburek – Mosinee
Mosinee has their eyes on the road back to the Resch after advancing in 2018. Libero, Zoe Gburek is so solid in the backrow for the Indians. Seeing her at the Appleton East tournament, she provides a solid first contact to get the show running for a balanced offensive attack. The target is on Mosinee being the defending sectional champions, but they have provide a culture that is loose, positive, and one that can succeed in the clutch.
Jacqueline Smith – Northland Pines
Feed the hot hand. Smith has been a major part in carrying Northland Pines to a Regional title with their recent win over Mauston. They will take on Mosinee in a section semifinal Thursday night. Smith is putting up video game-like numbers with over 600 kills and over six kills per set. She will take her talent to Northern Michigan next year.
Sammy Opichka – Notre Dame
Notre Dame is just a really gritty team and pretty young as well. They are picking up their stride at just the right time after knocking off second seed Denmark this past weekend. Senior and Michigan Tech commit, Katherine Walch has provided key ball control and experience all year, but Junior Opichka has been an athletic point scorer as well. Teams who are picking up momentum at just the right time are always dangerous.
Avery Pennekamp – McFarland
McFarland is looking to make it back to the sectional title game after racking up over 30 wins this year. With Senior setter Lizzy Fortune dishing to a well-balanced attack, there is Avery Pennekamp, an upstart Sophomore who is leading McFarland with over 300 kills (3.4 per set). This squad will take on top seed Platteville Thursday night.
Melanie Monaco – St. Thomas More
Monaco will be heading to UW-Parkside after high school to play volleyball, but she still has some swings left to take in her high school season. After falling down 0-2 to Catholic Memorial, St. Thomas More was able to storm back and win the next three sets and the match. Monaco is one of the top point scorers and will look to lead her squad to a sectional title match, but first they will take on Whitnall Thursday night.