Players to Watch: Normal Univerity vs. JCA – 3A semis
Brian Gibboney
<p><strong>Normal University vs. JCA, Friday, November 15, 5:30 pm.</strong></p>
<p>Before breaking down the players to watch in this IHSA 3A semifinal tilt, here is a little background on both programs.</p>
<p>This is the second trip to states for <strong>Normal (University)</strong> as a 3A Division team, the first in 2017. Although they have made the tourney eight times, winning it in 1999, 2000 as an "A" Division team. Coach Mike Bolhuis (179-64) is in his seventh year as Normal University's Head Coach. </p>
<p><strong>Joliet Catholic Academy (JCA)</strong> is no stranger to the state tournament as they are three-time state titleholders (2003, 2008, 2009) all under current head Coach Christine Scheibe. In her 20 year career, Scheibe amassed a 589-189-10 record, including this season 25-14 record. Last year, the Angels finished third in the state tournament. </p>
<p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong><br />
<strong>Lily Barry (2023, 5'6, OH, Normal University) <br />
</strong>Although not the main star of this team, but Lily is the constant note that Normal University plays in a match. She is steady and a solid teammate that has 242 kills, 20 blocks and 33 aces on the year.</p>
<p><strong>Alayna Crabtree (2020, 6'2, OH, Normal University)<br />
</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;">The team leader in kills with 328, she also comes in second with 242 digs. Alayna's 52 service aces is the team's best sharpshooter!</span></p>
<p><strong>Riley Hungate (2021, 5'9, OH, JCA)<br />
</strong>Riley had a solid match against De La Salle in the Super-Sectionals. University's blocking at the pins could give her some trouble </p>
<p><strong>Erin O'Grady (2020, 5'6, L, JCA)</strong><br />
Defensively for the Angels, her 267 leads the team in digs. She is an offensive weapon as well, with a team topping 41 aces during the 2019 campaign.</p>
<p><strong>Bella Ray (2020, 6'3, MH, JCA)<br />
</strong>A force in the middle Bella had 289 kills and 92 blocks on the season. They like to run the middle and Bella will be a key cog to JCA's Success. </p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Maycie Welborn (2021, 6'3, MH, Normal University)<br />
</strong> Maycie tallied 165 kills and 80 blocks in 2019. This should be a great matchup between Maycie and JCA's Ray if the rotation shows itself. Two strong and tall middles facing each other.</p>
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