DII State Semis Preview

#2 Alder vs. #4 Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin

The undefeated Pioneers have one of the most prolific offensive athletes in Ava Francis Ava Francis 6'0" | OH Jonathan Alder | 2021 State OH leading their attack. She is our #3 ranked prospect in the 2021 class and will head off to the Pac-12 and the University of Arizona next year. She carries a heavy load as she has seen nearly twice as many attempts as her next teammate. Rightfully so given that she is hammering over 50% of her attempts with an average of 5.7 kills per set. On the other side of the net, the Lions of NDCL rely on contributions from a mix of young and veteran athletes. Sophomore Caroline Jurevicius Caroline Jurevicius 6'2" | OH NDCL | 2023 State #5 Nation OH has veteran experience given her big role for this program over a couple of seasons. Like Francis, she leads her team in total attempts on the season and averages 3.7 kills per set. Both of these athletes have good size and athleticism and can bring it at the net. The edge gos to the Pioneers given their veteran experience and the balance of production on both sides of the ball. They average over 12 kills per set while frustrating opponents with their defense and serving. They average over 17 digs per set and have nearly 300 service aces on the season. Here are some additional athletes to look for:

Alder Pioneers

Emma Shepherd Emma Shepherd 5'9" | OH Jonathan Alder | 2021 State OH - 5’9 | RS | 2021
A well-round volleyball player, Shepherd does some good things on the right side of the court. She hits a heavy ball with a fast arm in the air and has good pursuit of the ball defensively. She is second on the team at 2.9 kills per set and leads their assault at the service line with great movement on the ball.
Kennady Izzard - 5’7 | DS/L | 2021
Izzard leads this team defensively with over 13 digs per match. She provides great stability in all facets of ball control. With good vision and reads she shows good patience and efficiency in her movements to pursue the ball. She also contributes well at the service line with 50 aces on the season.

NDCL Lions

Missy Sterkel Missy Sterkel 6'1" | MB NDCL | 2021 State OH - 6’1 | OH/MB | 2021
The Lions average nearly nine blocks per match and Sterkel is a big contributor in this area at a 3.7 average individually. She also contributes well on the offensive side at over two kills per set while swinging at over .300. She is a rangy athlete that elevates well and can take a healthy swing on the ball. Her versatility is to swing from anywhere between the pins is a big asset.
Eva Wheeler - 5’10 | S | 2022
Wheeler is the floor general for the Lions and is averaging nearly 10 assists per set. What stands out is her balance of distribution as she has involved several hitters in their offense throughout season with four athletes seeing over 300 attempts with others not far behind. She has good size at 5’10 and contributes nearly two blocks per match.

#1 Gilmour Academy vs. #6 Tippecanoe

The Lancers are ranked #8 nationally by one source and are the top-ranked DII team in Ohio. What makes them so dynamic is their offensive balance that is highlighted by a good mix of experience. Sophomore Anna Rarick Anna Rarick 6'1" | RS Gilmour Academy | 2023 State OH is a big factor in her dual role as an attacker and setter as she has 140+ kills and over 300 assists. The Red Devils also have their own dual threat in senior Rachel Wildermuth Rachel Wildermuth 6'0" | MB Tippecanoe | 2021 State OH who averages 2.3 kills per set while sharing setting responsibilities leading the team with 6.3 assists per set. Her .599 attacking percentage is a good indication of her effectiveness at the net. In fact, this team shows good offensive efficiency hitting. 383 collectively. Other players to see in this match are below. The Lancers will prove to be too much in this match and should advance to the finals.

Gilmour Academy Lancers

Sabrina Gremm Sabrina Gremm 5'11" | OH Gilmour Academy | 2022 State OH - 5’11 | OH | 2022
One of the Lancers’ key offensive threats, Gremm terminates nearly three kills per set. She has good explosiveness in her elevation and arm and can swing through a broad range of the opponent’s court. Her ability to consistently get her feet to the ball creates good lift and balance that increases her effectiveness.
Kathryn Randorf Kathryn Randorf 6'1" | OH Gilmour Academy | 2022 State #37 Nation OH - 6’1 | OH | 2022
With a 3.6 kill per set average, Randor is this team’s offensive leader. Through a high contact point on the pins, she terminates at a 70% rate of her attempts, which is a great indicator of how difficult she is to stop. The #6 ranked prospect in our 2022 rankings, she is committed to Northwestern.

Tippecanoe Red Devils

Corinn Siefring Corinn Siefring 5'11" | OH Tippecanoe | 2021 State OH - 6’0 | OH/RS | 2021
At 3.4 kills per set and a .360 attacking efficiency, Siefring has been very productive for Tippecanoe throughout the season. She also averages over 10 digs per match while among team leaders at the service line and blocking.
Alaina Titley - 5’7 | DS/L | 2021
Titley is the defensive leader at over 13 digs per match. Her ability to keep their offense in system will be critical so that the Red Devils can capitalize on their offensive balance and put added pressure on the Lancers defense. If she can uphold her defensive contributions she can hopefully frustrate and slow their offense in return.