DIII Semis Feature Top-Five Teams

<p>This Saturday's Division III state semifinals will feature four of the top five teams ranked in the most current coaches poll. The following are key factors and contributors for each team as they compete for that coveted trip to the state finals.</p> <p><strong>#2 Independence</strong><br /> The Blue Devils arrived to the state semifinal round following back-to-back 3-0 wins in regional play. They have a solid core group of attackers that have led their effort all season at the net. Averaging 13 kills per set as a group, it is setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114462" first="Abby" last="Avila"]</strong> that is the decision-maker and offensive distributor. The junior is averaging over 10 assists per set to go along with her five digs per match, earning her 3rd team all-Ohio for 2020. Their offense has good balance and features a mix of underclassmen and veterans including the following:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Sammy Barther</strong> - 2023 | 2.7 kills/set, 45 aces, 4.5 digs/match</li> <li><strong>Grace Smotek</strong> - 2021 | 3.4 kills/set, .304, 8.2 digs/match</li> <li><strong>Madison Stepanik</strong> - 2021 | 2.9 blocks/match, 1.7 kills/set</li> <li><strong>Gracie Taliaferro</strong> - 2023 | 2.7 kills/set, .333, 39 total blocks</li> </ul> <p><strong>#3 Tuscarawas Valley</strong><br /> This squad ran the table in conference play at 14-0. With a core group of point scorers at the net, their success is largely due to facets that frustrate and pressure their opponents. As a team they average over 19 digs per set and are among the best serving teams with over 200 service aces and 2.4 aces per set average. Their tough serving can take opponents out of system positioning their defense to make key plays to fuel their transition. Senior <strong>Arora Levengood</strong> is the team leader as she gets it done in a variety of ways. At 460+ kills on the season, she averages five kills per set to go along with 17 digs per match. She was a DIII 1st team all-Ohio selection for 2020. Here are three of her teammates that make a big impact as well:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Ashley Merrick</strong> - 2022 | 12.1 digs/match, 2.7 blocks/match</li> <li><strong>Ali Shane</strong> - 2021 | 2.4 kills/set, </li> <li><strong>Taylor West</strong> - 2022 | 3.0 kills/set, 5.4 blocks/match</li> </ul> <p><strong>#4 Huron</strong><br /> Senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114435" first="Georgi" last="Moody"]</strong>, a 2nd team all-Ohio selection, averages nearly 10 assists per set and does a great job of getting multiple attackers involved in the Tigers’ offense. Offensive in her own right, the lefty is aggressive in calling her own number at times as she can swing aggressively or find open space with an aggressive tip. As a result, she averages two kills per set and adds pressure to the defense in forcing them to have to defend her as a third attacker when in the front row. Here are some of her teammates that can also terminate across the net and contribute on the defensive side:</p> <ul> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="107261" first="Sophie" last="Lee"]</strong> - 2021 | 2.2 kills/set, .377, 3.0 blocks/match</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114396" first="MaKenna" last="Schafer"]</strong> - 2021 | 3.2 kills/set, .333, 2.4 blocks/match</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114426" first="Claire" last="Solberg"]</strong> - 2021 | 2.2 kills/set, 3.0 blocks/match</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="107267" first="Sophia" last="Stefano"]</strong> - 2021 | 15.1 digs/match</li> </ul> <p><strong>#5 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy</strong><br /> The Eagles did not drop a set during regional action and enter the state semis with a veteran group that brings a great team effort to the court. On both sides of the ball and in their offensive distribution, they rely upon a variety of individuals across all facets of the game. Two of their athletes earned all-Ohio honors led by senior outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114422" first="Katelyn" last="Grimes"]</strong> (2nd team). She has averaged 2.5 kills per set to go along with 11 digs per match. She also leads the team with over 100 services aces. She was joined by senior outside hitter <strong>Rylie Wichmann</strong> (honorable mention) in earning all-Ohio recognition. Wichmann averages 3.1 kills per set on a .333 attacking efficiency while also contributing 11 digs per match as well. The following athletes provide additional support in their effort:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Katie Gansle</strong> - 2021 | 2.7 kills/set, 4.8 digs/match</li> <li><strong>Erin McDaniel</strong> - 2021 | 5.5 assists/set, 5.1 digs/match</li> <li><strong>Carmen Soloria</strong> - 2022 | 4.2 assists/set</li> </ul>