Key Factors in DI State Semis

<p>The state tournament is upon us and the semifinal round is certain to provide excitement and drama. Here are a few key factors for the four teams competing in Division 1. </p> <p><strong>#1 Padua Franciscan </strong><br /> Ranked #1 one nationally by one source, the Bruins are a veteran-laden team. Their depth of experience around the floor is so fun to experience as a fan. They get it done in all facets and play with great unity and confidence. The most significant non-senior is 5’4 junior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114463" first="Ella"</strong><strong>="Grasson"]</strong>. She is a big part of their balanced offensive production provided her ability to keep them in system often. She is averaging nearly 13 digs per set. Key senior contributors include: </p> <ul> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114423" first="Jordan" last="Chessar"] - </strong>2.4 kills/set; 34 service aces; 5.6 digs/match</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114390" first="Brooke" last="Cirigliano"]</strong> - 3.4 kill/set; 4.3 blocks/match; .510 attacking efficiency</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114440" first="Maria" last="Futey"]</strong> - 3.3 kills/set; 8.6 digs/match</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114394" first="Amanda" last="Leigh"]</strong> - 10.6 assists/set; guided team attack efficiency of .330</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114428" first="Kate" last="Mihacevich"]</strong> - 2.7 kills/set; 6.3 digs/match</li> </ul> <p><strong>#11 Bishop Watterson</strong><br /> Solid defense and good offensive balance are strengths for the Eagles. They average 5.6 blocks per match but can really frustrate their opponents through the 17+ digs per set that they produce. They have a collection of four attackers that have each received their fair share of opportunities within their system and will need this balance of options to be in full effect in order to stretch the Bruins’ defense through both pins. Their key athletes include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Gina Grden</strong> - 2.3 kills/set; .267 attacking</li> <li><strong>Ava Hoying</strong> - 2.6 kills/set</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114393" first="Olyvia" last="Kennedy"]</strong> - 3.2 kills/set; 1.7 blocks/set</li> <li><strong>Margo Lawson</strong> - 10.6 digs/match</li> <li><strong>Sophie Mangold</strong> - 9.7 assists/set; 10.1 digs/match</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114381" first="Sydney" last="Taylor"]</strong> - 2.6 kills/set; 15.3 digs/match</li> </ul> <p><strong>#2 Mount Notre Dame</strong><br /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114445" first="Carly" last="Hendrickson"]</strong> is the notable factor for this team. One of the best volleyball athletes that will come out of the Cincinnati area, if not the state, she has been an offensive juggernaut. Averaging over six kills per set while hitting well over .300, she is highly effective and efficient. The Florida-bound junior is a handful for every opponent and will be relied upon to continue producing at a high rate through the weekend. The good thing is that she has a great setter to get her the ball where she needs it and some good offensive support around her. Additional factors include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114446" first="Maggie" last="Butkovich"] - </strong>2.1 kills/set</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114400" first="Ally" last="Christman"]</strong> - 3.7 kills/set</li> <li><strong>Anna Currin</strong> - 11.9 digs/match; 40 service aces</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114391" first="Megan" last="Wielonski"]</strong> - 11.6 assists/set; team attacking efficiency of .317; 61 service aces</li> </ul> <p><strong>#9 St. Joseph Academy</strong><br /> The Jaguars rolled through regional plaly relatively unscathed in defeating both of their opponents 3-0. They face their toughest opponent of the postseason on Friday and will need a big team effort in order to overcome Mount Notre Dame. Look for these athletes to make significant contributions with the state championship match on the line:</p> <ul> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114474" first="Kirsten" last="Barrett"]</strong> - 8.1 assists/set; 6.6 digs/match</li> <li><strong>Heaven Bartell</strong> - 3.2 kills/set; 3.4 blocks/match; 8.5 digs/match</li> <li><strong>Maxine Springer</strong> - 2.7 kills/set</li> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114558" first="Reilly" last="Wadden"]</strong> - 13.4 digs/match</li> </ul>