Ohio DII, DIII, DIV Title Favorites

<p>As we advance further into the early phase of the 2021 fall volleyball season, several signs indicate that last year’s state champs are in good position to repeat that feat. Division I 2020 champion Mount Notre Dame has previously been profiled and here is a look at teams poised to claim the crown in November in Divisions II, III and IV. </p> <p><strong>Division II</strong></p> <p><em>Gilmour Academy</em><br /> With a trio of key arms returning along with a terrific libero, the Lancers enter 2021 with big expectations to repeat their DII state title run from 2020 that saw them defeat NDCL 3-1 in the championship match. Senior Northwestern commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114450" first="Kathryn" last="Randorf"]</strong> is the real deal as she brings some of the biggest heat off of her arm in Ohio. She averaged 3.8 kills per set in 2020 and was named Ohio’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Also on the pin is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114460" first="Sabrina" last="Gremm"]</strong>, an Eastern Michigan commit. She terminated nearly three kills per set and is coming off a very competitive club season that should help her to be more efficient and effective this high school season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114550" first="Anna" last="Rarick"]</strong> is a 6’0 junior and has ability to score points as well, with some of her best effort in 2020 coming against some of their top opponents during which she earned double-digit kills. She also has the ability to contribute defensively at the net on the right side as well as dish the offense if needed as she averaged nearly four assists per set last season. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114535" first="Laney" last="Klika"]</strong> is one of the best liberos in the state and will be a significant factor in creating a lot of offensive opportunities for the Lancers’ big offense. She averaged nearly 13 digs per match last season. Freshman setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151988" first="Ella" last="Jackson"]</strong> fills some big shoes following the graduation of their top setter, but she has already shown great ability to be an effective floor leader. Others that should make good contributions this season include junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114510" first="Ella" last="Barnhart"]</strong> and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="139301" first="Maria" last="Flynn"]</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Division III</strong></p> <p><em>Independence</em><br /> Last year’s state champion was Huron with an overall record of 25-2. They defeated Independence 3-2 in the finals. However, Huron was a senior-laden team and graduated many key athletes from that squad, including statistical leaders in all significant categories. On the other hand, the Blue Devils from Independence return some significant pieces that helped them to their runner-up finish and a 25-4 overall record. Leading the way is senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114462" first="Abby" last="Avila"]</strong>. She is one of the best in her position in the state and has the skills, experience, and numbers to show for it. She has an opportunity to eclipsed the, 3,000 assist mark for her career this season and will rely on some junior class arms to help her get there. Outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="153887" first="Gracie" last="Taliaferro"]</strong> had a terrific sophomore season as she average 2.6 kills per set and will be a primary option this season. Teammate <strong>Sammy Barther</strong> should see an increased workload as well coming off a season in which she averaged 2.7 kills per set and involved 11 matches terminating in double-digits. Senior <strong>Calli Prokopius</strong> is the third option returning from 2020 that saw over 100 attempts offensively. Senior <strong>Macy McNamara</strong> is the top returning defensive player as she averaged over eight digs per match with a total of 236 digs in 2020. Independence is off to an 2-0 start to 2021, winning both matches 3-0.</p> <p><strong>Division IV</strong></p> <p><em>Tiffin Calvert</em><br /> The Senecas undoubtedly open the season as a heavy favorite to repeat following a perfect 28-0 season in 2020 and the DIV state title. They return the majority of their offensive and defensive production, including a terrific floor leader in senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114481" first="Emma" last="White"]</strong>. White averaged over 10 assists per set last season and helped guide there offense to a .252 efficiency. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="114542" first="Hannah" last="Miller"]</strong> is back and poised to lead her team once again offensively as she averaged over four kills per set in 2020. At 5’8 she has a good skill set that includes an aggressive arm at the net. The Senecas have a pair of left-handed sophomores that help create good offensive balance and dimension from pin to pin. At 6’0, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="139279" first="Caroline" last="Lanicek"]</strong> is one of the best in DIV. She is very active and her athleticism helps her make a big impact on both sides of the ball. She averaged 2.5 kills per set and 2.6 blocks per match in 2020. <strong>Camryn Shook</strong> can score and defend as well. Her contributions should grow well beyond her 1.7 kills per set from 2020. Senior <strong>Kate Rombach</strong> adds depth to their point scoring and defense as well. Senior libero <strong>AJ Hemminger</strong> is the defensive floor leader coming back from last season that saw her average nearly eight digs per match. The Senecas have a great mix of talent and experience, which should carry them to the final weekend once again.</p>