4A Semi-State Players To Watch

<p>With the regionals in the books, we can now hone our focus to the final four teams in each class and their big time players. Today’s article emphasizes the 4A teams and players that got them this far.</p> <p><strong>Penn (36-1)</strong></p> <p>The Kingsmen got revenge for their only regular season loss by beating Munster in the regional final on Saturday. Although undersized, their primary attackers get the job done, and they rarely make errors. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101974" first="Emma" last="Hickey"] (’22, 5-7 OH)</strong> is in elite company with a 3+ kps average to go with her .300+ hitting percentage. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125441" first="Janet" last="Moala"] (’22, 5-7 MB)</strong> is an explosive middle that can attack from anywhere, and is hitting at a .400 clip on the season.</p> <p><strong>McCutcheon (28-6)</strong></p> <p>The Mavericks will try to advance to the state final for the first time in school history after winning their first regional title in ’20. Led by U.S. Youth National Team player <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85895" first="Chloe" last="Chicoine"] (’23, 5-9 OH, Penn State commit),</strong> this team has been together for a few years now, and will be a tough out for any of the three teams. Case-in-point; Fishers lost in straight sets in the regional final on Saturday, with Miss Chicoine tallying 32 (!!!) kills. Everyone in the gym knows where the ball is going, and no one has been able to stop her.</p> <p><strong>Roncalli (28-5)</strong></p> <p>Responsible for Yorktown’s first loss this season AND ending their season, the Royals had the toughest of draws among these four. Roncalli survived Brownsburg in 5 before knocking off Yorktown in 4 long sets on Saturday evening. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85844" first="Olivia" last="Murphy"] (’22, 6-1 OH)</strong> led the way with 17 kills while hitting nearly .400 against the Tigers. Freshman phenom <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152943" first="Logan" last="Bell"] (’25, 5-10 OH)</strong> was an excellent complementary piece in the win, earning a double-double with 14 kills and 20 digs. Texas commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85811" first="Emma" last="Halter"] (’22, 5-6 DS/L)</strong> continues to be the foundation of the defense and serve receive, scooping 36 (!!!) digs in the regional final. For a team to hit north of .300 against Yorktown in a playoff match is an impressive feat. </p> <p><strong>Castle (30-2)</strong></p> <p>Knocking off volleyball power Columbus East in four in their regional final, the Knights look to represent the southern half of the state with their match against Roncalli on Saturday. <strong>Katie Kopshever (’24, 5-11 OH/RS)</strong> led the way against the Olympians with 21 kills while hitting .450. An additional piece to the offense is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="107136" first="Natalie" last="Niehaus"] (’22, 5-9 OH), </strong>who added 14 kills in the win. But do the Knights have enough defense to slow down Roncalli?</p>