4A Too-Soon Preview: Part 2

Kyp Harasymowycz July 20, 2022 @ 08:30 AM

Part two of our last too-soon preview includes two teams from opposite ends of the state that almost won it all. Both had their respective shots at McCutcheon with one (Penn) actually holding a two-sets-to-one lead at one point in the postseason. Here are what's coming back for each 30+-win program.   <h2>CASTLE</h2>   Making it to your first state championship match is tough. McCutcheon took advantage of their first opportunity and nailed it. Castle, also a first-time title match attendee, had an historic season, but with nine seniors graduated, who can help return the Knights to glory? Look no further than Katie Kopshever ('24, 5-11 OH/RS), who brings her 3+ kps/.300+ attack line to the fray. Although she only played three rotations in her matches, I expect her to have to carry more of the load, both offensively and defensively, if they wish to make it back to Worthen Arena. [player_tooltip player_id="210467" first="Breanna" last="Lane"] ('23, 5-9 S) is a great setter and an even better leader on the floor, and will probably have to coach up a bunch of youth to have a chance this fall. However, with all of the graduations Castle has to replace, who steps up into those much-needed roles?   <h2>PENN</h2>   They had them. Up two sets to one, in the semi state, looking to make a run to the final, Penn was this close to winning it all. Unfortunately, [player_tooltip player_id="85895" first="Chloe" last="Chicoine"] did [player_tooltip player_id="85895" first="Chloe" last="Chicoine"] things, and the rest is history. Forced to face them again, most likely in the semi state again, will be a victory unto itself for the Kingsmen (Kingswomen? Lady Kingsmen?). Fortunately for these ladies, there's enough coming back to justify that prediction. Ultra-offensive setter [player_tooltip player_id="167492" first="Macy" last="Hatkevich"] ('23, 5-8 S) averages over 10 assists per set and a kill per set for a squad that is filled with aggressive attackers. A physical and emotional leader such as she should jump-start their title run. They have a bit of size coming back as well, as [player_tooltip player_id="190166" first="Kate" last="Trueblood"] ('23, 6-0 MB) will be a force in the middle this fall. However, nothing can happen with those two until the first contact happens, which should come regularly from [player_tooltip player_id="109145" first="Cadence" last="McGlothlen"] ('23, 5-6 DS/L), a first-contact queen with the ability to serve receive more to take the pressure off of her teammates.

Part two of our last too-soon preview includes two teams from opposite ends of the state that almost won it all. Both had their respective shots at McCutcheon with one (Penn) actually holding a two-sets-to-one lead at one point in the postseason. Here are what's coming back for each 30+-win program.