Vol 3: Big District Match-Ups to Catch This Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New week, new games, and more crazy matchups to catch! Below we have highlighted 4 games that are big for one reason or another. Whether is a rivalry, or a must-win game, each team needs this big win this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Mansfield vs. Waxahachie</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mansfield and Waxahachie are set for a big district matchup this week and both teams currently stand at 5-0. I really like <strong>Lauren Demuth</strong> from Mansfield. As a middle, Lauren has great vision of the court. She knows where the holes are and how to play the ball off a blocker's hands. She doesn't need a lot of transition prep time. She is always following the ball and getting available for her setter. Mansfield's outside hitter <strong>Mia Clay</strong> really improved over her club season with Drive Nation and can really hammer a ball line. She's got a fast approach and a quick arm swing. Waxahachie's outside hitter Amber Morgan may be undersized at the position, but she more than makes up for it with ball control and volleyball IQ. She likes to hit a fast set and play off the hands of blockers. They have two stellar defensive specialists <strong>Abby Fuller</strong> and <strong>Brennan Ramirez</strong>. Brennan has made some great saves this season for Waxahachie. Mansfield will also have to pay attention to Waxahachie's middle blocker <strong>Tionna Owens</strong>, who already has 80 blocks this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Splendora vs. Huffman</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Splendora and Huffman both 1-0 in district play right now will face each other this week in an old rivalry matchup. Huffman will have to rely on a pretty young squad with sophomore outside hitter <strong>Addison Litt</strong>, who does have good reach and connection on the ball. She loves the cross-shot and is able to hit deep corners and lines. Another sophomore right side <strong>Carli Briese</strong> brings a lot of offense. The left has a heavy arm and often times blasts through the block. She will pair up with Splendora's outside hitter <strong>Kaitlyn Collins</strong>, who is a very good blocker. This should be a good matchup at the net. Kaitlyn is also capable of a heavy swing and standing at 6'1, she's got a high reach. Splendora also has a good backcourt with libero <strong>Katie Unterreiner</strong>, who is one of the better defensive players in the region in 4A. She is also playing next to teammate setters <strong>Madison Garza</strong> and senior setter <strong>Falon Buford</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Grand Oaks vs. College Park</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a big game for both teams. College Park sits at 4-4 and Grand Oaks at 7-1. The last time these two teams met, it was a playoff atmosphere. College Park has suffered some unfortunate injuries but the way their team responded this season has been incredible. It's the freshman of College Park that are stepping up to the plate. They have 3 freshmen who are making immediate impacts. Pin hitter <strong>Reece Ellen</strong> is one of the playmakers for College Park, bringing energy and intensity and providing a much-needed block. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225147' first='Caroline' last='Prihoda']</strong> is all but running a 5-1 for College Park, and it's because of her connection with her hitters that is so successful. Both teams have middles that are so integral that they can sway the outcome of the game. Grand Oak's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='124153' first='Jaela' last='Auguste']</strong> will have to match up against College Park's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209539' first='Lacy' last='Tinnell']</strong>. Both athletes are a part of the USAV NTDP. We should see some big plays at the net from both of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Clark vs. Reagan</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Possibly Region IV's biggest game is Clark vs. Reagan. Clark handed Reagan its only loss in the district a few weeks ago in a 5-set thriller. This time they will play at Reagan High School. Reagan's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180467' first='Aniya' last='Hall'] </strong>has been lights out from the front row. She runs a complicated variety of sets from setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='142207' first='Gabriella' last='Reeves']</strong>. Out-of-system balls are no problem for her either. They are very rarely out of system though with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='153300' first='Brenna' last='Heffron'] in the back. She makes it look easy with her quick reaction time and movement to the ball. She will have to defend Clark's <strong>Kaitlin Whitlock</strong> on the outside position. Kaitlyn comes flying into the set, really putting her power behind the ball. Clark is also set up with some amazing defensive specialists with [player_tooltip player_id='197082' first='Jaylin' last='Lott'], who works to keep every ball alive for the Cougars. Reagan must also pay attention to <strong>Arianna Roberson</strong>, who leads both teams in blocks with 127.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't forget to register for the <a href="https://prepdig.com/top-250-expos/"><strong>Prep Dig Texas Expo</strong></a>! Use code HowingtonPDExpo2022 to save at check out!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->