Class 4 Final Four Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final matches of the day feature our Class 4 teams. Westminster is our sole team back from a year ago looking to defend their state title. The last time Platte County was in Class 4 was two years ago and they made the final four. Those two teams will see each other in one match. Here is our preview of the day ahead in Class 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westminster Christian (31-2-5) vs. Platte County (26-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams earned quarterfinal sweeps last weekend to earn a spot in this semifinal clash. Westminster had to battle in the first two sets of their bout with St. Pius X (Festus), with the first two sets having a two-point differential before running away in the decisive set. The Wildcats have four players totaling over 200 kills on the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152141' first='Emma' last='Fairchild']</strong> has 316, while fellow senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171209' first='Alli' last='Bishop']</strong> is not far behind with 277. Another senior, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152147' first='Avery' last='Stanfill']</strong> has been an anchor behind the front-row defense with 366 digs. The setting duo of <strong>Lexi Frazier</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152131' first='Sophia' last='Shaver']</strong> have been key to this team's success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Platte County put us on alert with a commanding sweep of St. Michael the Archangel. The Pirate team we saw last Saturday was the best one we've seen of them this year. The team made one key move in the last week with <strong>Jenna Wheeler</strong> taking over the libero duties and it has proved pivotal. The key will be how quickly can <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='216466' first='Kendall' last='Johnson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219756' first='Karlee' last='Riggs']</strong> get going on the pins. Middles <strong>Tatiana Murray</strong> and <strong>Madison Hoyt</strong> can be the x-factors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: It's hard for me to pick against Platte County after seeing them live in their quarterfinal. They are clicking right now and think they outlast Westminster in four taking down the defending champs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Incarnate Word Academy (28-12) vs. Webb City (34-2-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Knights handled Parkway Central in four sets to earn a right to face Webb City today. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead before dropping the third set and escaping with a 2-point fourth set victory. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='169895' first='Tara' last='Greenberry']</strong> will be depending on to carry the offensive load but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='169896' first='Ellie' last='Witthaus'] </strong>has shown she can play Robin to Greenberry's Batman. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='124225' first='Sammi' last='Bergjans']</strong> delivered a 1000 assists season and will hope to add more in leading her team to a final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webb City was in an all-out war, beating Helias Catholic in five. Webb City delivered a set 1 beat down before falling in the next two sets. With their backs against the wall, they fought back to take the 4th before winning the decisive final set 15-10. Senior <strong>Brenda Lawrence</strong> had 15 kills. on 44 swings. She also dropped 6 aces in the match. The block was huge in the contest sending back 13. Look for them to rely on that block to slow up balls for <strong>Kyah Sanborn</strong> to find her hitters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: Both teams were good in neutral site locations totaling 18 wins. IWA had five losses in the first week or so of the season. They found their stride in late September winning 12 in a row. Webb City owns a 14 streak of their own in season. We think the difference maker is the Greenberry/Bergjans connection, IWA in four. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->