Four Regions, Four Regional Finals to Watch – Nov 12

It's do or die now! Saturday will be a busy day in the state of Texas, with as many as 24 Regional Finals taking place, each of them putting in play a coveted berth to compete in the University Interscholastic League's (UIL) high school volleyball State Championship next week.   This is, of course, one of those days in which absolutely every match matters, but since I've done it the entire season, we thought it'd just make sense to preview some of the can't-miss matches another time, again highlighting one duel in each of the four Lone Star State regions.   Region 1: Keller vs. Prosper - @ Thomas Coliseum - 11 AM   This division 6A showdown will feature two of the top teams in the entire state. Keller are undefeated in their last 15 matches and on Friday swept Guyer in the regional semifinals. The Indians have loads of talent everywhere in their squad, most notably with junior outside hitter Reagan Sharp, junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='124142' first='Anna' last='Boatner'], senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='87577' first='Taylor' last='Polivka'] and senior libero Kalani Whillock.   Prosper are also coming from a big semifinal win, a three-set victory against Boswell. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='155117' first='Ayden' last='Ames'], who registered her 1,000th career kill in that match, has been the team's leading scorer all season. The team's other pin hitter, senior [player_tooltip player_id='87554' first='Ella' last='Chaney'], is an excellent all-around player, who contributes on every aspect of the game. Also look out for senior [player_tooltip player_id='141133' first='Callie' last='Kieffer'], who's a tremendous ball-handler and a terrific defender.   Region 2: Bridgeland vs. The Woodlands - @ Lufkin Multipurpose - 12 PM   Another division 6A matchup, our region 2 featured duel highlights two teams that dominated the scene in the Houston area during the regular season. Bridgeland were flawless against Rockwall in the regional semifinals, extending their winning streak to eight matches. The Bears have a difference-maker on the backcourt in junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='124159' first='Alice' last='Volpe'], two productive outside hitters in seniors Olivia Waggoner and [player_tooltip player_id='87547' first='Kennedy' last='Kays'] and a reliable setter in senior Lauren McIntyre.   The Woodlands have been put to test in the postseason and were taken to five in both the regional quarterfinals and the regional semifinals (against Waxahachie), but survived both battles and are undefeated in their last ten matches. Senior setter/right side [player_tooltip player_id='176642' first='Claire' last='Dewine'] is the team's technical leader while sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='179917' first='Ella' last='Lewis'] plays a big role in the Highlanders' offense. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='195826' first='Molly' last='Tuozzo'] has been on fire on the backcourt this season and senior middle Marjorie Johnson can be a factor at the net with her physicality.   Region 3: Lake Creek vs. Brenham - @ Merrell Center - 12 PM   Both division 5A teams were considered by many as the underdogs in their regional semifinals, but secured big wins to advance. Lake Creek showed nerves of steel to handle a strong Fulshear team in five sets and remain perfect in the postseason. Senior outside hitter Payton Woods has been a scoring machine for the Lady Lions, especially when set by the excellent senior Lauren Greene. Senior Lauren Hilty is very effective in the middle while senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='99502' first='Lauren' last='Vickery'] is really to score on.   Brenham was dominant against perennial contenders Manvel and needed just four sets to get the job done and make it to the regional final. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='99493' first='Brooke' last='Bentke'] is a formidable player and carries the team's offense. She gets big help from junior setter/right side [player_tooltip player_id='124110' first='Charli' last='Crowson'] with both her setting and her hitting. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='178811' first='Kristen' last='Kuehn'] is very reliable on the backcourt while junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='124161' first='Sienna' last='Kelm'] also makes a lot of impact on the game.   Region 4: Dripping Springs vs. Lake Travis - @ Alamo Convocation Center - 11 AM   Dripping Springs eliminated a strong Harlan team in four sets in their division 6A regional semifinal on Friday. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='87537' first='Mackenzie' last='Plante'] has been a stud on offense and defense for the Lady Tigers all season. A fellow pin hitter, freshman Henley Anderson hasn't slowed down in the playoffs. The team also has a pair of talented setters in junior Presley Alford and freshman Sydney Lund and a productive blocker in senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='176636' first='Natalie' last='Arnold'].   Lake Travis showed strength in the regional semifinals, needing only three sets to put an end to the surprising postseason run of division sensations Laredo United. The Cavaliers have a skilled heavy hitter in senior outside Logan Brannan and a well-rounded talent in junior [player_tooltip player_id='177544' first='Avery' last='Hamlin'], who sets and hits for them. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='202719' first='Kacey' last='Kazmierski'] is well over 1,000 assists for season, senior libero Emily Contreras has been incredibly productive on the backcourt and junior Carrington Jaimes is not the prototypical middle and can help on defense too.

It's do or die now! Saturday will be a busy day in the state of Texas, with as many as 24 Regional Finals taking place, each of them putting in play a coveted berth to compete in the University Interscholastic League's (UIL) high school volleyball State Championship next week.