Four Regions, Four Regional Finals to Watch – Nov 12
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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…
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Continue ReadingIt’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 Anna Boatner Anna Boatner 6'4" | MB Keller | 2024 State #87 Nation TX , senior setter Taylor Polivka Taylor Polivka 5'11" | S Keller | 2023 State TX and senior libero Kalani Whillock.
Prosper are also coming from a big semifinal win, a three-set victory against Boswell. Junior outside hitter Ayden Ames Ayden Ames 6'4" | MB Prosper | 2024 State #3 Nation TX , 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 Ella Chaney Ella Chaney 6'2" | MB Prosper | 2023 State TX , is an excellent all-around player, who contributes on every aspect of the game. Also look out for senior Callie Kieffer Callie Kieffer 5'10" | S Prosper | 2023 State #199 Nation TX , 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 Alice Volpe Alice Volpe 5'5" | DS/L Bridgeland | 2024 State #83 Nation TX , two productive outside hitters in seniors Olivia Waggoner and Kennedy Kays Kennedy Kays 6'2" | OH Bridgeland | 2023 State TX 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 Claire Dewine Claire Dewine 6'1" | S The Woodlands | 2023 State TX is the team’s technical leader while sophomore outside hitter Ella Lewis Ella Lewis 5'11" | OH The Woodlands | 2025 State TX plays a big role in the Highlanders’ offense. Senior libero Molly Tuozzo Molly Tuozzo 5'7" | DS/L The Woodlands | 2023 State #38 Nation TX 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 Lauren Vickery Lauren Vickery 5'6" | DS/L Grand Oaks | 2023 TX 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 Brooke Bentke Brooke Bentke 6'2" | OH Brenham | 2023 State #112 Nation TX is a formidable player and carries the team’s offense. She gets big help from junior setter/right side Charli Crowson Charli Crowson 6'1" | OH Brenham | 2024 State TX with both her setting and her hitting. Senior libero Kristen Kuehn Kristen Kuehn 5'7" | DS/L Brenham | 2024 State TX is very reliable on the backcourt while junior defensive specialist Sienna Kelm Sienna Kelm 5'3" | DS/L Brenham | 2024 State TX 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 Mackenzie Plante Mackenzie Plante 6'0" | OH Dripping Springs | 2023 State TX 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 Natalie Arnold Natalie Arnold 6'0" | MB Dripping Springs | 2023 State TX .
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 Avery Hamlin Avery Hamlin 6'1" | OH Lake Travis | 2024 State TX , who sets and hits for them. Junior setter Kacey Kazmierski Kacey Kazmierski 6'0" | S Lake Travis | 2024 State TX 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.