UIL STATE: Semi-Final Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As 1A finals wrap up today, let's talk about some important 4A-6A match ups, discuss some key playmakers, and make some predictions!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2> Aubrey vs. Bellville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bellville and Aubrey are both well-oiled machines when it comes to playoff volleyball. Some thought that Bellville might be down this year after their state appearance last season, but Bellville is back again in the State Final Four. They are all about ball control this season with sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='183997' first='Sydney' last='McKay']</strong>, who can do it all. She has had double-digit kills in all of their playoff games, and in most games she was pushing 20 kills per match. Aubrey's <strong>Makayla Johnson</strong> has been a senior libero stud all season. She's got incredible range on defense and has a lot of athleticism to make the hard plays. Aubrey also has Tarleton signee<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='141116' first='Sydney' last='Garrison']</strong>, who can jump out of the gym and has over 2,000 career kills. Bellville's senior libero <strong>Carly Lange</strong> who is ALSO a Tarleton volleyball signee will be on the defense for the Brahmas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Bellville in 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Colleyville Heritage vs. Montgomery Lake Creek </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colleyville Heritage has been in the top 10 all season. They are stacked from top to bottom but have been brought to 5 sets a lot this year. Does this mean they are tried and tested? They have to premier outsides, Region MVP <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180469' first='Suli' last='Davis']</strong>, who has a ton of hops and can crush the ball from any position on the floor. Senior outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141132' first='Ella' last='Busey']</strong>, a Houston signee takes care of the offense on her end as well. She can absolutely go off on an offensive run, that not many teams can stop. Setter <strong>Morgan Howard</strong>, a ULM signee runs the offense for Colleyville. She will pair up against Lake Creek's setter <strong>Lauren Greene</strong>, who is so smart and good offensively. She and Sam Houston signee <strong>Payton Woods</strong> have been the solid rock that Lake Creek built their playoff success. Lake Creek hasn't been in the rankings consistently and they didn't even win their district, but they are well-coached and have a ton of volleyball IQ that got them this far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>- Colleyville Heritage in 4 tight sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Tompkins vs. Keller</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tompkins has been solid all year, winning out their region fairly easily. They have not been tested yet in the playoffs, and Keller will be a huge undertaking. Keller, who was state runner-up last year, has been battle-tested all year, and their district was really tough. Tompkins leads both in aces and digs, with <strong>Brooklyn Merrell </strong>in the backcourt passing as well as 6 rotation right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='87549' first='Cindy' last='Tchouangwa']</strong>. If Keller can get her under control, we might see Tompkins falter a bit. But they have plenty of other offensive options with<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='197076' first='Skylar' last='Skrabanek']</strong> and <strong>Tendai Titley</strong>. Keller's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141125' first='Leah' last='Ford']</strong>, who is a USC signee, has plenty of playoff experience. She will be a huge part of Keller's success. One of the most decorated setters in the state <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='87577' first='Taylor' last='Polivka'] </strong>will be running the offense for Keller as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Tompkins in 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->