Saturday's Top Sectional Matchups

Today's the day! More than half of all teams state-wide will be eliminated today, leaving only 16 teams per class. With the IHSAA format, both sectional semifinals AND the final will be played in the same location on the same day. That's a LOT of volleyball. I won't jump ahead, so here are four sectional semifinal matches that will be worth the admission price.   All rankings/ratings are as of 10/9 through IndianaPrepVolleyball.com, and all records are through 10/13.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A: #13 Greenwood Christian Academy (20-13) @ #11 Indianapolis Lutheran (16-15)</h2>   This should be fun. The GCA Cougars almost play in my back yard, and have plenty of talent to go around. Junior attackers [player_tooltip player_id='152942' first='Faith' last='Kresge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='539959' first='Addisyn' last='Yoder'] should dictate play at the net, and are the offensive dynamic duo the Cougars will need to get past the defensive-minded Saints. Speaking of those Saints, seniors are the primary players to watch, as outsides [player_tooltip player_id='240642' first='Hadleigh' last='Filipovich'] and [player_tooltip player_id='216522' first='Grace' last='King'] are the main attackers. They play the toughest schedule in 1A to prepare for matches just like this one.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A: North Judson-San Pierre (23-10) @ #3 South Central (30-0)</h2>   We still have undefeated teams remaining? The Satellites will gladly show you how they keep their focus, now that we're in one-and-done season. Senior outside Tatum Wade averages six kills per set, and will be the main reason for the Satellites' success from here on out. Senior setter Hope Welsh might want to consider distributing the ball a bit to keep defenses honest---or to keep Tatum's arm from falling off. The Bluejays have their own senior leaders in [player_tooltip player_id='137933' first='Lindley' last='Martin'] and Reese Johnston. Lindley is a primary-passing outside that prides herself on control and minimizing errors. Reese is the first-contact kid you need to win big time matches like this one. I can easily say that this particular match should be treated as the sectional final, and should be just as competitive.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A: #16 Western Boone (19-8) v Danville (20-9) @ Monrovia</h2>   Finally, a neutral playoff match! Both of these teams know each other well, as they met in conference play earlier this fall. The Stars are led by Middle Tennessee commit [player_tooltip player_id='154814' first='Raegan' last='Durbin'], whose relentless style of play is dizzying to watch. She's a full-go and no-quit player with energy to spare. Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='157436' first='Janie' last='Ransom'] should feed her top attacker early and often to keep this playoff run going. As for the Warriors, they have club-experienced youth as well, starting with junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='172331' first='Sofia' last='Windmiller']. Her ability to distribute a well-balanced offense might be the key to keeping the Stars honest on defense. I like the matchup [player_tooltip player_id='394127' first='Ella' last='Vandermark'] creates. This sophomore middle can change games at the net with both her block and her attack. She'll need to do a little extra if they want to get past the Stars.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A: Bloomington North (22-9) v #8 Center Grove (24-5) @ Greenwood</h2>   I brought this match up because this is a repeat of an epic five-set battle from earlier this fall. The Trojans had to come back from an 0-2 deficit to win, and it took every last kid on the roster to do so. Look for big-time attackers [player_tooltip player_id='173248' first='Reese' last='Dunkle'] (Northwestern commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='173243' first='Ellen' last='Zapp'] to get the biggest share of the offense. These two junior hammers have been one-two in kills in most matches this fall, and look to do more of the same in this match. The Cougars have experience as well, but on the defensive side. Recent Indiana commit [player_tooltip player_id='173239' first='Avery' last='Freeman'] can pass half the court and directs a defense like a conductor directs an orchestra. Senior middle Mia Robbennolt will have her hands full today, as both of CG's middles can put the ball away at any time in any position.

Today's the day! More than half of all teams state-wide will be eliminated today, leaving only 16 teams per class. With the IHSAA format, both sectional semifinals AND the final will be played in the same location on the same day. That's a LOT of volleyball. I won't jump ahead, so here are four sectional semifinal matches that will be worth the admission price.