Semi-State Preview: Columbus East

Kyp Harasymowycz October 27, 2023 @ 10:20 AM

<p>In our final edition of the semi-state match preview, we have three volleyball blue bloods and a rookie coming to the party in Columbus, Indiana. Included below are the team's records, their ratings (according to <em>IndianaPrepVolleyball.com)</em> and an uncommitted player from each that could propel their respective squads to Worthen for next week's state championship.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A: #8 Scecina (25-11) v #6 Brownstown Central (23-13), 1p</h2>   <p>To start our day in southern Indiana, we have two storied programs that both understand what it takes to get here. The Crusaders have been riding high having exactly zero losses to 2A schools this season. <strong>Molly Welborn ('25, 5-8 OH)</strong> has carried her team on her back as they hope to get a shot at that big trophy. In a four-set win over Cascade in the regional final, Molly did just that to the tune of 23 kills and 17 digs. She even added a few points from behind the baseline, solidifying how important she is to the program. Brownstown Central won't go away quietly, however. They're not too far removed from a state title of their own, and are always in the conversation to make it to Ball State every year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750544' first='Sophie' last='Wischmeier']</strong> is a sensational sophomore who finished with 20 kills and 20 digs in her regional final against Linton-Stockton last week. Her ability to transition from pass to attack will be key in the Braves making it back to Worthen.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A: #8 Tri-West (25-9) v #1 Providence (29-5), following match #1</h2>   <p>A tale of two programs is what you get in this matchup. Yes, they played each other to open the season, a sweep for the Pioneers back on August 12. These two teams are playing differently now, though. The Bruins have never been here---this is their first semi-state in program history, after knocking off big-and-talented Hamilton Heights last Saturday. Sophomore primary passing outside <strong>Izzy Masten ('26, 5-8 OH)</strong> never comes out, and does a bit of everything for the Bruins. Her 4k/.300 season stat line will have to be kicked up a notch to make their first trip to Worthen. The Pioneers have been sitting in the top two of 3A for us all season, and are a senior-heavy squad coming back for a repeat performance of their state title run last fall. Look for lefty banger <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143807' first='Makenzie' last='Wagner'] ('24, 5-10 RS)</strong> to be part of a balanced offense to keep the Bruins guessing on defense. </p>

In our final edition of the semi-state match preview, we have three volleyball blue bloods and a rookie coming to the party in Columbus, Indiana. Included below are the team's records, their ratings (according to IndianaPrepVolleyball.com) and an uncommitted player from each that could propel their respective squads to Worthen for next week's state championship.