3A Preview: The Blue Bloods

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Use code KypDig2024 for $10 off of your registration to our Stock Up Showcase or our Freshman Showcase August 3!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've already talked about the high-level programs that are either dropping down or moving up to class 3A in Indiana, but there are some that have always been there and shown success over a long period of time. Here's a look at two teams from opposite ends of the state that look to make waves in late October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Silver Creek (24-10)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the gold standards of girls volleyball in southern Indiana, the Dragons are easily one of the biggest teams in 3A in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274410' first='Addison' last='Makun']</strong> is an absolute force in the middle, and is bringing all of her 6-4 frame to Louisville in the fall of '25. <strong>Abby Larson </strong>is a big and physical hybrid attacker that can do damage on either pin or in the middle if needed. <strong>Brooklyn Renn</strong> is yet another 6'+ pin attacker that makes some blocks look irrelevant. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='286982' first='Ava' last='Kopf']</strong> also returns as the libero, so most of the pieces are there. Add to this fact that Providence is now in class 4A, and a huge, annual obstacle being removed is music to these Dragons ears. Does it matter who the setter is? With all of this firepower, setting those three kids and receiving first contacts from Ava will make the job that much easier for a late run in October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop Dwenger (18-9)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the Fort Wayne area, the Saints are on the other end of the spectrum when it comes to "sectional obstacles". With both Angola and Concordia Lutheran in their sectional for the next two seasons at least, that second week in October is probably a little too familiar for their tastes. No matter, as a bunch of pieces from last seasons' success return, most notably <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='324343' first='Jillian' last='Tippmann'].</strong> Her ability to hit in the front row and set out of the back row is a nice problem to have, yet finding that other setter to keep Jillian attacking might be problematic this fall. I like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='498444' first='Lindsay' last='Snyder']</strong> on the outside. Explosive and athletic, Miss Snyder can put balls away regularly and might receive the majority of the offense when times are tough. The middles return, which is huge for this squad. Both <strong>Maddy Sordelet</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497502' first='Nicolette' last='Watercutter']</strong> are tough on net defense and can cause problems offensively if you let them. The biggest question remains---who's the libero?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->