Three Teams Off to a Great Start

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Gilmour Academy</em></strong><br>The Lancers, one of the early-season favorites for the Ohio state crown in Division III, are off to a blistering start. They are 5-0, opening the season with consecutive sweeps over some good programs in Highland, Mentor, NDCL, and St. Ursula (Toledo). Their only set loss came in their most recent action as they beat Oletangy Orange 2-1. GA is a squad that has big tradition and they bring back some great talent for 2024. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='151988' first='Ella' last='Jackson'] is one of the mainstays over recent seasons as she brings some of the best distribution and veteran experience. With one of the best collections of attackers in any division, GA features size and some big arms. [player_tooltip player_id='152050' first='Aubrey' last='Anders'] and [player_tooltip player_id='152066' first='Marlie' last='Davis'] are among Prep Dig's best outside hitters in the senior class. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='152049' first='Kayla' last='Channell'] (*pictured; Coastal Carolina commit) and junior D'Aria Whitner bring their own skill set and challenge in the middle for opponents as they lock down their net defense while also providing very capable point scoring to open up their big pin options. The Lancers' ball control and defense ignites what their offense can bring and two fantastic DS/L prospects contribute efficiently in Brie Habeeb and [player_tooltip player_id='401366' first='Mi-Na' last='Diggs']. Habeeb is quickly approaching 900 total digs for her high school career as Diggs committed to DI Villanova during the recent club season. If you can, get a look at this team as they are one of the most complete in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Madeira</em></strong><br>At 5-0 overall, Madeira picked up there first conference win in Cincinnati Hills play as they beat Mariemont 3-0, one of two sweeps on the week. Leading their offense is a sophomore quickly picking up her point scoring as an attacker from last season. Pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519643' first='Evie' last='Schiller']</strong> earned over 200 kills in 2023 and is on her average once again at 2.5 k/s as she has 25 total kills on a .206 efficiency. A pair of juniors are helping create good balance around Schiller as outside hitter <strong>Sophia Wirsing</strong> is also averaging 2.5 k/s while middle <strong>Maeline Cecil</strong> is contributing 2.3 k/s. Their setter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732844' first='Maddie' last='Hambidge']</strong>, also just a sophomore, is doing well to get her attackers involved. Hambidge has 73 total assists in her first significant varsity action. Madeira next hosts Wyoming in league action this coming week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Nordonia</em></strong><br>Also unbeaten are the Nordonia Knights. At 5-0, they recently defeated Riverside 3-1 as that was their first set loss of 2024. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='694841' first='Rylee' last='Kinnell']</strong>, a 6'2 outside hitter, is averaging 3.1 kills per set so far, ahead of her previous average and on pace for a new season high for her career. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='757633' first='Aleithia' last='Wilson'] </strong>is second on the team offensively at 2.0 k/s while leading the team defensively at the net in total blocks. She was very productive in this aspect in 2023 at 2.2 b/m. Making a statement so far is freshman pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721285' first='Aleah' last='Sopata']</strong>. Sopata has earned 18 kills for a 2.0 k/s average and provides the Knights with a viable third offensive option and more depth in their point scoring. A pair of juniors in <strong>Morgan Root</strong> and <strong>Avery Palinkas</strong> have shared the setting role thus far as senior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='757635' first='Riley' last='Barwidi']</strong> is averaging over nine digs per contest as she already has two matches where she picked up 15 total digs. With there next match being versus Lakewood this weekend, they have a pair of league matches next week versus Solon and North Royalton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->