2A Regional Preview: North

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In our final preview of the week, we look at three of the top eight teams in the class all in the same half of the semi state. The crazy part of this is that there will be an unranked team playing in the semi state finals next Saturday evening, a thought unheard of in recent years. Here are the matchups for today's regionals, locations, times, and records.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Woodlan (21-9) v Lakeland (22-10) @ NorthWood, 4p</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is one of three matchups in this half where there was no previous match between the teams this season. The unknown will be known straight away from the first whistle, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513646' first='Alyssa' last='Anderson']</strong> and her size will be a factor for the Warriors. She's a six-foot middle that leads her squad in blocks while hammering four kills per set and hitting over .300 regularly. She'll be a tough out for the Lakers, who pride themselves on their ball control and defense. I'm thinking <strong>Adelyn Dininny</strong> and her five digs per set will be quite busy from the first serve, but will settle her fellow Lakers down in the long run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jimtown (14-16) v Boone Grove (16-16) @ Culver, 4p</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To my knowledge, this is the only match in any class that has no winning record for either team, making this match WIDE open and a battle for the semi state. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the best thing to have at this time of year is defense and exceptional serve receive. Can't stay in system without it. Both of these teams have young liberi that anchor each defense, and the one with more success in serve receive and defense will win. <strong>Ava Armour</strong> is a junior floor leader, whether she has the captain's responsibility or not. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='623163' first='Lauren' last='Voudrie']</strong> is an up-and-coming sophomore libero that should continue to grow and thrive in this system. The Wolves own a tournament sweep over Jimtown on October 5, so let's see if that defensive trend continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lapel (25-10) @ #3 Southwood (32-0), 4p</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I feel bad for the Bulldogs, as this is one of (if not THE) best volleyball team they've had, ever. They match up against the lone undefeated team in 2A, who are on a mission to the state title match. <strong>Laniah Wills</strong> is the lone Bulldog that is a handful to defend against, and will be the highest jumper and most athletic kid in the gym at 4pm today. Southwood is having their own renaissance in volleyball. I'm looking for senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239310' first='Grace' last='Drake']</strong> to have one more run to Worthen, and it starts with her all-around game and ability to lead with a six-foot frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 Western Boone (22-5) v #8 Burris (25-7) @ Elwood, 4p</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a matchup this will be at Elwood High School. So much committed talent on both teams will make this THE match of the day in 2A. For the Stars, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='154814' first='Raegan' last='Durbin']</strong> (Middle Tennessee State commit) has been the stalwart starter for WeBo since forever. She's a pleasure to watch, and an even better kid. With almost six kills per set while hitting over .300, Raegan's supporting cast will be needed now more than ever to get past Muncie Burris. Speaking of being a pleasure to watch and solid character, the Owls will show off <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155089' first='Lilly' last='Howell'] </strong>(Charlotte commit). With a state title already under her belt, her four kills and .400+ hitting is on par with her previous seasons, and would love to finish her career in her hometown of Muncie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->