Class 2 Sectionals

Vernon Birmingham October 30, 2024 @ 10:41 AM

We are on to the sectional round of the postseason. Here is the preview of matches in the Central-Western part of the state.   Adrian (22-9-1) vs. Lathrop (15-20-1)   I saw Adrian live this season in Kansas City and they played well against teams bigger in size. They are winners of 13 of the last 16 matches entering this contest, not having dropped a set in two weeks. Lathrop has won three matches in a row and had an up-and-down season. Adrian has firepower on the offensive side with [player_tooltip player_id='237005' first='Olivia' last='Engeman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='490128' first='Lizzie' last='Clifton'] both averaging over 4 kills per set. I predict Adrian to get the win and move on to the sectional round.   St. Paul Lutheran (26-9-1) vs. Bishop LeBlond (29-3-1)   Ten wins in a row for St. Paul as they prepare for the sectional battle. Malinda Anderson leads St. Paul with her defensive play in the back row. Two of the three losses for LeBlond are to one opponent, Savannah. They are winners of eight straight, including one of those over the Savannah team that had their number this year. [player_tooltip player_id='232218' first='Rilyn' last='Conard'] averages just under 4 kills per set. LeBlond made it to the final four last year and we believe they get one match closer to a return with a win over Lutheran.   Diamond (23-12-2) vs. Fair Grove (37-0)   In the rematch of a match that took place just what will be ten days ago, Diamond and Fair Grove get reacquainted. In that match, Fair Grove won in straight sets behind [player_tooltip player_id='735242' first='Sofee' last='Garrett']'s 11 kills and Brooke Daniell's 30 assists. Fair Grove enters on a 37-game win streak. That's right, they haven't suffered defeat this year and won't in this match as they march towards defending their state title.   Liberty (Mountainview) (20-9-5) vs. Miller (28-6-2)   These two teams faced off in September with Liberty getting a 2-1 victory. Korie Lind led the way with 12 kills, while Bryleigh Wallace added 11. On the other side of the net, [player_tooltip player_id='237008' first='Ashlynn' last='Helton'] had a match-high 13 kills. Miller has won 12 of 13 heading into this match. Liberty has won 8 straight. This is a balanced match where whichever team can limit their errors and take advantage of the other team's mistakes. We expect Miller to redeem the earlier defeat and advance.

We are on to the sectional round of the postseason. Here is the preview of matches in the Central-Western part of the state.