Most Intriguing Sectional Semifinals: Part 2

Kyp Harasymowycz October 19, 2024 @ 10:29 AM

<p>We talked earlier this morning about the intriguing sectional semifinal matches from 4A and 3A. Now, let's dive into the smaller schools. Here are three matches from around the state that each involve a team in the top ten in their respective class (1A or 2A).</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A Sectional at South Spencer: #10 Evansville Mater Dei (19-8) v #12 North Posey (24-6), approx. 11a (CT)</h2>   <p>The Evansville area is REALLY starting to show up when it comes to volleyball talent and overall athleticism. We can talk all day about Tecumseh, Barr-Reeve, Evansville North and Castle. There's so much more than those four blue-bloods. The Wildcats have Evansville recruit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504709' first='Brooke' last='Herdes'],</strong> and she'll do just about anything to run the show and continue her Mater Dei season for one more match. In order for the Vikings to avenge their four-set loss to the Wildcats (August 22), they'll need a lot more from <strong>Kaity Oakley.</strong> Her quick feet in the middle and whip of an arm can carry her Viking squad, but will it be enough?</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A Sectional at Marquette Catholic: #4 Morgan Township (24-5) v #13 Kouts (20-8), approx. 11a (CT)</h2>   <p>A pair of Central Time Zone matches from different parts of the state? Why not? These Chicagoland kids know their volleyball, and often go over the state line to play club. The Cherokees already own a pair of five-set thrillers over the Fillies (September 13 and September 30), but can they make it three? Sophomore hammer <strong>Noelle Keifer </strong>should lead the way offensively, but might need a little more help from her supporting cast to win again. Senior <strong>Lindsey Krueger</strong> will have something to say about it, as she has all four seasons of her storied career. She's already passed 1200 kills and 200 aces in her career, and should pass 1000 digs should she win this match today. Her 23 kills in their last match against the Cherokees was huge, but she might need a career match to overcome this obstacle.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A Sectional at Daleville: Northfield (22-8) @ #6 Daleville (23-5), approx. 1p</h2>   <p>Of the three matches listed today, this is the only one where the teams HAVEN'T met in the regular season. One is all offense, while the other prides itself on its defensive prowess. It's not surprising that the Broncos of Daleville have offense for days. The senior-sophomore combo of <strong>Trishell Johnson</strong> and <strong>Madelyn Rees</strong> are <em>averaging</em> 9 kills per set while hitting well over .300 on the season. That's a solid pair on offense for any class of volleyball. Defense for Northfield will be key, and the Norsemen (Norsewomen?) have a senior-sophomore defensive duo in <strong>Camryn Kuhn</strong> and <strong>Bella Myers.</strong> Together, the pair average 8 digs per set. The question remains: does offense or defense win the match?</p>

We talked earlier this morning about the intriguing sectional semifinal matches from 4A and 3A. Now, let's dive into the smaller schools. Here are three matches from around the state that each involve a team in the top ten in their respective class (1A or 2A).