Three Division I District Champs Crowned at Lakota East

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The three Division I district championships at Lakota East on Saturday saw each scenario for the number of games possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One finished in three. Another took four games to complete and the final one took the full five games to decide leading to an exciting end to the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwest 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fairfield 3, Lakota West 2 (25-18, 25-22, 22-25, 19-25, 15-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams gave everything they had trying to advance to the region championship. The Indians (18-6) made a few more plays than the Firebirds (11-11) to win the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fifth and final game went back and forth with Fairfield going up 11-9 only to see Lakota West score three straight to go up 12-11. Addy Kloth landed another kill to give the Firebirds a 13-12 lead before junior Addy Borg came through with a huge block for the Indians to tie the game at 13. The Indians then won when Ava Hensley landed a kill and [player_tooltip player_id='292944' first='Kennedy' last='Ostendorf'] served an ace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of players stepped forward on both sides trying to lead the teams to the win. Ostendorf and Rose Rodriguez split the setting duties and Ostendorf landed a number of kills, digs and aces. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='500094' first='Kendall' last='Kupper'] and Hensley had some big digs along with Rodriguez. Hensley, Borg, Maya Beck and Bella Wotring took some hard swings for the Indians. Ostendorf, Rodriguez, Kupper and Peyton Smith all landed at least three aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakota East tried to counter with balance. Kloth led the Firebirds in kills with [player_tooltip player_id='501155' first='Adelyn' last='Twyman'], lefty Megan Fuller, Margo Petterson, Jonaeyah Edwards and Janaya Smith taking some big swings. Allie Steckman and [player_tooltip player_id='572597' first='Seerat' last='Kaur'] split the setting duties with libero Brookelyn Humphrey leading in digs. Steckman, Fuller and Twyman all had at least three aces and 10 different Firebirds had digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwest 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Seton 3, Kettering Fairmont 0 (25-17, 25-3, 25-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Saints take on the Indians in the region semifinals at 5:30 p.m. at Lakota West on Wednesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seton (22-2) overcame the inspired Firebirds (8-16) in the first game then cruised in the second and third games as each player that came in contributed in different ways. [player_tooltip player_id='152052' first='Sakura' last='Codling'] and [player_tooltip player_id='403526' first='Grace' last='Jones'] once again led the defensive effort with setters Reagan Miller and [player_tooltip player_id='368391' first='Kirsten' last='Kemper'] continuing to put the hitters in position to put balls down. [player_tooltip player_id='227615' first='Callie' last='Combs'] had another good all-around game for the Saints with [player_tooltip player_id='379749' first='Nattie' last='Slusher'] making a number of big kills at the net. [player_tooltip player_id='480837' first='Charley' last='Moeddel'] again gave the Saints a solid option at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seton passed the ball better only allowing one ace in the game. Codling and [player_tooltip player_id='152060' first='Sydney' last='Crowley'] led the Saints serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fairmont held tough with the Saints in the first game. Mara Crabtree set up [player_tooltip player_id='572586' first='Lily' last='Riegel'] well and Riegel put some balls down. Libero Noel Briones led the Firebirds in digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwest 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Milford 3, Oak Hills 1 (25-12, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Milford made its first appearance in a district championship since 1996 and ended up winning the first district crown since 1991 with the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The difference in this game came at the net. The Eagles (14-9) blocked 16 balls to just five for the Highlanders (17-7). Oak Hills head coach Ally McCarthy said the slow start also did not help the cause.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='195210' first='Rachel' last='Morgan'] had another unbelievable game for the Eagles digging up balls and landing key aces. Senior Cam Burton quarterbacked the offense well and added some key digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aubree Adams came through for the Eagles landing a double-double in kills and blocks controlling the net. [player_tooltip player_id='548947' first='Abigayle' last='Grace Hamm'], [player_tooltip player_id='721287' first='Grace' last='Miracle'], [player_tooltip player_id='661888' first='Baechle' last='Mathes'] and Molly Obermeyer added to the Milford attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='261341' first='Kayla' last='Robinson'], Emily Hoog, Lily Stewart and [player_tooltip player_id='786144' first='Emma' last='Tharp'] recorded at least 10 digs each trying to keep the Oak Hills season alive. [player_tooltip player_id='487235' first='Lindsey' last='Curless'] even had a number of digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hoog commanded the offense a good bit setting the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='786144' first='Emma' last='Tharp'] led the Highlanders in kills with Gabi Lowe and Kendall Stein landing solid kills during the game. Stein also recorded some blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Hills takes on Mason on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Lakota West.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Performances</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["195210"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":711025,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb151"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morgan had another phenomenal game chasing down balls all over the court. She uses her instincts well. Morgan does not hesitate to dive to keep plays alive. She also landed some big aces in the win. Morgan said she likes to be in the mindset, especially if teammates are struggling. Morgan finished with 35 digs and three aces in the win over Oak Hills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["151982"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":711027,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb1b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burton (pictured) has been consistent working with the young Milford hitters all season and did a good job of it again Saturday. She is a great senior leader for the Eagles. Burton also covers ground well to dig up balls. Burton had 37 assists, eight digs and three kills in the win over Oak Hills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":711028,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Aubree Adams","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Milford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Northern Kentucky Junior Volleyball","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb242"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adams used her size well to give the Eagles invaluable play at the net with the blocks and solid swings. Adams said defense is a big part of the game. She said the blocks get her teammates excited. That became contagious throughout the game. Adams had 18 kills and 11 blocks in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["805463"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":884007,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb2bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tharp did what she could trying to extend the season for the Highlanders. Tharp has a solid swing even from the back row. She proved she can land balls on solid defensive specialists. Tharp even dug up a number of balls providing good net coverage. Tharp had 18 kills, 16 digs and two aces in the losing effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":711036,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Reagan Miller","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Seton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb331"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller does a great job delivering quality sets for the Saints. She is quick on her feet allowing her to give nice long and short sets for the Saints. She has good spin on her serves and dives on setter dumps. Miller said the team leans on and encourages one another. Miller had 24 assists in the win over Kettering Fairmont.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["292944"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb372"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ostendorf contributes in about every way possible as a versatile player for the Indians. Ostendorf will put up a solid set one play then come back and smack it hard the next play. She can mix in setter dumps. She controls the tempo of the game and squares up her arms to balls defensively. Ostendorf has good spin on her serves painting the line to end the second game against Lakota West. Ostendorf said the Indians play as a team working hard in practice to achieve success in games. Ostendorf said she takes a lot of pride leading the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["500094"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":711040,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb3bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kupper anticipates balls well and tracks a number of them down then makes solid passes. She adds in solid arching serves that can take opponents by surprise. Kupper gets teammates together after plays and encourages them. Kupper said she tries to bring energy to the team with the hustle plays. Kupper had 26 digs and three aces in the Fairfield win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":711048,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Addy Borg","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Oak Hills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da2c2eb437"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Borg had been playing on the junior varsity all season, but came up with a huge block to tie the game at 13 in the fifth and final game against Lakota West. Borg said she watches hitters and not setters and it worked out on that play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["572597"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":711055,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671da3c088bd9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaur made a number of plays trying to keep the Lakota West season alive. She runs the offense well trying to put balls where her teammates tell her to. She sets the hitters in stride. Kaur had 17 assists and four digs for Lakota West.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->