7th Region Preview: Assumption reloads for another state run

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As impressive as their 24 state championships are, what is just as impressive is how many times the Rockets have NOT won the state championship since the first one in 1992.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nine times including three years recently between 2020 and 2022 when legendary head coach Ron Kordes told various media outlets the team was "stuck on 22" after winning the 23rd one in 2023. Kordes, 77, has been the head coach of the Rockets since 1989.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assumption</strong> (35-8 last year) may not have the size of previous teams, but the usual quick pace and ball control are still there. Kordes attributes the clubs they play in including the Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy and Union for helping with the development of that speed that opponents have struggled with for years. It also helps many of the players started playing volleyball in the third grade while many schools to do not have developmental programs before the seventh grade.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='484326' first='Carle' last='Hooe'] is the team's tallest player at 6-1 with five players standing either 5-10 or 5-11, which still gives them an advantage at the net over a number of opponents. Senior 5-11 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212398' first='Ella' last='Askin'] and Hooe, a middle blocker, did not play in the Bluegrass Games, neither did senior 5-5 defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='212396' first='Emily' last='Keiran']. Keiran expected to return later that week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That gave other players the opportunity to take swings at the net. The explosive [player_tooltip player_id='611724' first='Brooke' last='Codey'] hits from all six spots on the floor giving the Rockets a chance to win any game. Junior 5-11 [player_tooltip player_id='484327' first='Emily' last='Poteraj'] and 5-11 sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='851613' first='Julia' last='Lee'] took good swings, helping the Rockets win the Bluegrass Games. Lee and Poteraj can play different spots at the net. Sophomore 5-8 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='611743' first='Taylor' last='McKenzie'] and 5-11 senior middle/opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212401' first='Addison' last='Pence'] had big moments in the Bluegrass Games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior 5-10 [player_tooltip player_id='212400' first='Jillian' last='Bohannon'] will take over the setter spot with junior 5-8 [player_tooltip player_id='603778' first='Addison' last='Hurley'] backing her up. The 5-7 senior [player_tooltip player_id='212399' first='Kathryn' last='O'Toole'], senior 5-8 [player_tooltip player_id='212397' first='Iris' last='Williams'] and two juniors in 5-6 [player_tooltip player_id='484323' first='Cheyenne' last='Reyes'] and 5-7 [player_tooltip player_id='484322' first='Madalyn' last='Faulkner'] will also contribute at defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kordes said the team is working through injuries. He said working to get production from the middle blockers is an area of focus in the preseason. Kordes said they're working on plays such as slides, threes and pushes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets open the season against Male on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The<strong> Sacred Heart Valkyries</strong> (33-6) put together another solid season, but met Assumption in the region semifinals and saw the end of their season. They graduated eight seniors, but tend to reload. The Valkyries lost to Elizabethtown in the quarterfinals of the Championship Flight in the Bluegrass Games after winning the event the previous two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Passing was a huge issue Sacred Heart hopes to iron out. The Valkyries had some similar issues with first touches at this time last year. Head coach Brett Versen said the team is filling in holes at this point in the season so the focus is getting the players to gain confidence playing with each other. Senior Libero [player_tooltip player_id='253864' first='Campbell' last='Miles'] and senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='253869' first='Hilary' last='Pehlke'] bring back a lot of experience in this area. Juniors Hannah Hillerich, [player_tooltip player_id='746362' first='Taylor' last='Berger'], [player_tooltip player_id='746474' first='Catherine' last='Rose Smith'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='748192' first='Bella' last='DeSensi'] hope to aid in this area as defensive specialists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior [player_tooltip player_id='484248' first='Mia' last='Jasgarszewski'] had a solid club season and did the setting for Sacred Heart in the Bluegrass Games. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='788409' first='Cate' last='Bakken'] could also set or play some opposite hitter. Senior middle/opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='826292' first='Gracie' last='Eybel'] returns after recording 124 kills last year as the team's leading returning hitter. Junior lefthanded outside/opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484247' first='Taylor' last='Frey'] is taking big swings and junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484325' first='Ava' last='Mineer'] hopes to step in this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sacred Heart hosts Atherton on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Ballard Bruins</strong> (29-8) once again set the school record for wins in a season and brought home a 28th District championship. They graduated six players off that team, but do return two tall middle blockers in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='212348' first='Ella' last='Grivna'] at 6-6 and 6-4 [player_tooltip player_id='443382' first='Ava' last='Liening']. The duo is tough to handle at the net, especially on quicks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard needed players to step into the setter role with the graduation of Natalie Sanders. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='783574' first='Gabby' last='Stinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='752334' first='Ruby' last='Tennen'] have stepped into that role. The Bruins have balance on the outside with senior [player_tooltip player_id='629192' first='Marleigh' last='Tripp'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='752300' first='Journey' last='Gibson']. Junior Jazmyn Hammond and sophomore Brooke Holdcraft also looks to help out at the opposite spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Doug Coan said the Bruins will need their defense to come up big again so the setters can give the talented hitters solid sets. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='750447' first='Megan' last='Helander'] is back to help there along with senior [player_tooltip player_id='479283' first='Ahtziry' last='Medina']. Coan said the Bruins do a good job making adjustments on defense and do everything he asks at 1,000 percent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard met Assumption in the semifinals of the Championship Flight in the Bluegrass Games. The Bruins could not counter Assumption's speed and ball control. However, Coan said he's proud of the team for making it the furthest ever in the Bluegrass Games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard starts the season with a tough game on Aug. 19 hosting North Oldham.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>DuPont Manual Crimsons</strong> (29-11) have been to the region championship twice in the last three years. They nearly took the first set losing just 30-28 against Assumption at home in the region title game last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manual saw five seniors graduate, thus head coach Richard Weaver understands some saying it is a rebuilding year. However, he and the staff challenge each team to be their own identity. Weaver said developing mental toughness in big moments will be a big key to the season. He knows there will be ebs and flows early with a young team. However, he said the Crimsons are longer, quicker and still very athletic across the board. Strong impacts in the serving game, ball control and defense will be focuses early with the offense catching up as the season goes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"This team has already shown how close they are and how much fun they have in the gym day in and day out," Weaver said. "We never talk about wins and losses within our program. We are process-oriented, and each teammate is fully bought into that. It'll be a fun journey seeing this team grow each and every night and putting themselves in great position to make a postseason run."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team returns two starters in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='768464' first='Avery' last='Schrenger'] at outside hitter and [player_tooltip player_id='804780' first='Avery' last='Easley'] at opposite hitter. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='484420' first='Alyssa' last='Faber'] moves into the setter spot. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='484421' first='Suzetta' last='Fuller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='792726' first='Calista' last='Easley'] return at defensive specialist. Other key hitters are junior outside, opposite hitter [player_tooltip player_id='484427' first='Piper' last='Fulton'] and sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='851639' first='Ally' last='Hamilton'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manual hosts Taylor County on Aug. 19 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>28th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Academy - Louisville (32-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Centurions were dealt a big blow at the Bluegrass Games earlier in the week when they found out the dynamic sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='601632' first='Kayleigh' last='Rogers'] would be out for the season with an injury suffered in the Bluegrass Games. Head coach Sherry Ashley said the team is wrapping the minds around it. However, it is next player up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things start in the back with senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='479282' first='Katrina' last='Oswald'] along with junior defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='484282' first='Mia' last='Boyd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='745824' first='Lexi' last='Schaffner']. Sophomore Maddie Ramey hopes to conribute at outside/opposite hitter with junior [player_tooltip player_id='771856' first='Kyla' last='Roy'] playing middle blocker and freshman sister [player_tooltip player_id='875198' first='Kally' last='Roy'] playing either outside or right side hitter. The setters will be junior Olivia Lewis, sophomore Celia Harvey or Reagan Wahl. They will also play right side hitter when not setting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Centurions travel to the Christian Academy of Indiana on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kentucky Country Day (13-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bearcats saw the solid Ryelle Rondo graduate, taking her talents to the University of Alabama. However, junior [player_tooltip player_id='535207' first='Isla' last='Ford'] returns after going for 122 kills last year. Three seniors in setter [player_tooltip player_id='479287' first='Amaya' last='Johnson'], defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='479290' first='Ashlynn' last='Smith'] and middle blocker Helena Coleman also return.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KCD starts the season Aug. 19 against Portland Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eastern (11-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have a new start under new head coach Timothy Kleitz, who is the third one in three years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He can start with sound sophomore hitter [player_tooltip player_id='456722' first='Hadley' last='Fertig']. Senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='435838' first='Katelyn' last='Lusiak'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='535215' first='Gracie' last='Montgomery'] are also back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles host Spencer County on Aug. 20.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walden (6-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolverines have a tough road in a rugged district. They listed two eighth graders and one seventh grader on the roster last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolverines travel to Louisville Collegiate on Aug. 22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>27th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Seneca (14-24)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalli Knoop takes over a program with some talent. The Redhawks return a sound setter/defensive specialist in [player_tooltip player_id='479295' first='Jordyn' last='Kiser'], an improved junior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='484280' first='Gianna' last='Reynoso'] and a talented hitter in junior [player_tooltip player_id='582259' first='Izzy' last='Probus'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senca travels to Moore on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atherton (11-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ravens graduated four seniors off last year's team that had a mix from all four grades. The key returning players are sophomore setter Alexis May and senior hitter [player_tooltip player_id='876958' first='Olivia' last='Goff']. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='758754' first='Payten' last='Goodman'] is another nice defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atherton travels to Sacred Heart on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waggener (17-11) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats had another nice season. New head coach Robinette Starks welcomes back senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='848694' first='Lillie' last='Gernert'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waggener hosts Southern on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlands Latin (6-29)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Highlanders had their struggles last year. The likes of junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535213' first='Sophia' last='Arruda'] and sophomore setter Natalie Stosberg hope to help turn things around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highlands Latin plays Red Bird on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":876292,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/user-uploads/LailaTilman-crop-1920x1261-1755228263.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-876292" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>26th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Male (17-21)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs made a surprise run to the Championship Flight at the Bluegrass Games and made a stunning comeback against Lafayette in the first round. They displayed great team chemistry and head coach Michelle Daugherty said the seniors are leading with positive energy. She said the team motto is, "No matter what. We're together."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Male hopes to take that energy and turn it into a good season. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='805287' first='Eliza' last='Georgel'] is the libero and the setter is senior Jazlyn Caldwell. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='845809' first='Laila' last='Tilman'] (pictured above) gives the Bulldogs power in the middle and sophomore Desiree Samuels does it at the pins. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='845216' first='Ava' last='Jones'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='838105' first='Shaniya' last='Milan'] take swings from the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Male travels to Assumption on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brown (13-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears finished just over .500. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='740976' first='Kate' last='Kelley'] and senior Joelle Shirley are two key returning players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown hosts Fort Knox on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Louisville Collegiate (6-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Amazons strung together some wins last year. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='751663' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] at outside hitter/defensive specialist is a key returning player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Louisville Collegiate hosts Fern Creek on Aug. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>25th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Central (20-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellowjackets made it to the region tournament behind the play of senior 5-11 right side/middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='751391' first='Sydney' last='Makle-Bradley'] and junior libero Shree Martin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Ashley Fabrizi said learning to play together with the new pieces and relying on the defense in order to be an offensive power house are keys to success for Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central travels to Bullitt Central on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Portland Christian (24-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles put together a sound season with Melissa King as head coach. They graduated five seniors, but welcome back junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='535220' first='Kaylee' last='Hammond'] and sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='612212' first='Vivienne' last='Willis']. The two kills leaders in juniors Madelyn Syme and Lizzie Phelps return.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Portland Christian travels to Kentucky Country Day on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Presentation (9-14)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Toppers struggled in Jessica West's first season as head coach. Senior Lily Denton is back along with junior Anna Lay on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Presentation hosts Taylor County on Aug. 18 to start the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Francis Parker (9-16)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wyverns struggled, but did win the final four games of the regular season. Senior Evie Faber returns after leading the Wyverns in kills last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Francis Parker travels to Eminence on Aug. 19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shawnee (0-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shawnee has no place to go but up this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Golden Eagles host DuPont Manual on Aug. 21.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484420"],"_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-689e9b62ebe30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Faber (pictured) is a good leader on the court with her calmness. She involves a number of hitters with her long and short sets to keep defenses guessing. Faber also makes sound passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212401"],"_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-689e8f4de215d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After waiting for the opportunity, Pence gets it this fall and is looking to take full advantage of the swings she'll get on the outside. Pence takes her time approaching the net and putting in nice swings. She hits well off blockers and can pound balls to the back row. Pence has shown she can make the simple passes, even turning away from the net and making them back toward the net when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748192"],"_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-689e8f4de21c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeSensi had a great club season using her outstanding range to track down balls. She beats balls to their destinations and sets up her body to make solid two to three-point passes. She handles cutters to opposite lines well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750447"],"_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-689e9321d53da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Helander has taken steps to improve as the libero for the Bruins during club season. She does a good job putting her body in position to make good first touches. She stays on her feet to hit balls under control only going for pancake digs when necessary. Helander also does a good job getting opponents out of system with her serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479282"],"_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-689ea5dd6eca0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oswald goes hard after balls. She's used to facing tough competition in the Louisville area. She handles tough and soft hits for the Centurions helping the offense get into a good flow. Oswald stays under control when sliding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record in State Tournament Since 2003 when state tournament split from eight to 16 regions:</strong>&nbsp;75-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Region Crowns since 2003:&nbsp;</strong>Assumption with 16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and a half and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->