Night of Big Hits and Quiet Potential in Region 4 Volleyball

The Region 4 matchups on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, between Woodward Academy, Lakeside, and Arabia Mountain showed what many already knew, that Woodward is still the benchmark. The War Eagles swept both Lakeside and Arabia in straight sets, asserting dominance in blocking, defense, and attack. But looking beyond the clean wins, there were players from Lakeside and Arabia who flashed skills.   Woodward's roster features familiar players who perform at an elite level nearly every match.    Tennessee Lady Volunteers commit was nearly unstoppable on offense with her explosive approach and killer left spikes. She looks in good form and played with an intensity.     She recently committed to the University of Kansas and was part of the 2025 Girls U19 National Team who won gold at the 2025 NORCECA Girls U19 Pam American Cup. She knows her team and runs the offense with ease.    While the more heralded players did what they were expected to, there were other players and younger names suggesting depth.    A consistent force in the middle, showing good blocking form and presence. She forced opponents to come up with other options.     Showcased a comfort at the net in the MH position with her overall aggressive and effective play. Very acute at looking for opportunities to thwart plays.     Freshman, Pin Hitter is early in her high school varsity career but showed glimpses of something special with good swings and good reach.     Showed effective good reads and solid dig work that kept things alive in the backcourt.    Overall Woodward's blocking was especially tight as the War Eagles forced Lakeside and Arabia Mountain into tough angles and numerous broken plays at the net.   While Lakeside was swept by Woodward, they were far from flat. Lakeside also easily dominated Arabia Mountain during match play. There were moments of impressive play by members on the roster of Lakeside in both matches.    Took over from the service line early, delivering multiple aces. She was setter during the match with Arabia Mountain but shifted to Pin Hitter against Woodward. Her keen decisions and hustle led the court and showed as a key X-factor for Lakeside.     Showed up in the multi-direction attack game and had good touches. Played with maturity that shows promising upside.     Was solidly at work at the net sending good spikes and had good block touch moments against Woodward.     Impressive warm-ups that carried into the match. Performed her job as MB on both offense and defense but also showed good backrow digging and backup setting leading to successful kills.    From Arabia Mountain, while overshadowed in the results, there was grit and determination that was unwavering.    Stood out in front and back-row attacks and digging. She exhibited skills and instincts that gave her team and fans good energy.    Woodward remains the team to beat in Region 4 as their execution still separates them from others. Lakeside and Arabia Mountain have under-recognized talent who can move into some serious roles. Depth in volleyball matters. Between switching positions, back-row defense, and handling pressure, teams with players that can do more than one thing typically compete better as players get to learn adaptability and build confidence.   Talent shined despite Woodward Academy's dominating sweeps!

The Region 4 matchups on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, between Woodward Academy, Lakeside, and Arabia Mountain showed what many already knew, that Woodward is still the benchmark. The War Eagles swept both Lakeside and Arabia in straight sets, asserting dominance in blocking, defense, and attack. But looking beyond the clean wins, there were players from Lakeside and Arabia who flashed skills.