8AA Playoff Preview: 4 Matchups, 4 Chances to Make a Statement

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   Playoff volleyball in Section 8AA kicks off tomorrow and the slate delivers a mix of rested favorites, hot teams and lower seeds who won't go away quietly. With Hawley and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton coming off byes and teams like Perham, Frazee, Roseau and East Grand Forks riding momentum, expect physical net play, extended rallies and coaches digging for matchup advantages. Below is a quick look at each contest and the single player on each roster who could tilt the outcome.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hawley (bye) vs. Thief River Falls</h3>   Hawley earned a bye and will step onto the court for the first time tomorrow; that rest can be a blessing or a challenge depending on how quickly they find a playoff gear. Their roster features impact pieces up and down the lineup, and the Nugget attack typically leans on a steady middle and opportunistic pin hitters. Thief River Falls, meanwhile, is a scrappy bunch that will look to make Hawley earn every point with quality passing and gritty defense.   Player to watch — Hawley: [player_tooltip player_id='738208' first='Annaka' last='Johnson'] (MH) Johnson's size and timing through the middle give Hawley a reliable finishing option on quick sets and slides. In a playoff environment, middles who can close blocks and create running offense are gold — expect Johnson to be a focal point of Hawley's attack and blocking scheme.   Player to watch — Thief River Falls:  Sophia Tougas (S) Tougas's distribution and ability to change tempos will matter hugely against a team that hasn't played since the bye. If Tougas can force Hawks' blockers to hesitate and keep the ball in system, TRF can manufacture chances to score on transition.   Keys: Hawley must strike early and use its net presence to derail TRF's rhythm. TRF needs serve-pressure and smart defensive reads to extend rallies and hope the break in Hawley's schedule dulls their timing.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Perham vs. Frazee</h3>   Perham comes off a win over Crookston and will now face a Frazee squad that also advanced with confidence. These two programs match up as clean-cut attackers versus disciplined defenders; the setter-hitter connections will decide which side stays in system longer. Perham's roster lists several contributors who can swing momentum with serves and timely swings, while Frazee brings upperclass leaders who know how to grind through postseason pressure.   Player to watch — Perham: [player_tooltip player_id='755564' first='Joslyn' last='Griffin'] (OPP) Griffin's ability to terminate from the pin and mix placement with power makes her a natural go-to in late points. If Perham finds Griffin reliably in out-of-system situations, they force Frazee to adjust block schemes and defensive looks.   Player to watch — Frazee: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15726947/Jayden-Sonnenberg?_gl=1*1h56fzo*_ga*NTAwMTI1NDExLjE3Mjk2MTQ3Nzc.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*czE3NjEyMjkxNDEkbzE1OSRnMSR0MTc2MTIyOTc5MiRqMzckbDAkaDA." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[player_tooltip player_id='814291' first='Jayden' last='Sonnenberg']</a> (Sr) Sonnenberg's experience and scoring savvy give Frazee a steady option at the net. She's the one who can keep Frazee close when Perham's serving pushes them out of system — look for Sonnenberg to be a primary target on high-pressure swings.   Keys: Perham will try to make Frazee pass under duress and convert transition chances. Frazee must protect first contact, slow Perham's tempo with disciplined passing, and make Griffin earn every swing.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (bye) vs. East Grand Forks</h3>   DGF had a bye and will be facing an EGF team that beat Menahga to advance — EGF showed poise and balance in that win and will bring momentum to this round. East Grand Forks' rotation includes experienced pins, a steady setter and a libero who brings consistency to the backcourt; keeping EGF's ball-control high will be central to upsetting a rested DGF.   Player to watch — DGF: [player_tooltip player_id='811079' first='Aria' last='Garrett'] (MB) Garrett's front-row presence in both blocking and quick offense will be a matchup headache. If DGF uses Garrett to control seams and alter EGF's shot selection, they'll make it difficult for the opposition to find easy kills.   Player to watch — East Grand Forks: Hayden Berg (S) Berg's tempo and decision-making will dictate how often EGF can transition into clean swings. Against a taller DGF front, Berg's ability to mix sets and keep the ball away from block-heavy zones will be crucial.   Keys: DGF needs to use its depth and net control to dictate tempo. EGF must ride the momentum from their last win, keep serve-receive tight and force DGF into uncomfortable adjustments.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Roseau vs. Wadena-Deer Creek (WDC)</h3>   Roseau advanced with a win over Red Lake and will meet a WDC team that took down Park Rapids. Both squads thrive on sustainable offense and disciplined defense; this matchup shapes up as a battle of who can sustain long rallies and convert the second-ball chances. WDC's roster has several front-row threats and a steady setter who sets tempo for their system.   Player to watch — Roseau: Cora Lundbohm (Sr, OH) Lundbohm's consistency from the left side and ability to find seams while avoiding errors make her a steady scoring option for Roseau. In tight sets, reliable left-side attackers often determine the outcome.   Player to watch — WDC: [player_tooltip player_id='447964' first='Payton' last='Gravelle'] (MH) Gravelle's interior presence — both on quicks and in blocking — is a key element of WDC's identity. If she can dominate the net, WDC will force Roseau to alter shots and use more off-speed attempts.   Keys: Roseau will try to impose pace and punch through their pin attackers. WDC must control the middle and keep Roseau's primary hitters off rhythm. Expect long rallies, diagonal attacks and hands-on blocking that push both defenses.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thought: Small margins, big swings</h3>   Section 8AA playoff volleyball often comes down to serve-receive, first contact and a single run where momentum shifts. The higher seed advantage (byes for Hawley and DGF) buys preparation time, but it doesn't guarantee rhythm — teams returning from byes must be sharp. For the lower seeds, heated passing and fearless serving create upset chances. Tomorrow's four matches should deliver everything fans want: physical net play, emotional swings and postseason volleyball at its best.

Subscribe to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30