Chasing the Crown: Class 3 Sectional Previews and Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 3 volleyball is heating up, with the defending state champion Potosi aiming to defend its title and the Class 3 runner-up Rogersville eager to make another deep playoff run. This year, teams like Helias and Oak Grove are ready to make a strong impact as they progress through the sectional rounds. As we look into the previews for Sections 1 through 6, expect exciting matchups and standout performances that could change the path to the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saxony Crusaders (16-19) vs.<strong> Potosi Trojans (28-4-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Saxony:</strong> 3-4 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Potosi:</strong> 6-0-1 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head-to-Head:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>No previous matches</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Saxony:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827723' first='Ryleigh' last='Manche']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brielyn Korn</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828562' first='Kinley' last='Couch']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Potosi:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485570' first='Eden' last='Robart'] (2027):</strong> 635 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='544678' first='Adalynn' last='Gibson'] (2027):</strong> 879 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='515744' first='Macyn' last='McCarthy'] (2027):</strong> 560 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending Class 3 champions, Potosi, are back in the sectional round and face a tough challenge from Saxony. With their strong performance this season, Potosi is on a mission to return to the final four. I predict they will defeat Saxony in a decisive 3-0 sweep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lutheran South Lancers (7-19-3) </strong>vs. Metro Panthers (17-7)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>None listed</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lutheran South:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Claire Nelson (2028):</strong> 161 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Maeble Wagner (2028):</strong> 95 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Aliya Bausch (2029):</strong> 123 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Metro:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lucy Divis (2026):</strong> 250 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't let Lutheran South's record mislead you; they are a talented team with a youthful roster, which is reflected in their performance this season. Metro, while competitive in the PHL, hasn't faced many top-tier teams and has struggled in the few instances it has. Although they have the standout player, Lucy Divis, on the left pin, it may not be enough to overcome the Lancers. I predict Lutheran South will claim a 3-1 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MICDS Rams (18-17) </strong>vs. Winfield Warriors (18-10-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Orchard Farm:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>MICDS:</strong> Won 3-0</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Winfield:</strong> Lost 1-3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>MICDS:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828205' first='Dorothy' last='Durrill'] (2027):</strong> 230 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832887' first='Izzy' last='Chao'] (2028):</strong> 242 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733021' first='Kendall' last='Lay'] (2028):</strong> 648 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='786648' first='Ava' last='Mussey'] (2029):</strong> 162 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Winfield:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='791108' first='Addy' last='Cassinger'] (2026):</strong> 496 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783476' first='Amelia' last='Conrad'] (2029):</strong> 293 digs, 309 assists, 169 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='542220' first='Marlie' last='Karsten'] (2026):</strong> 376 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If both teams can maintain their offensive systems, the Rams are likely to win this match comfortably. However, if they struggle to pass and get the ball to their key players in the middle, Winfield could capitalize on that. With the excitement of playoffs, I anticipate both teams will come ready to compete, but I expect the Rams to sweep Winfield and advance to the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hallsville Indians (21-11-2) vs.<strong> Helias Crusaders (32-1-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hallsville:</strong> 1-6 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Helias:</strong> 7-0 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Helias:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808236' first='Kambell' last='Winegar'] (2026):</strong> 249 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809438' first='Sophie' last='Verslues'] (2026):</strong> 374 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Zoey Hake (2027):</strong> 159 kills, 271 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Hallsville:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817086' first='Mila' last='Perez'] (2026):</strong> 319 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='814668' first='Kaile' last='March'] (2027):</strong> 221 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800505' first='Makenzie' last='Lucas'] (2027):</strong> 446 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup is expected to be decisive, with Helias likely to dominate Hallsville. Given their strong season and impressive record, I predict Helias will throttle Hallsville and advance smoothly into the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rogersville Wildcats (27-6-1) </strong>vs. Sullivan Eagles (19-9-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sullivan</strong>: 2-3-1 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Rogersville</strong>: 4-2 record</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Rogersville:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490109' first='Millie' last='Bauer'] (2026):</strong> 517 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kamryn Marshall (2026):</strong> 1,090 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809647' first='Hailey' last='Buckman'] (2026):</strong> 349 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sullivan:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809530' first='Ava' last='Blankenship'] (2026):</strong> 354 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Reya Rochleau (2029):</strong> 232 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800936' first='Andi' last='Giebler'] (2027):</strong> 324 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sullivan has been on a strong run in recent years, while Rogersville is looking to bounce back after a second-place finish to Potosi last year. This season is a different story, especially with the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='490109' first='Millie' last='Bauer'], who has transformed the Wildcats' offense. The 6'3” pin hitter poses a significant threat to the Eagles. Though [player_tooltip player_id='809530' first='Ava' last='Blankenship'] will provide a solid counter for Sullivan, Rogersville's overall depth and talent will likely lead to a decisive sweep over Sullivan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty Eagles (23-7-4) vs.<strong> Mt. Vernon Mountaineers (23-7-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Both teams finished with a record of 3-2-1.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liberty:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jayli Tharp (2027):</strong> 237 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='802426' first='Kinsey' last='Shoup'] (2026):</strong> 319 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jordyn Tune (2028):</strong> 748 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Mt. Vernon:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464561' first='Ziah' last='Schmutz'] (2027):</strong> 308 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828470' first='Camryn' last='Cornell'] (2026):</strong> 254 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ruth Fish (2028):</strong> 380 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mt. Vernon presents a more balanced offensive attack compared to Liberty. However, Liberty has a strong playoff history and a legacy of success in volleyball. Mt. Vernon will aim to advance with standout performances from their pin hitters. I predict a competitive match, with Mt. Vernon emerging victorious in five sets over Liberty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->