Top Five 1A Teams In Sectional Play Today

Saturday of sectionals is a harried time. To actually win the sectional, you have to win BOTH matches on the day, and most of the people you'll see already know all of your tendencies and are ready for what's coming. It's a fun day of volleyball in whatever gym and in whatever class you're in. That statement is no different for the smallest class of schools here in Indiana. A couple of ranked matches dot the map around the state, and we'll chronicle the players and teams involved below. Today, the list of teams still alive officially makes it to the final 64 (16 per class) in the state!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5: Oldenburg Academy (26-5)</h2>   Winners of eight straight, the Twisters have been in this position before—-looking through the net at sectional nemesis and 1A #1 Trinity Lutheran. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best, and the matches get significantly easier IF you can get past the Cougars. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='443851' first='Ali' last='Nobbe'] (Northern Illinois commit) to lead the way offensively from everywhere. She's a big and physical pin attacker that has slowly crept onto the scene over the years; here's to hoping it pays off today. Another “big” among the Twisters is basketball-first [player_tooltip player_id='809839' first='Rachel' last='Suttmann']. An over-six-foot middle with long arms for days, she's more of a defensive stalwart, stealing some of that skill from her basketball talent.   Next match: 10/18 v #1 Trinity Lutheran (17-11)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4: Faith Christian (26-4)</h2>   The Eagles, with the exception of a loss to #3 Rossville a week and a half ago, have had yet another epic season. The Lafayette-based squad has a ton of talent up and down the roster, and are led specifically by two seniors. [player_tooltip player_id='462512' first='Olivia' last='Barber'] has seemingly always been a main attacker for this squad, and can do a little of everything to keep her team in the winning column. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='386164' first='Caya' last='Stillings'] is THE example of what a libero is responsible for, as she can pass half the court in serve receive if you let her, while also keeping her squad in system when defending. She's the whole package, and her play will be key in earning that state title trophy.   Next match: 10/18 v #13 Lafayette Central Catholic (13-16)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3: Rossville (27-3)</h2>   Although multiple media outlets have the Hornets below Faith Christian, I have to put them here due to their sweep of the Eagles on 10/7. Their combination of youthful aggression and senior leadership got them this far, and look to push further into October than they ever have. Freshman outside [player_tooltip player_id='883662' first='Blaire' last='Wellman'] leads the way offensively, and has that quick and springy nature about her that will carry her far in her recruitment process. Her opposite, senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='828758' first='Addi' last='Gorbett'], is used to big-time matches, as her softball career has produced many of them, with Addi being the reason for the Hornets' success.   Next match: 10/18 v Clinton Prairie (13-18)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2: Springs Valley (26-4)</h2>   The Blackhawks have been in this position for years, it seems. Under no circumstances do I make them the state champ, but it's not like they're going away any time soon. They've had a solid program for the better part of a decade, and continuing along that path this season seems to be the proper trajectory. Winners of ten in a row, SV will roll out “big” [player_tooltip player_id='815389' first='Kinsey' last='Saliba'], who averages over four kills per set and uses her strength and athleticism to take over matches. She's getting those kills because of the placement of setter [player_tooltip player_id='209451' first='Maddie' last='Carnes'] (Bellarmine commit), who's from a whole family of volleyball studs. This is Maddie's last ride, as she's been successful for the Blackhawks all four years of her career. Is this their year?   Next match: 10/18 v #17 Evansville Christian (25-7)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1: Trinity Lutheran (17-11)</h2>   It feels inevitable, doesn't it? The team with a tougher strength of schedule than 90% of the state prepares its squad for the toughest competition available, and comes out on top more often than not. They KNOW they have a target on them, yet they always end up right here, ready to take on all comers in October and November. The Cougars have a pair of unstoppable (and related) middles in All-State honorees [player_tooltip player_id='809837' first='Rachel' last='Bonde'] and Bailey Bonde. Both can hit all angles, both can hit with pace, and both defend at an elite level due to their size, strength and overall volleyball acuity. If their ball control is on—-and most of the time, it is—-I'm ready to coronate the Cougars. No other 1A program has what TL has. That being said, that record is far from perfect, so if you want to beat them, be relentless, toughen up, and be prepared for a battle of attrition.   Next match: 10/18 v #5 Oldenburg Academy (26-5)

Saturday of sectionals is a harried time. To actually win the sectional, you have to win BOTH matches on the day, and most of the people you'll see already know all of your tendencies and are ready for what's coming. It's a fun day of volleyball in whatever gym and in whatever class you're in. That statement is no different for the smallest class of schools here in Indiana. A couple of ranked matches dot the map around the state, and we'll chronicle the players and teams involved below. Today, the list of teams still alive officially makes it to the final 64 (16 per class) in the state!