4A Finals Preview: Who Ya Got?

To wrap up an amazing, inaugural state finals day at Gainbridge, why not have yet another team attempt to go after a repeat? Carroll's straight-sets win over Yorktown in last year's edition was a fun match to watch, but this isn't the same team from a year ago. And Plainfield? There's a first time for everything, as the Quakers are riding a seven match win streak coming into the title match. Here are the important players to watch and a prediction from yours truly.   All records are from MaxPreps, and all rankings are from indianaprepvolleyball.com and the Z-Ratings.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Plainfield (29-5)</h2>   The biggest thing to happen to the Quakers over the summer was the addition of two transfers that have made all the difference in their play. For one, [player_tooltip player_id='481214' first='Marley' last='Vanwanzeele'] is a long, lean and tough middle that has the potential to be an M1 at the next level, and this match might (finally) be the spotlight she needs to get recruiters to REALLY pay attention. With her addition, teams can no longer key in on primary attacker [player_tooltip player_id='807856' first='Audrey' last='Utterback'], a sophomore primary passing outside coming off of a bronze medal at GJNC's in the 15 Open division last summer. The second transfer is one that doesn't get all of the accolades of the attackers, yet does the dirty work to get the job done. [player_tooltip player_id='514355' first='Savannah' last='Brock'], a junior DS, has owned the right back position on defense all season, and has been the definition of “key role player” after being a setter at Mooresville. Her defensive play, added with her tough serve, will be a factor in Plainfield's success. Savannah can defer the setting position because of the skill that [player_tooltip player_id='545996' first='Charlee' last='Groninger'] has brought to the table. Understanding whom to set in what situations has carried her career thus far, including that aforementioned bronze medal—-she's club teammates with Audrey in the spring—-and will not be fazed by the spotlight. Her deception will be key, and her location will need to be exceptional to get past the size of Carroll. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='399722' first='Taylor' last='Donovan'], an Akron commit, is a mature and consistent passer who is the rock of the Quaker defense and serve receive. Plainfield will need just one more match of that leadership and consistency; she careered in their five-set win over #6 Yorktown in the semi-state final with 30 digs and 7 assists.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Fort Wayne Carroll (36-0)</h2>   I'd REALLY like to pat myself on the back for predicting that the Chargers would be back in the title match this season, but I didn't think they'd be THIS good. #1 in the state and top ten in the country, the Chargers have dropped a total of FOUR sets this entire season, three of which happened in the postseason to #2 Westfield and #4 Crown Point. We'll excuse them for the other—-which was a four-set win over 3A #2 Roncalli, who's going for their own repeat state title earlier on Saturday. Talk about a tough schedule! Prepared for everything and anything that comes their way, the anchor and catalyst of everything that happens starts with [player_tooltip player_id='562298' first='Cala' last='Haffner'], an internationally-experienced libero who burst onto the scene at this time last year with zero errors against Yorktown in the title match. Her rock-solid serve receive, coupled with being an extension of the coaching staff on the court on defense makes her act much older than she actually is (she's a sophomore!). [player_tooltip player_id='300206' first='Sophia' last='Gisslen'] (Quinnipiac commit) is the recipient of those first contacts, and has quietly put together one of the best seasons for any setter at this final. She'll cap her career with over 2000 assists and help pave the way for future editions of Charger volleyball. What has really helped this team pursue this repeat performance is the amount of offensive and athletic depth at every position. Of course, you can't mention Charger offense without mentioning [player_tooltip player_id='227184' first='Bailey' last='Sinish'], who will keep her talents in-state and play at IU Indianapolis in the fall. Carroll's success starts and finishes with Bailey, and her mom (head coach) has been there for the entirety. She's not the only one, though, as Notre Dame commit [player_tooltip player_id='808095' first='Sarah' last='Stegall'] is a tall and physical outside that's tough at both the net and behind the baseline. In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='502826' first='Lola' last='Sasse'] (Rollins commit) has length enough to be a defensive wall against any and all opposing attackers, and will need to be to compete with the offense that the Quakers will bring. The “other” middle is [player_tooltip player_id='228833' first='Addi' last='Shippy'], an athletic, fast and high-jumping M2 that uses her athleticism to be faster than most. Look for this uncommitted kid to show out on Saturday, as she's sneaky good.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PREDICTION: Chargers over Quakers in four.</h2>

To wrap up an amazing, inaugural state finals day at Gainbridge, why not have yet another team attempt to go after a repeat? Carroll's straight-sets win over Yorktown in last year's edition was a fun match to watch, but this isn't the same team from a year ago. And Plainfield? There's a first time for everything, as the Quakers are riding a seven match win streak coming into the title match. Here are the important players to watch and a prediction from yours truly.