Class 1 Semifinals and State Title Preview: The Final Showdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the semifinals and the state championship in Class 1 volleyball, the excitement is palpable. With top contenders Bismarck and Winona looking to secure their spots in the championship match, here's a breakdown of the semifinal matchups and the state championship and third-place matches, and my predictions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Semifinal 1:<mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color"> Bismarck Indians (37-3)</mark></strong> vs. Liberal Bulldogs (18-8)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck:</strong> Defeated Gideon with a close match, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liberal:</strong> Beat Billings in a nail-biter, 25-23, 25-22, 18-25, 21-25, 16-14.</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>No prior meetings or common opponents.</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>Bismarck:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807849' first='Ashley' last='Hawkins'] (2026):</strong> 5'10" - Outside - 400 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811547' first='Ayla' last='Hawkins'] (2028):</strong> 6'0" - Middle - 289 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809752' first='Loryn' last='Pierson'] (2028):</strong> 6'0" - Middle - 250 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800392' first='Halie' last='Dickey'] (2026):</strong> 5'6" - Outside - 210 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liberal:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='810735' first='Ally' last='Barton'] (2027):</strong> 5'10" - Outside - 267 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834169' first='Kerri' last='Borghardt'] (2026):</strong> 5'9" - Middle - 195 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792455' first='Braylen' last='Frieden'] (2028):</strong> 5'5" - Libero - 325 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sadie Meadows (2027):</strong> Setter - 483 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Bismarck has shown resilience by winning tight matches against top teams. Liberal has had a Cinderella run, but they haven't faced a team as formidable as Bismarck this season. With [player_tooltip player_id='807849' first='Ashley' last='Hawkins'] dominating on the left pin and Bismarck's strong middle presence, I predict Bismarck will sweep Liberal and advance to the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Semifinal 2: <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Winona Wildcats (36-4)</mark></strong> vs. <strong>Northland Christian Trailblazers (25-5-3)</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Winona:</strong> Swept Ellington 25-12, 25-22, 25-17.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Northland:</strong> Defeated Crest Ridge 25-17, 25-20, 25-20.</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>No prior meetings or common opponents.</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>Winona:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828367' first='Taylor' last='Williams'] (2026):</strong> 5'9" - Middle - 465 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827737' first='Sadie' last='Kile'] (2028):</strong> 5'10" - Middle - 444 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834589' first='Lauren' last='Martin'] (2028):</strong> 5'6" - Outside - 246 kills, 333 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232323' first='Lexi' last='Lindsey'] (2026):</strong> 5'6" - Setter - 1066 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Northland:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809806' first='Molly' last='Day'] (2026):</strong> 6'1" - Middle - 270 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='836940' first='Presley' last='Day'] (2028):</strong> 5'10" - Middle - 119 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897295' first='Hadyn' last='Howie'] (2029):</strong> 5'5" - Outside - 220 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Mia Brown (2028):</strong> 5'9" - Outside - 212 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This match is expected to be more competitive than the first semifinal, but I still see Winona coming out on top. Northland will need to play fearlessly to upset the defending champions, but Winona's superior skill and fast-paced game will prevail. I predict Winona wins in straight sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 1 Third Place Match:<mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color"> Northland Christian Trailblazers (25-6-3)</mark> </strong>vs. Liberal Bulldogs (18-9)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overview:</strong> Liberal has enjoyed a remarkable Cinderella season, reaching the Final Four. However, their journey will come to an end as they face a formidable Northland Christian team in the third-place match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Northland's height and strength will prove too much for Liberal to handle. With their tall players and solid blocking, Northland will dominate the match. I predict Northland Christian wins in straight sets, securing third place in the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">State Championship: Bismarck Indians (38-3) vs. <strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Winona Wildcats (37-4)</mark></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> With both teams showcasing their strengths throughout the season, this matchup has been anticipated. Bismarck seeks its first-ever state championship, while Winona aims to repeat their success. Both teams will rely heavily on their star players: Bismarck with [player_tooltip player_id='807849' first='Ashley' last='Hawkins'] and her supporting middles, and Winona with their powerful middle hitters, [player_tooltip player_id='828367' first='Taylor' last='Williams'] and Sade Kile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup is reminiscent of last year's quarterfinals, where Winona edged out Bismarck in a thrilling five-set battle. The one common opponent this year is Leopold, with Winona narrowly beating them and Bismarck winning in a close match. Given the stakes and the talent on display, I predict another instant classic, with Winona pulling out a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bismarck to secure the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->