Class 4 Volleyball: Five Teams Built for a Deep Postseason Run

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 4 race is shaping up to be one of the state's most competitive. From an undefeated Helias squad chasing another championship to battle-tested contenders such as West Plains, MICDS, Hannibal, and St. Dominic, these teams have the talent, experience, and remaining schedules to make a serious run in October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Helias Crusaders — 17-0-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After winning the Class 3 state championship last season, Helias moved up to Class 4 because of the championship factor—and the Crusaders have not missed a beat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing key players to graduation, Helias has dropped only three sets all season. The Crusaders tied Class 3 Strafford at the Branson Tournament and fell to Kickapoo and Nixa by 2-1 scores in a tryout match. They also swept West Plains, and with a favorable schedule ahead, Helias has a legitimate chance to enter the postseason undefeated.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 class of <strong>Emma Hulsey, Nora Lock, Hayley Hoffmann, Addyson Scherr</strong>, and <strong>Alyssa Scherr</strong> is focused on one goal: winning a Class 4 state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Plains Zizzers — 17-1-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Plains has suffered just one loss—to Helias—and its only other blemish is a split with New Covenant Academy. The Zizzers still have intriguing matchups against Rogersville, Notre Dame and Marshfield, followed by the loaded Ozark Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The attack is led by 2028 standout <strong>Violet Hafer</strong>, who has recorded 106 kills and is closing in on 500 for her career. She is joined by 2029 <strong>Natalie Ell</strong>, 2030 <strong>Kinley Smith</strong>, and 2027 <strong>Delani Wahome</strong>, giving West Plains a formidable offensive quartet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After stepping into the setter role, 2027 <strong>Aubrey Tidwell</strong> has taken control of the offense, while 2029 libero <strong>Emmie Brunson</strong> leads the team in passing and digs. With the district shifting back to the Southwest Missouri area, West Plains has a real opportunity to claim a district championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MICDS Rams — 12-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MICDS opened the season with a loss to Farmington but has responded with 12 consecutive victories. The Rams still face Orchard Farm, John Burroughs, Westminster Christian and the Saint Louis Panthers before heading to the Belleville East Invitational.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Experienced seniors have helped establish the foundation, but MICDS' young players are making the biggest impact. <strong>Natasha Schultz, Izzy Chao, Alyssa Luoma, Kendall Lay</strong>, and <strong>Savannah Harris</strong> will all be important pieces if the Rams hope to capture their third straight district title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams have already shown they can win consistently. Their remaining schedule will determine whether they are ready to make a deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hannibal Pirates — 19-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hannibal's season began with back-to-back losses to Bishop LeBlond and Oak Grove at the Second Annual State Preview Tournament. Since then, the Pirates have been nearly unstoppable, winning 18 straight matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The schedule ahead remains demanding, with matchups against Valle Catholic, Quincy, Illinois, Rock Bridge and St. Dominic, along with the Quincy Tournament. Those matches should provide valuable preparation for another potential Final Four run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 <strong>Aly Falconer</strong> has taken full control of the offense after sharing setting duties last season. Meanwhile, 2028 players <strong>Marissa Falconer</strong> and <strong>Lyla Dorsey</strong> have combined for 490 kills and 293 digs. 2029 libero <strong>Tessa Janes</strong> has anchored the defense, leading the team with 151 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After finishing third in Class 4 last season, Hannibal has its sights set even higher this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Dominic Crusaders — 11-3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Dominic's three losses have come against Class 5 powers Eureka, Ozark and Incarnate Word Academy—hardly setbacks that should diminish the Crusaders' postseason potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The real test is still ahead. St. Dominic must face Lafayette, Cor Jesu, Jackson, Nixa, Hannibal and Westminster Christian. It is a brutal stretch, but playing the state's best teams could prepare the Crusaders for a deep district and state tournament run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charlotte Bland</strong> directs a balanced offense featuring <strong>Madelyn Mannebach, Shelby Knittel</strong>, and <strong>Olivia Roberts</strong>. <strong>Emily Frazier</strong>, 2030 <strong>Celia Wunderlich</strong>, and <strong>Natalie Griesenauer</strong> lead the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By the time districts arrive, St. Dominic's record may look different—but the Crusaders will be battle-tested. Their regular-season finale against Hannibal could be an early preview of the district title race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->