Players To Watch In The Week 4 Matchups

<p>The first month of volleyball has been a good one, and we're finishing it with a bang. We're at the point in the season where you are seeing teams start to come together. Connections are solidified, defenses are locked in, and teams are growing. I've been so impressed with so many programs, and I'm excited to see who kicks it into gear going into the heat of the season.</p>   <p>Here are my matchups for week 4, along with some players who have been leading their teams. For more write-ups, coverage, and media, make sure to follow my Instagram @Prepdigmarissa </p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Iowa City West vs. Cedar Falls</h3>   <p>Not only is this an amazing 5A matchup, but it is also an even better conference matchup. First up, the Iowa City West Trojans are 2-0 in the MVC and currently ranked 7th in 5A. Although this group has already gone through some battles, they've been working tirelessly to stay at the top. You can tell there are still a few small kinks to work out, but I'm very impressed with this group. Going up against the Trojans are the Cedar Falls Tigers. Cedar Falls is currently 2-1 in conference and ranked 9th in 5A. The Tigers are an incredibly defense-heavy team with a lot of aggression. These two teams will be battling it out on September 15th at 7:00 @ Cedar Falls.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='533845' first='Taylor' last='Otte'] has been a key player for the Trojans so far this season. Otte brings a powerful presence at the net, showcasing big swings and even bigger blocks. She keeps her opponents on their toes and always makes them second-guess her next move. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wilton vs. Regina Catholic</h3>   <p>Next up, we have another conference clash: the Wilton Beavers vs. the [program_tooltip program_id='428926' first='Regina' last='Regals']. Both teams are tied for first and undefeated in their conference. The Beavers and the Regals have a solid group of returners, along with some feisty underclassmen mixed in. The Beavers, who are ranked 9th in 3A, play with a great sense of composure and play extremely smart, especially at the net. On the other hand, we have the Regals, who have a whole other level of spunk and aggression in their game. Both teams play their own different kind of game, which will make this matchup one to watch. Wilton and Regina will be going head-to-head on Tuesday at 7:00 @Regina.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Although she's young, [player_tooltip player_id='894302' first='Taylor' last='Billhorn'] has really found a way to step up for the Beavers. The sophomore has shown a strong arm and a powerful swing. Defensively, Billhorn makes her presence known and is leading her team in blocks. She is also leading her team in aces as well and is a big contributor to kills.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ankeny vs. Ankeny Centennial</h3>   <p>Although on paper, Ankeny might be better than Ankeny Centennial. However, I think that this game will be a close one. Both teams are loaded with veterans who bring another level of grit to their gameplay. Ankeny, being ranked 3rd in 5A and currently 1-0 in conference, has a roster full of playmakers. The Hawks are full of heavy-hitting options, making their offense extremely hard to defend. On the other hand, the Jaguars have an extremely well-rounded squad, and everyone does their job well. Both teams are working their way to the top of the rankings and remain at the top of their conference, so this match will definitely be one to watch. You can catch these two teams in action on September 15th at 7:30 @Ankeny Centennial.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='732859' first='Elle' last='Isaacson'] is a promising piece in the Hawks program. Isaacson knows how to get the job done in more ways than one. She is a reliable hitter and always makes herself an option no matter where she's at on the court. The junior also works hard on defense and has an incredibly nasty float serve. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pleasant Valley vs. Bettendorf</h3>   <p>Bettendorf has been at the top of their game so far this season and is currently tied for 1st in the MAC, and has been slowly working their way up in the 5A rankings. Pleasant Valley is going to come into this game with some fire after their tough loss last week. The Spartans are currently tied for 3rd in the MAC, and I know they're going to want to use this game to bring Bettendorf down and even the record. I think with the Bulldogs having the home-court advantage and the 3-0 confidence, this could very well be their game. However, I will not be surprised if the Spartans come away with this win. Either way, this match is going to be one you won't want to miss. The Bulldogs and Spartans will be competing on Tuesday at 6:30 @Bettendorf. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1039026' first='Brielle' last='Wilson'] is a versatile hitter for the Bulldogs who can swing from anywhere on the net. Wilson is quick in transition and has an incredible vertical, making it easy for her to hit over and around her blockers. Although she's already a major contributor for the Bulldogs, I think there's still much more to come from this Junior.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Solon vs. Center Point- Urbana</h3>   <p>Solon and CPU are two teams fighting for a top spot in the WAMAC and have outstanding overall records. With both teams being fairly matched, this game is going to be quite the toss-up; it will more than likely come down to who shows up and outworks the other. Both of these teams are coming off of great performances at the Linn- Mar Invite and are ready to compete. Solon has built their success by playing with consistency and precision. CPU has been successful with their aggression and sharp gameplay. You can catch these two teams battling it out on September 15th at 7:30 @CPU.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='555725' first='Brielle' last='Trout'] is a fierce middle blocker who plays with another level of aggression at the net. The senior does a fantastic job of working hard in transition and always finds a way to make herself available. Her power and presence at the net make her a tough one to miss, and she does a fantastic job of drawing blockers in. Trout is a smart player who knows how to put the ball away with every set she's given.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hudson vs. Denver</h3>   <p>This will be a very interesting matchup and arguably one of the best games of the week. Hudson will be coming into this game ranked higher in the 2A class; however, Denver has worked their way to the top of their conference with a current 3-0 record, while Hudson is sitting at 0-1. Denver brings a lot of aggression behind the service line as well as smart plays at the net. Hudson has a strong foundation built on clean first contacts and an extremely aggressive offense. Hudson and Denver will be facing on Tuesday at 7:30 @Denver.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bondurant- Farrar vs. Van Meter</h3>   <p>This rematch between Bondurant and Van Meter is definitely one you don't want to miss. The Blue Jays' highlights are their powerful serves, the range their hitters have at the net, and their scrappiness on defense. Bondurant is currently 1-0 in conference play and ranked 10th in 4A. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have an incredibly strong net presence. Their hitters can power through most opponents' blocks, and defensively they put up a solid block of their own, giving opposing hitters limited options when swinging. Van Meter is currently 3-0 in conference and ranked 11th in 3A. Last time these two teams met, Bondurant barely came out on top, winning the 3rd 15-13. These two teams will be facing off on Thursday at 6:10 @ DSM Christain School.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='896589' first='Kaylee' last='Hanson'] is a powerful lefty with the ability to swing from anywhere on the court. Hanson has phenomenal range and manages to find every inch of the court, no matter where she's swinging from. My favorite part about this junior is her ability to stay aggressive, even when out of system. She does a fantastic job of adjusting to her set, getting herself in the best position to swing, then rips away. </p>

The first month of volleyball has been a good one, and we're finishing it with a bang. We're at the point in the season where you are seeing teams start to come together. Connections are solidified, defenses are locked in, and teams are growing. I've been so impressed with so many programs, and I'm excited to see who kicks it into gear going into the heat of the season.