Division I-AAA Day Two State Tournament Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Editor's Notes: Do you want to get in front of Prep Dig Scouts? This is one big way to do it. The annual Kentucky Exposure Tour in Wilder is Nov. 28. Click on this link to register:</em> <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://events.prepdig.com/e/2489/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-kentucky</a>. <em>For 25 percent off, type</em> ET26Mike25OFF <em>at checkout.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Franklin Admirals and Science Hill Hilltoppers came into the tournament favored to make their first appearances in the state championship games for the first times in the program histories.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They fulfilled those expectations with semifinal victories on Wednesday at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro. Science Hill lost to eventual state champion Summit in the semifinals last year and Franklin had been as far as the state semifinals twice in 2006 and 2004. The championship game is 4 p.m. CST on Friday at Middle Tennessee State University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second day of the tournament in Division I not only has the four winners from the first day in the semifinals, but also the four losing teams playing in a consolation bracket trying to battle for third place in the tournament. Teams are guaranteed a minimum of two games in the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill 3, Oakland 2 (25-18, 20-25, 13-25, 25-11, 15-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hilltoppers (43-4) ultimately won out with their depth. They had numerous contributions starting with all-state libero [player_tooltip player_id='801983' first='Isa' last='Dau'], Kaitlyn Wallace and [player_tooltip player_id='952575' first='Claire' last='Lamb'] on first touches. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='952563' first='Lucy' last='O'Daniel'] again did a fabulous job running the offense, dishing the ball to a number of talented hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='831123' first='Chloe' last='Conner'] and O'Daniel had great games. Conner had nine kills and 18 digs with O'Daniel tallying 48 assists along with six kills and nine digs. In particular, Science Hill's two left-handed hitters in [player_tooltip player_id='952566' first='Lizzie' last='Clark'] and [player_tooltip player_id='952571' first='Sofia' last='Pavlovich'] gave the Patriots a lot of problems with [player_tooltip player_id='842073' first='Bryleigh' last='Scott'] recording 13 kills. Clark and [player_tooltip player_id='812534' first='Clara' last='McBride'] had 11 kills each and Pavlovich recorded nine. Lamb had four aces with Conner and Dau recording three each. Dau dug up 19 balls with Wallace recording 14 digs and Lamb followed with eight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oakland (26-10) came in off the program's first state tournament win in program over Collierville on Tuesday. The Patriots saw freshman phenom [player_tooltip player_id='1000577' first='Kinsley' last='Richard'] take solid swings to help them take the second and third sets. [player_tooltip player_id='997245' first='Stella' last='Logan'] made good plays at the libero spot with [player_tooltip player_id='1051794' first='Ellie' last='Kate Knox'] making nice passes to [player_tooltip player_id='1054473' first='Carlina' last='Bauer'], [player_tooltip player_id='1052959' first='Laila' last='Ogleton'] and others. The Patriots just could not respond to the Science Hill surge in the fourth set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin 3, Arlington 0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Admirals (32-1) used their size across the front row to control the net and limiting the swings Arlington's power hitters took. Arlington especially struggled to stop [player_tooltip player_id='826577' first='Jorden' last='Robinson'] on ones and slides. [player_tooltip player_id='751227' first='Maggie' last='Myhr'], [player_tooltip player_id='959931' first='Riley' last='Neese'] and Gracie Stoebner held things down in the back once again making quality first touches to setter [player_tooltip player_id='939795' first='Emmy' last='Garner']. [player_tooltip player_id='961442' first='Clara' last='Leister'], [player_tooltip player_id='946580' first='Ellyson' last='Fogle'], [player_tooltip player_id='822945' first='Brynn' last='Pennington'] and [player_tooltip player_id='946569' first='Grace' last='Caroline Steih'] also contributed to give the Admirals their usual balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arlington (33-5) tried to get [player_tooltip player_id='828834' first='Addison' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1045855' first='Zaria' last='Moss'] as many touches as possible trying to take advantage of the heavy hands, but Franklin neutralized them with their aggressive serving and net play. Liberos Mary Hickey and [player_tooltip player_id='795354' first='Katelynn' last='Bridges'] did make some nice first touches to setter [player_tooltip player_id='953503' first='Eman' last='Nuhic']. Nuhic even set up [player_tooltip player_id='958373' first='Lola' last='Benfield'], [player_tooltip player_id='1018268' first='Ellee' last='Blackburn'], [player_tooltip player_id='806731' first='Megan' last='Parker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='805613' first='Gracyn' last='Posey'] trying to create space for Moss and Harris.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Summit 3, Collierville 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-20)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The pesky Spartans (25-17) made great adjustments after the first set to stay alive in the bid for third place. Summit takes on Arlington at 9:30 a.m. CST back at Siegel at Thursday. [player_tooltip player_id='938555' first='Tessa' last='Rowe'] continues to make nice passes with setter [player_tooltip player_id='946566' first='Raegan' last='Burtch'] distributing nice balls to [player_tooltip player_id='938557' first='Emmy' last='Estep'], Everyleigh DeShazo and [player_tooltip player_id='946596' first='Madison' last='Spelta'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collierville (42-12) may have not won any state tournament games this year, but they have a lot of young talent coming up so they hope to be back soon. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1049772' first='Claire' last='Braniff'] helped the Dragons take the first set along with [player_tooltip player_id='823076' first='Carley' last='Dik'] with [player_tooltip player_id='957172' first='Isabel' last='Plunkett'] making nice sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dobyns-Bennett 3, Bradley Central 0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians (29-12) controlled things from the outset and powered their way past the Bearettes in the consolation game. They take on Oakland at Noon CST on Thursday back to Siegel. [player_tooltip player_id='803020' first='Milly' last='Williams'] made sound first touches along with [player_tooltip player_id='805067' first='Caroline' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='805865' first='Jess' last='Harden'] with setter [player_tooltip player_id='960855' first='Reese' last='Hatcher'] putting up nice sets to the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='1021272' first='Madison' last='Sykes'], [player_tooltip player_id='939361' first='Norah' last='Shook'], [player_tooltip player_id='960853' first='Kendyl' last='Alley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='960858' first='Hadley' last='Hill'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradley Central (36-7) tried to get into a nice offensive flow behind setter [player_tooltip player_id='793469' first='Elisea' last='Messer']. She set up some nice balls for Ma'Ryah Greenwood and [player_tooltip player_id='803842' first='Tabitha' last='Eaves'] with [player_tooltip player_id='808752' first='Jenna' last='Belcher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='799834' first='Wyatt' last='Powell'] recording some quality first touches. However, the Bearettes struggled to do it consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinal Playmakers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["952563"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054543,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad97805361c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">O'Daniel grows more efficient running the Science Hill offense each time she takes the court. O'Daniel hustles hard after balls and executes a variety of sets. O'Daniel also displays sound range on defense, lunging after balls under control. O'Daniel also provides quality net backup. O'Daniel throws off blockers with a nice step into her sets and mixes in a deceptive setter dump. O'Daniel said everyone goes hard for balls and the Hilltoppers play for each other. Noting the players want each other to succeed, O'Daniel said the players next to each other will go for balls after the initial and second touches trying to keep plays alive, which led to the semifinal victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000577"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054550,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad97c02a462a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Richard puts across nice topspin with her serves then terminates balls in different ways. Richard uses her off (left) hand to surprise opponents and attacks seams with precision. Richard tips good balls to the donut and makes plays at all six spots on the court. She can even take swings from the back row. Richard steps to balls and makes nice two to three-point touches and is a sound blocker. Improvement on her first touches will help her take some nice steps forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751227"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054561,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad97dcdaf136"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If balls are anywhere near her, Myhr will find ways to dig them up under control to make precise passes to Garner. Myhr has outstanding range and uses a solid platform to make the simple passes. Her leadership on the court is also outstanding. She constantly encourages her teammates. Myhr said the Admirals work on defense in practice all the time and the Admirals find ways to challenge each other to be the best they can be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["826577"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054567,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad97ec3f1410"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Robinson's size may stand out, but her wrist snap really gives opponents problems. She uses it to execute hard four-to-four cut shots. Robinson powers ones to side lines and executes slides with precision with her high attack point. Robinson gets hands on balls at the minimum on her blocks. Opponents can't go soft on her. Robinson said the Admirals have focused on playing at a high level at all times and that's helped them put together the successful season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["805613"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1054586,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad9827ef3674"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Posey tools blocks and makes great things happen on nines. Posey made some nice crosses. Posey also does a great job lunging after balls under control trying to make nice two to three-point passes. She makes a lot of the simple passes trying to jumpstart the Arlington offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two and a half years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy, @PrepDigTN or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky, Tennessee or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky or Tennessee rankings, please email Mike at michaelgraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount on yearly subscriptions, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->