One Step Closer: Who Advances in Classes 4 and 5?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are down to the final matches before we know who will be traveling to St. Joseph, Missouri, next week for the final four. Win, and you're in! Who's excited? Here are the quarterfinal matches taking place Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jackson (36-3) vs. Lafayette (32-5)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This should be a fun one. These teams match up well statistically across the board. When looking at common opponents, Lafayette is 13-3, while Jackson sits at 14-1. Jackson is undefeated on the road with 12 wins, so the Indians won't be intimidated walking into the Lafayette gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In their lone meeting this season, Lafayette came away with a straight-set victory, winning 18 and 17. Aubri Toti led the way with 19 kills in that two-set battle. Another factor working in Lafayette's favor is the return of [player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon'], who has worked her way back into the lineup in time for the postseason. With her back in the mix, the defending champions are even more dangerous.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Jackson, Lyla Sands will be active in the middle and look to slow down Lafayette's attack. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='729480' first='Lauren' last='Dorey'] has been consistent and steady all season, helping the Indians put together an 18-match winning streak. With wins over teams like Lee's Summit West and Incarnate Word, Jackson has shown it can compete with the state's best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state champion is the state champion until someone knocks them off when it matters most. Jackson has the talent to make this interesting, but with Witherspoon back in the lineup, I think Lafayette has too much firepower to fend off. Lafayette advances with a chance to defend its state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Incarnate Word Academy (33-6) vs. Rock Bridge (19-18)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Incarnate Word Academy enters this matchup riding a nine-match winning streak. The Red Knights have played an impressive schedule and own victories over Lafayette and St. James Academy, a perennial state contender in Kansas. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='475326' first='Bailey' last='Hensgens'], who is averaging nearly four kills per set, will look to elevate her game even further with a trip to the Final Four on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rock Bridge may have surprised some people with its postseason run, but not me. I've been following this team and its standout players since early in the season. The Bruins' record might not jump off the page, but they've had the right pieces in place to make a run when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have a big hill to climb against Incarnate Word, but the Bruins will rely on pin hitter Ivana Petrova, who leads the team with close to 400 kills this season. She will need to be productive and find ways to score against a Red Knights defense that has faced plenty of quality competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Incarnate Word has been here before. They know how to prepare for the pressure and what to expect when a season comes down to one match. Rock Bridge has earned its opportunity, but I expect the Red Knights to take care of business and punch another ticket to the Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ozark (29-6) vs. Lee's Summit West (30-3)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ozark survived a tough five-set thriller to get here, doing what was necessary to knock off Kickapoo. [player_tooltip player_id='729521' first='Blair' last='Bough'] was her usual self in the match, finishing with 19 kills, but it was the play of sophomore Jillien Elet that stood out on the stat sheet. Elet added 16 kills of her own, giving the Tigers another productive option at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams met on October 3, with Lee's Summit West coming away with a straight-set victory. That result gives the Titans some confidence heading into this matchup, but postseason volleyball is a different animal. Ozark will be looking to turn the tables with a Final Four berth on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans have racked up 30 wins this season and will look to add No. 31 on Saturday. They have a bona fide leader on the outside in [player_tooltip player_id='446328' first='Tori' last='Massengill'], who has contributed to this program since her freshman year and recently eclipsed the 1,000-kill plateau. [player_tooltip player_id='729549' first='Jaelyn' last='Jordan'] continues to show why she's one of the top setters in the state, distributing the ball and keeping the Titans' offense moving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense is the key here. Both teams play solid defense and pass well, so neither side should expect easy points. The matchup to watch, in my opinion, is at the net. Which front row can get more touches, turn back more attacks, and convert those defensive plays into points? That could ultimately determine the winner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ozark has the talent to make this a battle, but I like the Titans' experience and balance.<strong> Lee's Summit West marches up I-29 next week.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lee's Summit North (32-4) vs. Liberty North (15-16)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had Lee's Summit North being upset by St. Michael. That matchup never materialized, and the Broncos rolled through Blue Springs South to earn their spot in the quarterfinals. After getting a taste of the Final Four last season, North is looking to make a return trip and prove it belongs among the state's elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the closeout match, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1023491' first='Tinsley' last='Bahr'] continued the stellar play she's shown since the middle of the season, finishing with 13 kills. Having a freshman capable of contributing at that level gives the Broncos another weapon as they look to make a postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In my previous previews, I skipped over predicting Class 5 District 8 because I had games in that district. One of those games was Liberty North's upset of top-seeded Park Hill in the semifinal, and the Eagles made the most of their opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='583726' first='Addison' last='Webb'] went off in that match, finishing with 17 kills while hitting .417 and adding 10 digs. She also contributed 19 assists, putting together an impressive all-around performance. When Webb is producing at that level, Liberty North becomes a much tougher team to put away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles are riding high after their district run, and that confidence can carry a team a long way in the postseason. However, Lee's Summit North has the experience, depth, and motivation to make another deep run. The Broncos have been building toward this opportunity all season, and I think they have too much for Liberty North to overcome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That gives us Lafayette, Incarnate Word Academy, Lee's Summit West, and Lee's Summit North as my Class 5 Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Festus (21-10-1) vs. Rockwood Summit (25-9-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockwood Summit has put together a strong season, and the Falcons are playing their best volleyball at the right time. Their postseason run included a hard-fought five-set victory over Ursuline Academy in the district championship, giving them plenty of momentum heading into the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons have a strong presence in the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='485604' first='Jayla' last='Williams'], who leads the team with 289 kills and has been one of its most productive offensive players all season. Williams is also an efficient attacker, making her a player Festus will need to account for throughout the match. Zoey Zwiefel provides another threat in the middle, giving Summit multiple options to score at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Festus has its own offensive weapon in senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='485629' first='Rylee' last='Lawrence'], who leads the Tigers with 352 kills and averages more than four per set. If Lawrence can establish herself early and find ways to score against Summit's defense, Festus has the firepower to make this a competitive matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The difference could come down to which team can control the net and limit the opponent's top hitter. Festus will look to get Lawrence going, while Summit has the personnel to spread the offense and make the Tigers defend multiple options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams have earned their place in the quarterfinals, but I like the Falcons and their ability to generate offense from the middle. Rockwood Summit advances to the Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">St. Joseph's Academy (20-14) vs. St. Dominic (22-9)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup features two programs that have navigated challenging schedules and are looking to extend their seasons with a trip to the Final Four. St. Dominic enters with the stronger overall record, but St. Joseph's Academy has the kind of postseason experience that makes this a matchup worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The teams met earlier in the season, with St. Dominic earning a victory. In that match, the difference showed up in several areas, including serving, defense, and the ability to put pressure on the opposing side. The Angels will need to make adjustments if they want a different result this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Dominic has a dangerous offensive option in [player_tooltip player_id='843615' first='Maddy' last='Mannebach'], who leads the team with 353 kills. When she gets going, the Crusaders can put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='1051095' first='Lila' last='Schaeffer'] has also been a key piece of the offense, helping create opportunities and keep the attack balanced.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Joseph's Academy has some young talent of its own. Freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='1041887' first='Emma' last='Donovan'] leads the Angels with 256 kills, while libero [player_tooltip player_id='909880' first='Frankie' last='Vonderahe'] anchors the defense and averages more than four digs per set. If Donovan can find success against St. Dominic's front row and the Angels can extend rallies, they have a chance to make this interesting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For me, this comes down to whether St. Joseph's Academy can slow down Mannebach and disrupt St. Dominic's offensive rhythm. The Crusaders have shown they can win this matchup, and their ability to produce points from the outside gives them an advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I expect the Angels to compete, but I like St. Dominic to find a way through. The Crusaders advance to the Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Helias Catholic (33-0-1) vs. West Plains (32-5-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for one of the most compelling matchups in Class 4, this is it. Helias Catholic has put together a remarkable season, entering the quarterfinals without a loss. West Plains, meanwhile, has won 32 matches and has the talent to challenge just about anyone in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These teams have already met this season, with Helias earning a straight-set victory. That result gives the Crusaders a little extra confidence, but West Plains will have the benefit of playing at home and will be eager to show how much it has grown since that meeting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Helias, setter Alyssa Scherr has been instrumental in keeping the offense running smoothly. The Crusaders have multiple players capable of producing at the net, making them difficult to defend when their passing is on target. Their undefeated record isn't an accident; they have consistently found ways to win against quality competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Plains will lean on outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='676737' first='Violet' last='Hafer'], who leads the Zizzers with 311 kills. She is a proven offensive threat who can put pressure on a defense, while setter Aubrey Tidwell helps orchestrate the attack. The Zizzers will need Hafer to be productive, but they'll also need contributions from their other hitters to keep Helias from focusing too heavily on one player. The good thing, they have three other players north of 200 kills and one just three shy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest question is whether West Plains can disrupt Helias' offensive rhythm. The Zizzers have the home-court advantage and enough talent to make this a battle, but the Crusaders have been remarkably consistent all season. They have already beaten West Plains once, and I expect them to be prepared for the adjustments the Zizzers will make.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An undefeated season brings its own pressure, especially when one loss ends the championship dream. Still, Helias has shown no signs of slowing down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: Helias Catholic keeps its unbeaten season alive and advances to the Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">St. Teresa's Academy (17-12) vs. Smithville (26-7-1)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Teresa's Academy impresses me every season with the schedule it puts together. As a private school, the Stars take on schools of all sizes on both sides of the state line and have even made treks to Omaha to compete against other private schools. That kind of schedule can prepare a team for the challenges that come with postseason volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When I look at the Stars' 12 losses, I see a schedule that has tested them throughout the season. [player_tooltip player_id='729533' first='Eleanor' last='Reisch'] has been a name we've mentioned for years, but she'll need help if St. Teresa's Academy hopes to keep its season alive. Look for Avery Duff to try to come up big and give the Stars another reliable option offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smithville has continued to elevate its program and now has a chance to take another step forward with a trip to the Final Four on the line. The Warriors have put together an impressive season, and their balanced offense is a big reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While much of the Stars' offense flows through one player, Smithville has several options capable of making an impact. [player_tooltip player_id='568866' first='Jaycee' last='Tyrrell'], [player_tooltip player_id='544730' first='Emily' last='Hart'], and Ella Mackenzie have each recorded more than 150 kills this season, giving the Warriors the ability to spread the ball around and keep opposing defenses guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That balance could be the difference in this matchup. St. Teresa's Academy has the experience and schedule strength to make this a competitive match, but Smithville has shown it can produce points from multiple positions. If the Warriors can keep their offense balanced and avoid giving the Stars easy opportunities, they'll put themselves in a good position to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think Smithville's offensive depth will be enough to get the job done. The Warriors will head up Highway 169 North to St. Joseph with a Final Four berth in hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->