Top District Semifinal Games to see with Seasons on line

<!-- 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>A year ago, the 6th Region abandoned the district tournaments for a super region that includes everyone rather than the traditional four district champion and runner-up teams. The 7th Region is doing the same thing this year and more could follow. These five district semifinal games have intriguing battles. In some cases, it's two of the better teams in the regions battling to keep their seasons alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>35th District Semifinal at Holmes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notre Dame (2nd Seed) vs. Holy Cross (Covington) (3), Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Notre Dame Pandas are normally the top seed in this tournament, but that changed this year with Beechwood's historic 3-2 win over the Pandas on Oct. 10. These two teams are ranked in the top four in the 9th Region along with Beechwood in the latest Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association poll.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Notre Dame (20-11 overall) has had its struggles this year in big games. However, the Pandas are still dangerous when [player_tooltip player_id='484250' first='Teagan' last='Kondik'], [player_tooltip player_id='727143' first='Makayla' last='Roose'] and [player_tooltip player_id='741504' first='Emma' last='Redlinger'] take their swings. [player_tooltip player_id='741510' first='Dara' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='727131' first='Kaia' last='Tilden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774790' first='Elise' last='Grout'] have led the charge for the Pandas on defense. Notre Dame could make another strong tournament run if setter [player_tooltip player_id='798218' first='Ellie' last='Osterkamp'] continues to improve. Notre Dame won the Sept. 17 meeting, 3-0 in Park Hills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holy Cross (27-7) has won two tournaments on the season and took Beechwood to five sets in a 3-2 loss on Sept. 10 in a district seed game. [player_tooltip player_id='731693' first='Lacey' last='Hunt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484458' first='Lucy' last='Lenihan'] have done a great job giving the Indians solid all-around play. [player_tooltip player_id='816874' first='Maya' last='Hayden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='817590' first='Paige' last='Arlinghaus'] have given Holy Cross strong play in the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='795019' first='Jordyn' last='Timmerding'] giving the Indians some nice swings on the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key to pulling off the win could fall on the Holy Cross defense led by libero [player_tooltip player_id='612183' first='Avery' last='Sturgeon'] and Timmerding. Eighth grade defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='1053238' first='Kendall' last='Arlinghaus'] has come in and made nice contributions even with opponents sending a number of balls her way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16th District</strong> <strong>at Cumberland County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clinton County (2) vs. Monroe County (3), Monday at 7:30 p.m. CST.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs won both games during the regular season to nab the second seed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinton County has seen [player_tooltip player_id='930491' first='Isabella' last='Oesterreicher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='930487' first='Abby' last='Davis'] lead the way offensively with Kinsley Rogers and [player_tooltip player_id='879613' first='Adalyn' last='Duvall'] also making quality swings. Sisters [player_tooltip player_id='879613' first='Adalyn' last='Duvall'] and [player_tooltip player_id='930490' first='Amiya' last='Duvall'] have set up the offense. [player_tooltip player_id='930488' first='Alexis' last='Groce'] and Breeli Fitzgerald have anchored the Bulldogs on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monroe County hopes to repeat as district champions. [player_tooltip player_id='603826' first='Sarah' last='Thompson'] and Kyley Craighead have set up the offense with [player_tooltip player_id='838890' first='Tahlia' last='Sheffield'], [player_tooltip player_id='843755' first='Mattie' last='Woods'] and Cloey Hawkins leading the Falcons in kills. [player_tooltip player_id='802096' first='Jaylee' last='Bartley'] leads the Falcons on defense with Kimber Turner making some nice digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9th District Tournament</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owensboro at Daviess County, Monday at 7:30 p.m. CST.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers are seeking their first appearance in the 3rd Region since 2022, but Owensboro will make it anything but easy. The teams split during the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenna Lawson and [player_tooltip player_id='911391' first='Stella' last='Roberts'] have split the majority of the sets with [player_tooltip player_id='912921' first='Reese' last='Whiteside'], [player_tooltip player_id='813890' first='Haylee' last='Clark'] and [player_tooltip player_id='770779' first='Maya' last='Pollard'] leading the way in kills. [player_tooltip player_id='923887' first='Lexi' last='Jones'] leads things on defense with [player_tooltip player_id='964794' first='Kyndal' last='Murphy'] helping to solidify the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owensboro has plenty of experience led by setter [player_tooltip player_id='484315' first='Anna' last='Travis'], power hitter [player_tooltip player_id='739816' first='Ayrish' last='Barksdale'] and libero [player_tooltip player_id='612019' first='June' last='Larsen']. Zoe Carter and [player_tooltip player_id='823157' first='Carsyn' last='Cecil'].have created space for Barksdale with [player_tooltip player_id='808976' first='Macey' last='Kahn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='797632' first='Paisley' last='Martin'] helping solidify the Devil defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>46th District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mercer County vs. Trinity Christian at West Jessamine, Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans have had a breakthrough season led by two dynamic freshman setters in lefty [player_tooltip player_id='1053289' first='Makinlee' last='Moore'] and Karis Wilham. [player_tooltip player_id='603852' first='Lizzie' last='Nichols'] moved to libero and has made great adjustments. [player_tooltip player_id='535245' first='Anne' last='Whitenack'] and Charlee Flach have been nice targets on offense. Abby Walker and Kendyll Smith have contributed to the defensive efforts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trinity Christian has put together another nice season behind the power hitting duo of [player_tooltip player_id='612250' first='Amelia' last='Stanton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='897249' first='Elizabeth' last='Battaile']. [player_tooltip player_id='955942' first='Gisele' last='Ragland'] has stepped in and brought balance for setters [player_tooltip player_id='949908' first='Ella' last='Guarnieri'] and Isabel Clark. [player_tooltip player_id='917137' first='Harper' last='Huhn'] leads the way on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>42nd District</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Henry Clay vs. Scott County at Frederick Douglass, Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henry Clay may be five games below .500, but has shown to be dangerous at times when in a nice offensive groove. The dynamic [player_tooltip player_id='753685' first='Kelsie' last='Lawson'] makes things happen setting and hitting with [player_tooltip player_id='930546' first='Katherine' last='Haynes'], the 6-3 [player_tooltip player_id='879599' first='Annie' last='Millar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='843821' first='Mills' last='Hundley'] leading the way offensively. [player_tooltip player_id='943451' first='Sophia' last='Smith'] steps in to set to let Lawson do some swinging. Kensie Klyachkin and Kyndahl Ramsey have given Henry Clay improved play in the back court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The improved Cardinals have seen [player_tooltip player_id='611961' first='Ava' last='Kragel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='945812' first='Makiyah' last='Griffin'] distributing balls nicely to [player_tooltip player_id='986637' first='Anna' last='Kragel'], [player_tooltip player_id='768390' first='Zariah' last='Gent'], [player_tooltip player_id='957886' first='Katie' last='Shuffett'], [player_tooltip player_id='908464' first='Lillian' last='Morgan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='826346' first='Hannah' last='Rumer']. [player_tooltip player_id='800876' first='Allison' last='May'] leads the defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1053316' first='Caroline' last='Withers'] has also stepped forward to help Scott County's cause on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1053238"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6ad536632b00e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arlinghaus is making nice adjustments to the varsity level. She has only grown with the barrage of balls she's seen this season. Arlinghaus swings her arms out to dig up well-struck balls and tracks down shoves to deep corners. Arlinghaus lunges forward to dig up tips. Arlinghaus does try to form walls around balls with her arms. Improved ball control is a nice next step for Arlinghaus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["930490"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6ad53efa4373c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Duvall (pictured) brings a lot of versatility to the Bulldogs. She puts balls down lines and tips them to the donut. Duvall uses her nice court IQ to put hitters in great position to succeed. Duvall does not hesitate to find hot hitters. She executes a variety of sets and makes things happen on defense and serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["797632"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6ad544cfea500"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martin's ball control has improved. That helps Owensboro get into a good offensive rhythm. Martin swings her arms out trying to close seams and uses a great platform to make sound two to three-point passes. Martin also does a nice job communicating in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1053289"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6ad549102912c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore makes plays at all six spots on the floor with her versatility. The lefty puts nice off shots to the back row and executes a variety of short and long sets. Moore adjusts her body at the last second to hit balls to open areas of the court. Moore does not hesitate to tio over double blocks. She tools blocks and does a good job reacting quickly on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1053316"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6ad55a1f569e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Withers has stepped in nicely to help the Cardinals form a nice back row defense. Withers does a good job stopping in her tracks and making crisp first touches. Withers makes good adjustments on redirected balls and closes seams quickly. Withers is not phased by hits from the back row.</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>&nbsp;or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a>&nbsp;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 -->