Who Helped Lead Their Teams To The Regional Finals: 3A And 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are at the regional championships in Iowa and will finally see who gets to compete on the big stage. These girls have given it their all and are fighting tooth and nail to try to secure a spot in the State Tournament. Follow me on Instagram for updates on the Regional and State Tournaments: @Prepdigmarissa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 1</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Western Christian vs. Treynor</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Western Christian has been flying through this bracket and hasn't really been pushed all that much. The most points either Estherville or Spirit Lake managed to score in a set was 18. [player_tooltip player_id='781456' first='Morgan' last='Kooiman'] has led the Wolfpack in kills over the last 2 matches. Treynor flew through the first round, taking down Creston in a quick three-setter. However, they had a much closer call with Shenandoah, taking the win in a five-set thriller. Stat leaders included [player_tooltip player_id='837515' first='Rylee' last='Hemmingsen'] in kills, Brylee Paulsen in blocks, and [player_tooltip player_id='728711' first='Shaylee' last='Smith'] in digs. These two will be facing off tonight at 7 o'clock @Western Christian. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">REGION 2</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">MOC-Floyd Valley vs. New Hampton</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MOC-Floyd Valley set the tone in their first round of the regional tournament, taking down Southeast Valley and only allowing them to score 20 points across the three sets. Although their match against Algona was a little tougher, they still managed to take down the Bulldogs in three sets. Some major stat leaders over the two games include [player_tooltip player_id='493656' first='Lily' last='Vander Pol'], [player_tooltip player_id='741261' first='Brielle' last='Hoegh'], and [player_tooltip player_id='841986' first='Blair' last='Van Gelder']. New Hampton had a similar path and took down Hampton-Dumont and Charles City both in 3 hard-fought sets. [player_tooltip player_id='604510' first='Aleigha' last='Cahoy'] was a major contributor in the first two rounds and led her team in kills as well as digs. The Chickasaws and Dutchmen will be facing off tonight at 7 o'clock @Algona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">REGION 3</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Dike- New Hartford vs. Williamsburg</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although at first glance, Dike might not be the most intimidating team, their record proves otherwise. This group has been on a warpath all season, and that has been rolling into the postseason. The Wolverines have been dominating in the postseason and have only let one set go past 20. Dike took down Oelwein and South Tama to earn their spot in the Region Final. Senior and team captain [player_tooltip player_id='893076' first='Kailyn' last='Meester'] has done a fantastic job of leading this group through an incredibly tough schedule this season. Although Williamsburg didn't have as tough a schedule as Dike, that didn't stop them from fighting through the first two rounds of the regional tournament and securing their spot in the finals. Shoutouts go to the Surh sisters who have been dominating; sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='782157' first='Maggie' last='Jensen'] for holding it down in the back row, and lastly, freshmen Harper Meyers and [player_tooltip player_id='849192' first='Ellie' last='Nielsen'] for doing a fantastic job of performing under pressure. These two will be facing off @Dike- New Hartford at 7 o'clock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">REGION 4</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Humboldt vs. Unity Christian</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going to keep saying it: I think Humboldt has a solid chance of making a run to the State Finals. They've done a fantastic job so far, taking down Grand View and Nevada, only allowing 31 points each match. Addie Waldorf has been quite the playmaker not only in the postseason, but all season long. The junior currently has 915 assists this season and is still building on that number at a rapid rate. Going up against Humboldt, we have Unity Christian, who got here after two hard-fought matches. Makenna Haan is another junior setter who has led her team beautifully and is currently sitting at 737 assists this season. You can watch these two face off tonight at 7 o'clock @Humboldt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746258"],"_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-6ae0cbbd65f75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='746258' first='Adelynn' last='Goodell'] has been a big help for her team and a bigger issue for her opponents throughout the season. Goodell is sitting at 419 kills this season and has almost doubled the next-highest kill leader on her team. The junior is a major powerhouse with fantastic control of her swings. Adelynn also leads her team in blocks with 64 so far this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 5</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Solon vs. West Delaware</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solon has shown little to no mercy in the postseason and is clearly ready to fight for that state title. The Spartans handled their first round as light work, only allowing Central Lee 16 points in the three sets. Although West Liberty gave Solon more of a run for their money, they still managed to get it done in three sets. My shoutouts go to [player_tooltip player_id='754537' first='Amelia' last='Guinn'] and Harper Nicholson not only for their performances in the last two matches, but for how they've performed all season. West Delaware took down Crestwood with ease and then managed to defeat North Fayette Valley in a four-set thriller. You can catch these two battling it out @Solon tonight at 7. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 6</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Mid- Prairie vs. Roland Story</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mid-Prairie truly earned their spot in the finals after pulling off quite the upset against Center Point-Urbana last week. The Golden Hawks fought hard and managed to pull through to take the fifth set 16-14, proving that they are ready to fight for that spot in the state tournament. Roland got the job done and took down both PCM and Pella Christian in three sets, and now gets the home-court advantage against Mid-Prairie. If you want to watch these two face off, they will be playing @Roland Story tonight at 7 o'clock. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775157"],"_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-6ae0cbbd65fe0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='775157' first='Jeorgia' last='Evans'] has been an absolute menace this season (in the best way possible, of course). The future Cyclone has been single-handedly beating up opponents left and right from every part of the court. Evans is currently leading the Golden Hawks in kills (388), digs (497), and aces (60). Not only is she a stat leader, but she's an amazing team leader as well. This junior has such a bright future ahead of her, and I'm excited to see how she performs against Roland and hopefully in the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 7</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Cherokee Washington vs. Kuemper Catholic</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think this might be one of my most highly anticipated games in 3A with two incredible, solid teams that are pretty evenly matched. Both of these teams came into the postseason ready to give it their all, and that's exactly what we've seen. Cherokee Washington took down Atlantic and Clarinda to earn their spot in the finals. Kuemper defeated Saydel and Van Meter to secure their spot. Kuemper will be traveling to Cherokee for the Regional finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 8</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Wilton vs. Mount Vernon</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have had the privilege of watching these two teams compete a few times throughout the season. I've been impressed with the all-around skill set that both of these teams wield. Wilton took down Camanche and Tipton on their path to the finals. Mount Vernon flew past Maquoketa and Monticello to earn their spot in the finals. The Beavers will be hosting the Mustangs tonight at 7 o'clock. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054572"],"_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-6ae0cbbd6602c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1054572' first='Stella' last='Merino'] has been having quite an outstanding month, especially as the only freshman on the team. Merino has done a fantastic job keeping up with their fast offense on the right side and has managed to throw up a solid block as well. She has been a strong piece this year and shows a lot of promise for the Mustangs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 1</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Norwalk vs. ADM</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norwalk has had a nice path to the finals and only had to face Carlisle in the semi-finals, and to no surprise, they took down the Wildcats with ease. Freshman Oliva Winslow held it down at the net and led her team in blocks, while [player_tooltip player_id='560368' first='Elle' last='Hatlevig'] got it done offensively, leading the Warriors in both kills and aces. ADM had a little bit of a tougher path, but still managed to upset Winterset in the semifinals after a thrilling five-set match. The leaderboards were taken over by sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='959464' first='JJ' last='Steinkamp'], [player_tooltip player_id='945354' first='Addison' last='Schultz'], and Addison Montag. I think that the Tigers have a decent chance of giving Norwalk a run for their money, and I'm excited to see the outcome of this game. ADM will be traveling to Norwalk to compete in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 2</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Assumption vs. Bondurant-Farrar</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assumption was also able to secure a first-round bye and only has to worry about taking down Fort Madison to make it to the finals. And just like Norwalk, the Knights got the job done in three. My shoutout goes to sophomore <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/natalie-depoorter/" data-type="players" data-id="946877">[player_tooltip player_id='946877' first='Natalie' last='DePoorter']</a> for leading this team not only against Fort Madison, but all season long. Bondurant-Farrar has been a powerful force all season long, and the postseason has been no different. The Bluejays managed to take down Pella in the semifinals in four sets after also securing a bye in the quarters. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/tenley-fried/" data-type="players" data-id="819822">[player_tooltip player_id='819822' first='Tenley' last='Fried']</a> played a big part in BF's success on Thursday, leading in both kills and aces. The nights will be hosting the Bluejays tonight at 7. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["896589"],"_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-6ae0cbbd66079"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='896589' first='Kaylee' last='Hanson'] is quite the threat when it comes to her swings. The lefty is unpredictable and seems as though she doesn't have an off switch when it comes to ripping the ball. Hanson doesn't shy away when it comes to putting a ball away, no matter where she's getting set on the court. My favorite part about the junior is her hitting versatility, especially in serve receive. The Bluejays utilize her swing from every position, and she always finds a way to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 3</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Western Dubuque vs. Wahlert Catholic</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Western Dubuque and Wahlert Catholic managed to get first-round byes and made light work in the semifinals. The Bobcats took care of business against Independence and finished them in three. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/lola-quagliano/" data-type="players" data-id="748340">[player_tooltip player_id='748340' first='Lola' last='Quagliano']</a> was the playmaker behind their success and finished the night with 20 assists. Whalert took down Clinton in three as well, with Maren Chandlee getting it done in the back row. Now the Golden Eagles will be heading to Western Dubuque to face the Bobcats in the finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 4</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Clear Creek Amana vs. Burlington</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clear Creek Amana managed to fly past the semifinals, taking down Benton and not allowing more than 15 points per set. Stat leaders included Payton Curtin with assists and digs, [player_tooltip player_id='516002' first='Julia' last='Schlarbaum'] with kills and aces, and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/delaney-vaske/" data-type="players" data-id="693879">[player_tooltip player_id='693879' first='Delaney' last='Vaske']</a> with blocks. Burlington took down Mount Pleasant in the first round and then had quite the upset in the semis, reverse-sweeping Grinnell in a five-set thriller. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/tess-brown/" data-type="players" data-id="886271">[player_tooltip player_id='886271' first='Tess' last='Brown']</a> led in assists, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/meilah-ertz/" data-type="players" data-id="836047">[player_tooltip player_id='836047' first='Meilah' last='Ertz']</a> in kills, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/josie-newell/" data-type="players" data-id="1039244">[player_tooltip player_id='1039244' first='Josie' last='Newell']</a> in digs, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ella-schneden/" data-type="players" data-id="1039251">[player_tooltip player_id='1039251' first='Ella' last='Schneden']</a> in blocks, and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/gemma-plummer/" data-type="players" data-id="813508">[player_tooltip player_id='813508' first='Gemma' last='Plummer']</a> in aces. The grayhounds will be heading the CCA to take on the Clippers tonight at 7 o'clock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["516002"],"_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-6ae0ada994603"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='516002' first='Julia' last='Schlarbaum'] has been a consistent issue for her opponents and has been incredibly hard to stop or even slow down, as a matter of fact. Schlarbaum helped carry her team past Benton end ended the game with 18 kills and 3 aces. Julia is going to continue to be a key piece not only tonight, but more than likely at the state tournament as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 5</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Sioux Center vs. Sergeant Bluff-Luton</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sioux Center got the job done against Spencer last week and kept the Tigers under 13 points per set. Leaders included <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/taylor-holverson/" data-type="players" data-id="902722">[player_tooltip player_id='902722' first='Taylor' last='Holverson']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/adison-brantsen/" data-type="players" data-id="841522">[player_tooltip player_id='841522' first='Adison' last='Brantsen']</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/jorgia-van-de-berg/" data-type="players" data-id="741264">[player_tooltip player_id='741264' first='Jorgia' last='Van De Berg']</a>, and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/maryn-franken/" data-type="players" data-id="816843">[player_tooltip player_id='816843' first='Maryn' last='Franken']</a>. The Warriors of Sergeant Bluff-Lutton managed to take down the Le Mars Bulldogs in three as well. Leading the Warriors were <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/bailey-helm/" data-type="players" data-id="913844">[player_tooltip player_id='913844' first='Bailey' last='Ball']</a>, Olivia Kneifl, and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kaitlyn-hardie-2/" data-type="players" data-id="493652">[player_tooltip player_id='493652' first='Kaitlyn' last='Hardie']</a>. Both of the Warriors will be facing off at Sioux Center tonight at 7 o'clock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 6</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Ballard vs. Lewis Central</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ballard took down Newton in three in the semifinals, with the closest set being 27-17. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/hailey-estrem/" data-type="players" data-id="709085">[player_tooltip player_id='709085' first='Hailey' last='Estrem']</a> led in assists, finishing out the night with 37. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kendall-ersland/" data-type="players" data-id="754258">[player_tooltip player_id='754258' first='Kendall' last='Ersland']</a> racked up about 5 kills per set, and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/halle-gardner/" data-type="players" data-id="729559">[player_tooltip player_id='729559' first='Halle' last='Gardner']</a> ended the night with 13 digs. Lewis managed to sweep Denison in 3, holding them to 10 each set. Then they turned around and reverse-swept Bishop Heelan in a tight 5th set. The Titans will now be traveling to Ballard tonight and facing off against the Bombers at 7 o'clock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882673"],"_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-6ae0ada99466f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='882673' first='Emary' last='Cooper'] has been an absolute monster this season and has done a fantastic job lighting a fire under the Titans all season. She pairs her dominating swings with an energy like no other. I am excited to see how she contributes tonight, hopefully at the state tournament, and next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 7</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">North Polk vs. Glenwood</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both North Polk and Glenwood managed to secure a first-round bye and took care of business in the semifinals. North Polk defeated Carroll in three sets thanks to <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/jaslyn-rasmussen/" data-type="players" data-id="946957">[player_tooltip player_id='946957' first='Jaslyn' last='Rasmussen']</a> getting it done both offensively and defensively, leading her team in both kills and digs. Glenwood fought hard and managed to take down Des Moines Christian in four sets after dropping the first set. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/addie-madison/" data-type="players" data-id="940736">[player_tooltip player_id='940736' first='Addie' last='Madison']</a> was a key piece to the Rams' success, leading the team in kills, blocks, and aces. North Polk will be hosting Glenwood tonight for the finals at 7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Region 8</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Waverly- Shell Rock vs. Marion</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is another highly anticipated game for me because although Waverly-Shell Rock is slightly higher than Marion in the rankings, I think the Wolves have a good chance of pulling away with this one. Marion came into the postseason strong and swept Xavier in a quick three-set match. They've shown many times that they have the potential to be strong contenders in the state tournament, and I'm hoping to see more of that elite team tonight. Waverly also managed to sweep Clear Lake in the semis and is ready to go to battle for a spot in the state tournament. These two will be facing off tonight @Waverly- Shell Rock. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->