Arizona Volleyball Playoff Preview: 4A–6A Quarterfinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have the quarterfinals today for 4A-6A! We are getting closer and closer to finding out who is heading to the Madhouse on McDowell for the finals on Saturday! We have some exciting match ups coming to us today, and PrepdigAZ will be at a few of these match ups! Make sure to come up and say hi to us if you see us at the games! Now let's dive into the match ups and give some predictions as to who is going to win! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 1 Ironwood Ridge vs. No. 9 Arcadia</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making the dive down to Tucson to take on the favorite in 4A in Ironwood Ridge, Arcadia is trying to pull of a massive upset and they do have the talent to make a run in this match. [player_tooltip player_id='787997' first='Jade' last='Smith'] is one of the best setters in the conference and using hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='518443' first='Riley' last='Rooney'] and Violett D'annibale give them a chance against Ironwood Ridge. They will need to be at the top of their game as Ironwood Ridge has two of the best pin hitters in the conference in [player_tooltip player_id='833602' first='Kallie' last='George'] and Ashlyn <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/profile.aspx?athleteid=c326f20a-e6a9-4cb6-898c-878e0825abe9&amp;ssid=9f2e0dd1-c299-4f3e-8e0e-744d108b6db7">Quiri</a> who are both going to be all conference players. [player_tooltip player_id='888731' first='Marcella' last='Landers'] is an up an comer who is really coming into her own this season and she might be the X factor in this match as the biggest difference maker in this match. We do see some tight sets as both teams have some top end talent but the overall depth of Ironwood Ridge will be too much at the end of the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Ironwood Ridge 3 Arcadia 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 5 ALA–West Foothills vs. No. 4 Cactus</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A rematch from earlier this season, Cactus will host ALA West Foothills with a trip to the state semifinals on the line. [player_tooltip player_id='883366' first='Addison' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='891304' first='Skye' last='Moore'] are two of the better players in the conference and form a dangerous combination on the pins that ALA will need to find a way to slow down. ALA will counter with their own 1-2 punch in [player_tooltip player_id='826371' first='Haylie' last='Johnston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='821730' first='Aileen' last='Nimijan'], who provide an equally dangerous duo. All four players are among the better players in their respective classes and should be firmly in the conversation for All-Region honors. Expect an entertaining rematch, but I see Cactus using its home court advantage and offensive firepower to come away with the win and punch its ticket to the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Cactus 3 ALA West Foothills 0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 3 Thunderbird vs. No. 6 Mica Mountain</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest storylines in this matchup will be the battle between the two teams' pin hitters, as [player_tooltip player_id='807367' first='Sophia' last='Frandsen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='877240' first='Aubrey' last='Necas'] are both capable of taking over a match offensively. Frandsen has been a consistent offensive force for the Titans, averaging 4.0 kills per set, while Necas has been one of the most productive hitters in the conference, averaging 5.0 kills per set and hitting .333 on the season. Both will be asked to carry a significant portion of their team's offensive load, and whichever pin can find more success could give their team a major advantage. The X-factor in this matchup could be Mica Mountain middle [player_tooltip player_id='921925' first='McKenna' last='Mallard']. With 92 blocks on the season, she gives the Thunderbolts a presence at the net that could make life difficult for Thunderbird's hitters. If Mallard can control the middle and help slow down Frandsen, it could open up opportunities for Mica Mountain to take control defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Thunderbird 3 Mica Mountain 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 7 Saguaro vs. No. 2 ALA–Queen Creek</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saguaro will lean heavily on their pin combination of [player_tooltip player_id='888723' first='Sloan' last='Kribel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='806931' first='Nylah' last='Bibby'], who give them two legitimate offensive weapons capable of putting pressure on any defense. Kribel has been especially impressive this season, leading the team (and state) with 5.5 kills per set, while Bibby brings another dimension with her ability to contribute offensively, defensively, and from the service line. The two will need to have big performances if Saguaro hopes to pull off the upset. However, ALA Queen Creek has the kind of depth that can make this a difficult matchup for the Sabercats. The Patriots have multiple offensive options and the ability to spread the ball around, making them difficult to defend over the course of a five set match. Saguaro may have the two biggest individual offensive weapons in this matchup, but Queen Creek's ability to get contributions from throughout its lineup could eventually wear down the Sabercats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: ALA Queen Creek 3 Saguaro 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 9 Canyon del Oro vs. No. 1 Notre Dame Prep</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two teams that have had great seasons and now get a chance to finally meet, we have CDO vs Notre Dame. CDO will lean on their Brown duo, [player_tooltip player_id='837349' first='Rilynn' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888745' first='Ava' last='Brown'], who give them two important offensive weapons and the ability to create pressure from multiple spots on the court. Rilynn has been a major contributor offensively with 307 kills on the season, while Ava has added 278 kills and an impressive 98 service aces. Their ability to generate offense and keep Notre Dame Prep's defense out of system will be critical if the Dorados want to pull off the upset. Notre Dame Prep will counter with a strong pin hitting combination of its own, led by [player_tooltip player_id='835096' first='Lucy' last='Solorzano'] and [player_tooltip player_id='885092' first='Elizabeth' last='Hackleman']. The Saints have plenty of offensive firepower on the outside and will look to use their pin hitters to take advantage of opportunities throughout the match. Lucy is coming off a huge first round performance against Catalina Foothills, recording 16 kills and 11 digs and will need more of that to help Notre Dame finish off CDO. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: NDP 3 CDO 0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 5 Ironwood vs. No. 4 Horizon</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Ironwood and Horizon meet in a matchup featuring two of the top pin hitters in the conference, as [player_tooltip player_id='835620' first='Malaya' last='Gibbs'] and [player_tooltip player_id='768939' first='Nia' last='Tinsley'] will headline what should be an exciting battle on the outside. Gibbs has been Ironwood's go to offensive weapon all season, leading the Eagles with 339 kills while averaging 4.1 kills per set. Tinsley has been just as impressive for the Huskies, leading her team with 353 kills and providing a consistent offensive presence from the pins. Both players are capable of taking over a match, and whichever one can find more success could give her team a significant advantage. However, I think the difference in this matchup comes down to the middle of the net. Horizon has a significant advantage with [player_tooltip player_id='827567' first='Olivia' last='Kauffman'], who gives the Huskies a bigger presence offensively and defensively. Her ability to create pressure in the middle, combined with Horizon's overall front row balance, gives them another dimension that Ironwood will have to account for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Horizon 3 Ironwood 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 6 Salpointe Catholic vs. No. 3 Chaparral</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salpointe has been playing some good volleyball and has the experience to make this a difficult matchup, but Chaparral has been impressive all season and has plenty of offensive firepower. The difference maker for the Firebirds could be [player_tooltip player_id='883367' first='Sarah' last='Hodgson'], who has been a versatile weapon all season. Whether she is contributing as a setter, attacking from the pins, or putting pressure on opponents from the service line, Sarah gives Chaparral a dynamic player who can impact the match in multiple ways. She leads the team in kills, assists, and service aces, making her one of the most important pieces of the Firebirds' success. Salpointe will counter with their own top level players in [player_tooltip player_id='888729' first='Callen' last='Hutchens'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888728' first='Reagan' last='Burgle'] who are both D1 level players and can change the game for Salpointe if needed. I do think the overall power and depth of Chaparral should be the difference in this one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Chaparral 3 Salpointe 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 7 Sunrise Mountain vs. No. 2 Verrado</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vipers have been impressive all year, finishing undefeated in region play, and will lean on their senior leadership and two of their biggest weapons in [player_tooltip player_id='848347' first='Aniah' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='706296' first='Alyssa' last='Ortiz']. Brown has been dominant in the middle, hitting .527 on the season while recording 168 total blocks and adding 282 kills. Ortiz has been equally important from the outside, leading Verrado with 339 kills and 85 service aces. That combination gives the Vipers plenty of firepower and two players who can impact the game in very different ways. Sunrise Mountain will counter with a team first mentality that has helped them put together a strong season. The Mustangs may not rely on one or two players to carry the entire offensive load, but their ability to compete together, spread the offense around, and stay connected throughout a match makes them a difficult opponent. Their defensive effort, led by [player_tooltip player_id='794268' first='Hailey' last='Brueggeman']'s 449 digs, will be especially important in extending rallies and making Verrado earn its points. We do see the top offensive players from Verrado being the big difference in this one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Verrado 3 Sunrise Mountain 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 1 Perry vs. No. 9 Corona del Sol</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>he Pumas have been one of the top teams in the state all season and will look to continue that success behind senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='778035' first='Kalista' last='Fuller']. Fuller has been a dominant offensive weapon, leading Perry with 367 kills while averaging 3.7 kills per set and hitting .321. She gives the Pumas a reliable option in big moments and will be a major part of their game plan. Trying to slow them down, the Aztecs will lean on their team defense, led by Brenna Walsh, who has recorded 455 digs, and setter [player_tooltip player_id='888558' first='Adelyn' last='Chang'], who has been instrumental in running the offense with 726 assists. The big X-factor for Perry could be middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='557005' first='Kaitlin' last='James']. James has been a force at the net this season, recording 113 total blocks while hitting .440. Her ability to create pressure in the middle and take away some of Corona's offensive options especially from the middle that could make a significant difference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Perry 3 Corona Del Sol 0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 5 Pinnacle vs. No. 4 Highland</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This might be the game of the night! Pinnacle has a few playmakers, led by setter [player_tooltip player_id='881055' first='Emma' last='Elbert'], who has recorded 415 assists while directing the Pioneers' offense, and [player_tooltip player_id='877567' first='Anela' last='Wailani'], who has contributed 251 digs and been a key part of their defensive effort. Their ability to keep Pinnacle organized offensively and extend rallies defensively will be important if the Pioneers hope to pull off the win. Highland counters with a pair of dangerous pin hitters in [player_tooltip player_id='877226' first='Lila' last='Ellsworth'] and [player_tooltip player_id='523986' first='Isabella' last='Stojkovic']. Ellsworth has recorded 375 kills on the season, while Stojkovic has added 366, giving the Hawks two legitimate offensive weapons to lean on throughout the match. I expect this one to be a battle that goes the distance, but Highland's two big offensive threats give the Hawks a slight edge. Give me Highland in a tight one to advance to the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Highland 3 Pinnacle 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 3 Liberty vs. No. 6 Xavier College Prep</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>avier comes in with its usual firepower, led by senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='774402' first='Tessa' last='Larkin'], who has been outstanding all season with 4.6 kills per set and a .360 hitting percentage. [player_tooltip player_id='593870' first='Annabelle' last='Ross'] gives the Gators another major weapon in the middle, hitting an impressive .399 while recording 102 total blocks. That combination gives Xavier plenty of ways to create pressure offensively and makes them a difficult team to defend. Liberty has plenty of top end talent of its own, led by [player_tooltip player_id='806274' first='Lauren' last='Forelli'], who has put together a tremendous season with 411 kills while hitting .271. However, I think the biggest storyline for the Lions will be how their younger players handle the moment. Freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='920122' first='Mia' last='Wells'] and [player_tooltip player_id='939282' first='Naomi' last='Miller'] have important roles in this lineup, with Miller already contributing 479 digs as the team's defensive anchor. This one is going the distance but I think Liberty finally gets over the hump and to the final 4 this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Liberty 3 Xavier 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>No. 7 Hamilton vs. No. 2 O'Connor</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandra Day O'Connor has been one of the most dominant teams in 6A this season, and a big reason for that success has been the play of setter [player_tooltip player_id='888725' first='London' last='Clark'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='808453' first='Berkley' last='France']. Clark has been outstanding running the Eagles' offense, recording 939 assists while adding 246 digs, showing her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. France has been a six rotation standout, leading the team with 312 kills while hitting .302, adding 257 digs and 32 service aces. Hamilton will look to counter with a strong defensive presence of its own, led by senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='881061' first='Kira' last='Strawberry'], who has been outstanding in the back row with 495 digs while averaging 4.5 digs per set. She gives the Huskies a reliable defensive anchor and will be important in keeping rallies alive against O'Connor's offense. Offensively, [player_tooltip player_id='881804' first='Addison' last='Bartnik'] has been a major contributor, hitting an impressive .383 while providing a strong presence at the net and giving them a legit option to score. I see this being close sets, but SDO gets the win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: Sandra Day 3 Hamilton 0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The school season is just getting started, and we can't wait to continue following Arizona athletes and programs throughout the fall! Make sure your <strong>Prep Dig profile is updated</strong> with your current school, position, height, graduation year, and any other important information so our scouts have the most accurate information when evaluating and writing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to stay on our radar this season? <strong>Tag us in your highlights, match schedules, big performances, milestones, and anything else you want us to see.</strong> We want to know where you're playing and how your season is going!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow <strong>Prep Dig Arizona and our Arizona scouts on Instagram</strong> for even more coverage:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigarizona/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">@PrepDigArizona</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachmarissamorah/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">@CoachMarissaMorah</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdiganthony/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">@PrepDigAnthony</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep working, keep competing, and <strong>keep us updated throughout the school season.</strong> We can't wait to see who makes their mark this fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to get on our radar? Register for our upcoming Exposure tour <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2499/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-arizona">here.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->