Class 5 Semifinals: Lafayette, Lee’s Summit West Advance

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette earned a measure of redemption against Incarnate Word, while Lee's Summit West survived a five-set thriller against Lee's Summit North. The semifinal winners will meet for the Class 5 title, with Incarnate Word and North set to play for third.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Semifinal 1: Lafayette vs. Incarnate Word</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After Incarnate Word swept Lafayette earlier this season, the Lancers turned the tables in the semifinal, limiting the Red Knights to a .038 hitting percentage and winning in straight sets, 25–17, 25–19, 25–16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aubrey Toti — Lafayette</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-foot-1 pin hitter showed why she's considered one of Missouri's top 2029 players. Toti led Lafayette with 13 kills on .278 shooting, using her power to finish attacks while contributing with defense and tough serving. She showed the Lancers could trust her with a range of sets, even when the ball wasn't perfect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sylvia Caby — Lafayette</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caby returned in time for the season, worked her way back into Lafayette's system, and has made a major difference for the Lancers. The 6-foot-1 middle used her length and quick movement to close at the net and transition into her attack. She led the match with an .833 hitting percentage, putting away five of her six attempts, and added two blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aubrey Dumstorff — Lafayette</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dumstorff was a steady presence in the back row, finishing with a match-high 23 digs. The Winthrop commit made several important saves early, helping Lafayette build its lead and maintain pressure on Incarnate Word. Her quick reactions and reliable passing helped the Lancers turn defensive plays into scoring chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Audrey Schaeffer — Incarnate Word</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Though Incarnate Word struggled to find its rhythm, Schaeffer kept competing defensively. The steady libero led the Red Knights with 19 digs, keeping Lafayette's attacks alive and giving her team chances to reset. She'll get one more chance to finish her prep career in the third-place match before heading to the University of Wyoming.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Semifinal 2: Lee's Summit West vs. Lee's Summit North</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee's Summit West held off Lee's Summit North in a five-set battle full of momentum swings and big plays. West took the first two sets, 25–21 and 27–25, before North rallied to win the next two, 25–22 and 25–23. The Titans took control in the fifth, closing out a 15–7 win to reach the championship match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Leighton Benne — Lee's Summit North</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benne worked to guide North back to the championship match after the Broncos finished second last season. She kept the offense moving throughout the five-set semifinal, finishing with 45 assists and 17 digs for a double-double. North will look to close out its Final Four run with a win in the third-place match against Incarnate Word.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kenzie Huhman — Lee's Summit North</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huhman delivered another strong Final Four performance, continuing the level of play she has shown at the St. Joseph Civic Center. She finished with 13 kills on .286 shooting and added 16 digs for a double-double. Her contributions on both sides of the ball helped North rally and push the semifinal to five sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gracyn Lamley — Lee's Summit West</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lamley made a strong case as the match's most valuable player, delivering timely plays when the Titans needed them. The 2028 opposite finished with 14 kills at a .278 hitting percentage, five digs, and five blocks. Her ability to score, get touches at the net, and contribute defensively helped West withstand North's comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Harper Ahlquist — Lee's Summit West</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ahlquist stepped into a bigger role running the offense and made an immediate impact. Before the semifinal, she had played 57 sets and recorded 75 assists. She finished the match with 20 assists, 10 digs, three aces, and one kill, earning a double-double. Her performance gave West an effective offensive option as the Titans advanced to the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Andi Gardner — Lee's Summit West</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In her first Final Four appearance, the Mizzou commit made a major defensive contribution. Gardner led all players with 28 digs, helping West withstand North's attacks and stay composed through the five-set match. The Titans will look to draw on her defense again in the championship match against Lafayette.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->