IHSAA 2A Preview: #8 Evansville Mater Dei

<p>From the extreme north of the state yesterday to the southwestern tip of Indiana today, we continue out countdown of top returning teams for Class 2A. Mater Dei always seems to be in the conversation in 2A every year, and with the promotion of Barr-Reeve to 3A this fall, might give the Wildcats the inside track to a sectional title and beyond. This senior class should lead the way.</p> <p><strong>’22, Kennedy Wenger, 6-0 OH/RS</strong></p> <p>A basketball stud in her own right, Kennedy is one of the bigs that will be relied upon to carry the offense this fall. Her team-leading kills and kills per set is obvious from the outset; her mere ability to go over any blocker makes her highly effective. Her length also helps defensively, making her the third best blocker last fall. A high-and-deep swing coupled with length on the block makes Miss Wenger the top returner for the Wildcats.</p> <p><strong>’22, [player_tooltip player_id="118192" first="Sophie" last="Kleiman"], 5-11 MB</strong></p> <p>Kennedy’s not alone in the offense. Miss Kleiman is an effective middle that will be the one-two punch the Wildcats need to get over the sectional hump. Her heavy swing and ability to take up space on the block will be key for this undersized 2A team. Sophie’s strengths are in front of the setter, and can hit zero tempo as well as slower tempo balls just as effectively. Also a multi-sport athlete, Sophie is a solid softball recruit as well.</p> <p><strong>’22, Chrissy Marx, 5-7 S</strong></p> <p>Someone has to get the ball to these two thumpers, so let’s insert Chrissy into the mix. A defense-first setter, Miss Marx will most likely run a 5-1 in the fall. Her club training (Metro) allows her to pick the right hitters at the right time. Leading the team in both assists and digs last fall leads me to believe that she’s always around the ball, making her ball control a much-needed boost to this 17-11 squad from a year ago. Although she’s five inches shorter than Kennedy listed above, she’s only slightly behind her in blocks per set from a year ago. </p>