Plymouth Semistate: Wonder Twins

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Hoosier state, the state semifinals are done differently than other states:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li>Two different classes at each site</li><li>Both matches are in the afternoon on the last Saturday of October</li><li>It is physically impossible to watch both matches of the same class</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With those rules in place, it only made sense to give you, the readers, a guide to each <em>site</em> rather than each class. Here are the four teams at Plymouth, and the players that complement each other on each team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>1A Semistate: </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>4p: #5 Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (32-4) v #7 Southwood (31-3)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a match this will be. For those outside of the Indiana area, having two thirty-win teams face each other before the state final is extremely rare, so those in attendance at Plymouth High School will be treated to a great day of volleyball. The Braves have had an incredible season thus far, and look to make one more step to finish their season at Worthen Arena. Size matters with this squad, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='230529' first='Allie' last='Boyer'] ('24, 6-2 OH)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='230528' first='Abbie' last='Cresse'] ('24, 6-3 MB)</strong> are an intimidating pair. Allie hits a heavy ball, and can take over a match if needed. Abbie understands what "college-ready" means, as her older sister currently plays for the University of Louisville. Don't count the Knights out, however. Their speed and ball control will be the difference if they wish to move on to Ball State next Saturday. Junior spitfire <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239311' first='Allie' last='Haecker'] ('24, 5-6 OH/DS)</strong> can be a six-rotation outside for a small school in the future or a three-rotation DS for larger schools. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239310' first='Grace' last='Drake'] ('25, 5-10 S/RS)</strong> has the ability to be either a setter or an attacker---or both, if the need arises. Their ability to stay disciplined and focused against a bigger squad will decide the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>3A Semistate:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Approx. 6:30p: #8 NorthWood (28-6) v #4 Bellmont (29-6)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just because the previous match features teams with more wins does not mean that this match won't be just as entertaining, if not more so. Located just south of Elkhart, the Panthers' success has focused on balance and ball control. A pair of sophomores run this squad in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192110' first='Claire' last='Payne'] ('25, 6-1 MB)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='161657' first='Sophia' last='Barber'] ('25, 5-9 OH).</strong> Claire's size and strength have carried her this far, and she'll be leaned upon to continue that trend. Sophia is a primary-passing outside who can hit smart shots from anywhere on the court. Look for NorthWood to try and extend rallies to stay in the match. On the other side of the net is volleyball blue-blood Bellmont, who seem to always be here at the end of the season. Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110518' first='Delaney' last='Lawson'] ('24, 6-1 OH)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239312' first='Hailey' last='Cole'] ('24, 5-11 S/RS)</strong> are the catalysts for the Braves, and I doubt the Panthers have played any pair of players with this level of skill and athleticism this past fall. Lok for Bellmont to end points quickly with all of those attackers to choose from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->