Columbus East Semistate: Primary vs Balance

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A funny thing happened on the way to this semi state. First off, the classes represented are the two biggest classes, which should count as great viewing for the fans in attendance. Second, none of the teams below are ranked below #6 in their respective classes, a first for a semi state location in longer than I can remember. Third, each matchup features a battle between a primary attacker going against a well-balanced offense. Here are the four teams, their records, the times of their matches, and the players in question.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>4p: 3A: #6 Western Boone (26-6) v #1 Providence (29-6)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opener at Columbus East High School is a treat unto itself. Both matches feature high-level volleyball players, and the matchup has that "me versus the world" mentality. On one side, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='154814' first='Raegan' last='Durbin'] ('25, 5-10 OH)</strong> is a one-woman wrecking crew, who will be a primary passing outside for someone in the fall of 2025. She passes well, has great instincts, and manages to hit for a high percentage despite the opponents keying on her. She's not completely alone, however, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240161' first='Alayna' last='Christner'] ('24, 6-2 RS)</strong> has some size for the Stars. She's a nice complement, and as a big lefty attacker, might cause some problems for the Pioneers defensively. Providence has a three-headed attacking monster in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143807' first='Makenzie' last='Wagner'] ('24, 5-10 RS), [player_tooltip player_id='210180' first='Lilly' last='Tappel'] ('24, 5-9 OH/MB) </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240162' first='Lilly' last='Kaiser'] ('24, 5-11 MB). </strong>All three average over two kills per set, and can take over a match at any time. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='85899' first='Grace' last='Purichia'] ('23, 5-9 S, Jacksonville State commit)</strong> keeps defenses honest with her balanced distribution, and the volleyball IQ for the Pioneers is collectively through the roof. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Approx. 6:30p: 4A: #2 Yorktown (33-2) v #6 Floyd Central (30-6)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sea of green should be descending on Columbus, Indiana on Saturday evening, as both fan bases travel well. As with the first match, there's a primary attacker on one side with a well-balanced offense on the other. The Tigers, led by Class of '25 #1 recruit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152944' first='Charlotte' last='Vinson'] ('25, 6-1 OH), </strong>have already avenged one of their losses by defeating Brebeuf earlier in the postseason, and have a date with HSE looming (if both advance) to avenge the other. Getting Miss Vinson the ball will partly be the responsibility of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='115069' first='Emilee' last='Hill'] ('23, 5-10 S/RS, Eastern Kentucky commit),</strong> who sets in the back row and is the number two attacker for the Tigers when she's in front. The Highlanders, however, got here because of balance and experience. Led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='85908' first='Caroline' last='Hilbrich'] ('23, 5-10 OH), [player_tooltip player_id='143802' first='Kylie' last='Minnis'] ('23, 5-11 OH)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='118344' first='Jenna' last='Heidbreder'] ('24, 6-0 MB), </strong>this three-headed attacking machine has carried them this far. Caroline's all-around game transfers well for indoor and outdoor purposes. Kylie is a great complement on the other pin and can hit any shot. Jenna is the size that will be needed to slow down the Tiger attack. The volleyball acuity will be high in this match, and should be a gift from the volleyball gods straight to the fans in attendance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->