Prospects to See in Region 1 Semis

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Magnificat vs. Hudson</em></strong><br>Magnificat has great tradition and this season's team has a good combination of veteran experience, depth, and some young athletes making solid contributions. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141694' first='Lauren' last='Yacobucci']</strong> is the backbone of the team at 10.7 assists per set, recently surpassing 2,500 assists for her high school career. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='114595' first='Julia' last='Sprecher']</strong> is her best offensive target as she provides 3.6 kills per set. She gets good lift off the floor and can create pace off her arm. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232843' first='Mary' last='Flanagan']</strong> adds 3.0 kills per set as 5'11 freshman <strong>Sydney Bowory</strong> contributes 2.2 kills per set. Another critical piece is 6'1 senior middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='114508' first='Sophia' last='Anghilante']</strong> and her 2.3 kills per set and team high 2.4 blocks per match. Magnificat is currently ranked #2 in the latest Division I state poll.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For #6 seeded Hudson Explorers, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139302' first='Sydney' last='Waller'] </strong>leads the offense at 3.9 kills per match. At 6'2, the junior outside hitter has good length and high contact point that can be difficult to defend. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='198487' first='Natalie' last='Robinson']</strong> is second offensively at 2.3 kills per set while leading the team in blocking at 2.6 per match. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='114520' first='Rylyn' last='Dearstine']</strong> complements Robinson well in the middle at 2.0 kills per set and 2.4 blocks per match of her own. At 5'8, she has good athleticism to make her effective between the pins. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153893' first='Melissa' last='Hansen'] </strong>has been leading the offense for a few seasons and has 875 assists in 2022 alone for an average of 9.5 per set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Magnificat's experience and depth has potential to win the title this season, which is why they get the nod here 3-0.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Jackson vs. Chardon</em></strong><br>Jackson is 25-1 overall and ranked #11 in the current Division I poll. They haven't been tested much this postseason given the overwhelming set scores they have produced over their last four matches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='197516' first='Sydney' last='Wake']</strong>, averaging 4.0 kills per set, has terminated 50 times in Jackson's previous four matches. With just six errors over that stretch, she is hitting at a .564 efficiency in the playoffs. She has good mechanics and range and can score well from either pin. Fellow senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='114548' first='Leena' last='Patibandla']</strong> has good size at 6'1 at the pin and can also bring a big arm as she offers 3.4 kills per set. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227382' first='Kaylee' last='Evans']</strong> is the team's leading defender at the net with 64 blocks as sophomore <strong>Abbey Debevec</strong> recently surpassed 250 digs on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chardon has made a good run to the regional round with an overall record of 23-2. Two juniors lead them offensively as the athleticism and all-around skills of 6'0 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='169100' first='Emma' last='McCartney']</strong> is a big part of their effort. She provides nearly five kills per set as fellow classmate <strong>Skylar Toth </strong>contributes 3.0 kills per frame. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='197525' first='Natalie' last='Zemba']</strong> creates good action in the middle as she leads the team in offensive efficiency at .336 while also leading the defense at the net with over 100 blocks. She is also the team leader at the service line with 54 aces. Junior libero <strong>Grace Legan</strong> has added over 300 digs this season. Senior setter <strong>Annabel Frieden</strong> distributes the offense well at 10.5 assists per set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These teams have good strengths and contributors in all phases of the game, which could create some key rotation matchups. The edge goes to Jackson 3-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->