Section 2 Analysis: Impact Athletes in Class A

Sectional playoff brackets are being revealed and there will undoubtedly be some intense competition as we progress through the early rounds. Here is a brief analysis of Section 2 for class A teams and a look at some athletes that will certainly make a big impact. Play begins on Monday 10/21 with top seeds receiving a bye to the second round, which will take place on Thursday 10/24. Section 2 A favorites include Mayer Lutheran, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, Minnesota Valley Lutheran, and BOLD. Mayer Lutheran - The Crusaders have the upper hand in Section 2 A given their hold upon the top ranking in class A, their tradition, the strength of their schedule, and more importantly, the depth of talent they have around the court. As the top seed in the north half of the bracket, they are led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id="30258" first="Olivia" last="Tjernagel"] and Cladudia Stahlke. These two provide incredible presence and leadership from the middle position with point production offensively and with their length and ability to fill up big space at the net when blocking. Both continue to receive a lot of attention, with Tjernagel a worthy candidate to consider for Ms. Baden Volleyball in Minnesota. Sophomore opposite Lily Wachholz may be the x-factor if the Crusaders ball control and offense allow her to get ample looks on the right side. With great size and length she can terminate with the best of them when in system while putting a lot of pressure on opposing left side attackers. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown - The top seed coming from the south half of the bracket, they are the #2 ranked team behind Mayer Lutheran in class A. Junior outside [player_tooltip player_id="71956" first="Toryn" last="Richards"] is the Buccaneers top offensive option. She is a dynamic athlete that can score from multiple location with good elevation and an aggressive arm. She is supported well by junior outside [player_tooltip player_id="72080" first="Kylie" last="Pittman"] who is among team leaders in total kills, digs, and blocks. Senior middle Trista Hering leads the team in total blocks and provides a steady middle presence on both sides of the ball. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id="72056" first="Ellie" last="Ready"] has provided great offensive leadership that has carried WEM to an undefeated conference season. Minnesota Valley Lutheran - The Chargers’ top point scorer is senior middle Mara Weisensel. As the teams top blocker as well, Weisensel works very hard to get herself off the net and available to swing. She has the ability to score through a variety of locations and tempos in front and behind the setter. She finds the ball early and displays the patience needed based upon the play call either quick on the setter or on that allows her more time to get up for a higher option. Maddie Pearson is their senior setter that provides great floor leadership in directing the offense and as a team leader in total service aces and digs. Other key offensive options include pin attackers in senior Emma Nelson and sophomore Abbie Reiderer. At 5’8, Reiderer is a spark plug for her team with good approach footwork and movement upon the ball with her arm. The Chargers play with a lot of energy and emotion, which can be difficult to match across the net. If they can create some variation in their offense they could make a deep run. BOLD - Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id="71671" first="Makayla" last="Snow"] has also garnered a lot of attention during her senior campaign as she may be one of the most complete athletes at this position in the 2020 class. She is athletic and moves well around the floor, which helps with her distribution, but more so in her blocking presence as well as her many options to be an offensive threat through the second contact on the ball. Being an offensive-minded setter adds a dimension that can make the Warriors difficult to defend when she is in the front row. Senior middle Ashley Trongard also provides great presence defensively at the net while sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id="72809" first="Leslie" last="Snow"] has emerged as a consistent option for kill production. She has a nice arm that deceptively can score with good pace and range or through some offspeed placement. BOLD can be a dangerous sleeper in this section as they have shown great progress over the course of the season and have earned some quality wins in recent weeks that should provide some confidence going forward.