The Draw Is Complete: 2A First Round Matches We’re Watching

<p>All 64 sectionals have been filled, and although there's still a few days left in the regular season, our focus here at PrepDig will be on the postseason and the matchups that catch our eye. Here are four first round matches that the blind draw gods chose to bless us with.</p>   <p><em>***All rankings are from the Z-Ratings at indianaprepvolleyball.com and all records are through the October 7 matches***</em></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 South Adams (19-8) v Blackhawk Christian (12-12)</h2>   <p>This match features two teams that never played each other during the regular season, yet have a lot of common opponents (schedule adjacent?). Of course, we all know that the postseason can do some tricky things to teams, and BCS is going through somewhat of a rebuild after years of dominance in 1A. <strong>Reagan Bollenbacher</strong> looks to be the senior leader on the outside that should solidify a first-round win, yet their balance is what will propel then far into October. For BCS, a youth movement of sorts has led the Braves, starting with freshman outside <strong>Cici Sefton.</strong> He ability to do a little of everything has convinced this author that she's more than a freshman by now. She'll need some solid support offensively from her teammates to keep their season alive after next week.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Benton Central (20-5) v #15 Seeger (21-4)</h2>   <p>One of three matches listed where all of the teams are in the top twenty in the state, the winner of this match should travel far into late October. A ton of future collegiate talent will be featured all over the court, and I highly recommend going to this match to see some of the best ball that the Lafayette area has to offer. With no losses to fellow 2A schools, Benton Central will roll out their main attacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260994' first='Calista' last='Foster'],</strong> a Western Kentucky commit who has been doing a bit of everything for the Bison for years. BC's balance on both offense and defense makes them a prime candidate for a run to Gainbridge. For Seeger, the leader is obvious, as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='260996' first='Chase' last='Lemming']</strong> (Butler commit) averages 7 kills per set. She'll need a little help from her friends to have this match last longer than the last time they met, when the Bison won in under an hour and a half.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Southwood (22-2) v #18 Manchester (22-6)</h2>   <p>The second of three ranked matches in the first round in 2A, this is a repeat of a previous match, which the Knights took in straight sets. Southwood, like Benton Central above, have exactly ZERO losses to 2A schools, and even avenged one of those losses (to Cathedral, 3A's current #1). The Knights are on a mission this fall, led by physical and emotional leader <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='494521' first='Shania' last='Rhamy']</strong> (Kentucky commit). She's been dominating the competition for years, and should do more of the same now that her supporting cast has caught up to her intensity. For the Squires, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='505196' first='Ava' last='Felgar']</strong> (Case Western Reserve commit) is a strong M2 that has given fits to opposing attackers and defenders all season, as her 6'1” frame and high volleyball IQ is hard to duplicate in any class, let alone 2A.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Tecumseh (22-6) v #12 Evansville Mater Dei (14-10)</h2>   <p>Of the three ranked matches listed here today, the regular season version of this match was a LOT closer, and I expect this playoff match to be more of the same. Tecumseh had to come back from a 2-1 deficit to win it in five, and needed every ball to bounce their way to do so. The Wildcats were a bit error-prone in the first match, and I doubt they'll have 40+ unforced errors (hitting and serving combined) this time around. Both teams sport tough-as-nails schedules, and both teams are fully prepared for what this match means for bragging rights in the Evansville area. The Braves will roll out multisport talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='300205' first='Shae' last='Bailey']</strong> on the outside, as her all-around athleticism has carried this team all season. For MD, look to <strong>Kiersten Wunderlich</strong>, as she and her fellow Wildcats look to extend their season. </p>

All 64 sectionals have been filled, and although there's still a few days left in the regular season, our focus here at PrepDig will be on the postseason and the matchups that catch our eye. Here are four first round matches that the blind draw gods chose to bless us with.