Class 3 Quarterfinals Preview: The Road to the Final Four

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are down to the final eight teams in Class 3, showcasing a mix of surprise upsets and the only undefeated team left in Missouri high school volleyball. This year, we're set to see four new teams in the Final Four, with several schools vying for their first-ever trips to the state championship. Here are the quarterfinal previews and predictions. Enjoy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterfinal 1: Saxony Lutheran Crusaders (17-19) </strong>vs. Lutheran South Lancers (8-19-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Saxony Lutheran:</strong> The Crusaders pulled off an impressive victory against the defending Class 3 champions, Potosi, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-19, 25-19, 25-23.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lutheran South:</strong> The Lancers secured their spot by defeating Metro in a hard-fought match, winning 25-19, 25-12, 26-28, 25-22.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head to Head:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>No previous matchups.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponent:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nerinx Hall:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Saxony lost 1-2.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lutheran South lost 1-3.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Saxony:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brielyn Korn (2029):</strong> 13 kills in the district championship</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828562' first='Kinley' last='Couch'] (2028):</strong> 13 kills in the district championship</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827723' first='Ryleigh' last='Manche'] (2026):</strong> 8 kills in the district championship</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Lutheran South:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Claire Nelson (2028):</strong> 161 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Maeble Wagner (2028):</strong> 95 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Aliya Bausch (2029):</strong> 123 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This matchup is a toss-up. While I expected Lutheran South to defeat Metro, Saxony's sweep of Potosi was unexpected. Saxony is a young team with good height, giving them a physical advantage. Lutheran South's record isn't strong, but they have shown potential. Ultimately, Saxony's height and passing will lead them to a 4-set victory and advance them to the Final Four.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterfinal 3: Sullivan Eagles (20-9-4) </strong>vs. Mt. Vernon Mountaineers (24-7-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sullivan:</strong> The Eagles achieved a significant upset by defeating last year's runner-up, Rogersville, with scores of 22-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-19.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Mt. Vernon:</strong> The Mountaineers had a smoother path, defeating Liberty 25-23, 25-20, 25-10.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head to Head:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>No previous matchups.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Liberty, Rogersville, Rolla, Salem, and West Plains:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sullivan: Tied with Liberty, beat Rogersville, Rolla, and Salem; lost to West Plains.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mt. Vernon: Beat Liberty and Salem; lost to Rolla, Rogersville, and West Plains.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sullivan:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809530' first='Ava' last='Blankenship'] (2026):</strong> 370 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ava Todd (2026):</strong> 417 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Reya Rochleau (2029):</strong> 243 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Mt. Vernon:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='844386' first='Savannah' last='Dampf'] (2027):</strong> 161 kills</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801125' first='Averee' last='Swillum'] (2026):</strong> 295 digs</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ruth Fish (2029):</strong> 380 assists</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sullivan's upset over Rogersville was unexpected, while Mt. Vernon's path to the quarterfinal was more predictable. If Sullivan can replicate their performance against Rogersville, they have a solid chance of winning. Mt. Vernon will need to leverage their outside hitters effectively. I predict Sullivan will take this match with a 3-1 victory.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterfinal 4 Winfield Warriors 19-10-1 vs. Helias Crusaders 33-1-1</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Helias:</strong> The Crusaders dominated Hallsville in their previous match, winning decisively with scores of 25-16, 25-7, 25-12.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Winfield:</strong> The Warriors also displayed a strong performance by sweeping MICDS with scores of 25-21, 25-21, 25-23.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head to Head:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>No previous matchups.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponent:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>None.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Helias:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='357621' first='Sydney' last='Suthoff'] (2026):</strong> 500 assists - A pivotal setter who orchestrates the offense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='796336' first='Liza' last='Boyer'] (2026):</strong> 291 digs - A key defensive player, providing stability in the back row.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Addyson Scherr (2027):</strong> 169 kills - A powerful hitter who can finish plays.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Winfield:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='542220' first='Marlie' last='Karsten'] (2026):</strong> 16 kills in the win over MICDS - A standout player known for her offensive skills.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Adalynn Cassinger (2026):</strong> 5 aces in the win over MICDS - A strong server who can put pressure on the opponent.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783476' first='Amelia' last='Conrad'] (2029):</strong> 5 kills in the win - A young talent contributing to the team's success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Helias has established itself as a strong title contender since moving down to Class 3. Winfield surprised many with their victory over MICDS, showcasing excellent serving and solid defense. While [player_tooltip player_id='542220' first='Marlie' last='Karsten'] is a key player for the Warriors, they will need more than just one standout performance to overcome Helias. The Crusaders excel in passing and can effectively involve their middles and outside hitters in the attack. With their relentless offensive approach, I predict Helias will secure a 3-0 sweep to advance to the Final Four.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterfinal 3: &nbsp;Nevada Tigers 27-6-2 vs. Oak Grove Panthers 34-0-1</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Got Here:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nevada:</strong> The Tigers narrowly defeated Summit Christian in a challenging match, winning with scores of 25-18, 25-21, 19-25, 22-25, 15-4.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Oak Grove:</strong> The Panthers showcased their strength by sweeping Savannah with scores of 25-21, 25-17, 25-14.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head to Head:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>No previous matchups.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Common Opponents:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Both teams faced off against Clinton, Harrisonville, Knob Noster, and Summit Christian, each finishing with a 4-0 record against these opponents.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nevada:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735226' first='Kimber' last='Eaton'] (2026):</strong> 372 kills - A standout pin hitter who poses a significant threat to opposing defenses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Natalie Hope (2029):</strong> 290 kills - A rising talent contributing to the offensive strength.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801027' first='Ashlyn' last='Dean'] (2026):</strong> 445 digs - A key defensive player ensuring stability at the back.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Oak Grove:</strong><!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557372' first='Piper' last='Hudson'] (2029):</strong> 387 kills - An impressive young hitter making a name for herself.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ava Chrisco (2029):</strong> 265 digs - A strong defensive presence, crucial for the Panthers' success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883474' first='Emmy' last='Brown'] (2029):</strong> 866 assists - The playmaker for the team, facilitating the offense effectively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nevada features an exceptional pin hitter in [player_tooltip player_id='735226' first='Kimber' last='Eaton'], but Oak Grove is brimming with talented young players who are competing fearlessly. Notably, Oak Grove defeated Summit Christian with relative ease, while Nevada struggled in their five-set match against the same team. With no seniors in the starting lineup, Oak Grove's youthful energy and skill could lead to something special. I predict Oak Grove will secure a 3-0 sweep, marking their 31st victory of the season and earning their first trip to the Final Four in program history.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->