That is “Dots,” VolleyballMag.com’s weekly take a look at 10 issues in highschool volleyball, previous or current, that curiosity me and hopefully will curiosity you. Search for Dots each Tuesday till the final highschool state championship in November:
• Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Utah (within the smaller classifications) and Maine.
These had been the states scheduled to complete their fall seasons final week.
The mass capturing in Maine brought on the Maine Principal’s Affiliation to push again their finals for just a few days.
The Class C ultimate was staged yesterday, with Narraguagus, led by famous person senior Autumn Peterson, defeating Calais for the third time this season to win its first title. The Knights (16-1) had been state runners up a 12 months in the past.
The Class A and B finals will probably be performed right now, with top-seeded Gorham taking over No. 3 Scarborough in Class A and No. 1 Washington Academy and No. 2 Yarmouth battling in Class B. Washington Academy gained the Class C title in 2022. Yarmouth is the four-time defending Class B champions.
• In Arkansas, the story, because it had been the prior three years, was Fayetteville, although for a distinct purpose in 2023.
For 3 years, the Bulldogs had been loaded with expertise. Successful state in Class 6A got here simply. However Jessica Phelan’s group graduated 14 off of final 12 months’s roster, together with her daughter, Kenna, who has 458 assists for Florida State this fall. There have been critical questions whether or not this group would actually have a profitable season, not to mention contend for an additional title.
This Fayetteville group, nevertheless, was excited about leaving its personal legacy. Going through Conway within the finals, the Bulldogs (25-8) had been pushed to a fifth set, after which into additional factors in that fifth set, earlier than prevailing, 16-14, on kills from Regan Harp and Isabella Avenue.
Harp, the lone returning starter off of final 12 months’s championship group, was named MVP after registering 29 kills. Quincy Schaffer contributed 45 assists and 16 digs.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how these youngsters leaned into the legacy of Fayetteville Volleyball,” mentioned Coach Phelan. “We graduated 14 seniors final season however, for this group, it was not nearly who we misplaced, however who we’re. They had been an excellent group; performed with whole belief and keenness, profitable 16-14 within the fifth to safe the fourth title in a row. It was candy to see them by no means cease believing in what they may accomplish collectively.”
Conway (31-5), searching for its first title in 5 years, was paced by 19 Kim Quinit digs and 14 kills from Emily Zimmerman.
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Benton trailed Greenwood two units to at least one within the 5A ultimate earlier than rallying to repeat as champions. Isabella Lagemann, who was named state event MVP, had the kill that put the Panthers (30-5) on high to remain, 11-10, in Recreation 5. She completed with 18 kills, 20 assists, 19 digs and three blocks. Parker Stearns and Khenedi Visitor added 25 kills and 10 blocks, mixed, whereas Drew Hudspeth contributed 32 assists.
Myia McCoy had 18 kills and 18 digs to guide Greenwood (23-11), which was enjoying its greatest ball late within the season.
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Brookland gained Class 4A for the second straight 12 months, sweeping Shiloh Christian between a mixed 25 kills from Evan Polsgrove and Maddie Smith. Rylee Walker was named event MVP after amassing 28 digs and three aces within the championship match for the senior-laden Bearcats, who completed the 12 months 37-4-1.
Sophomore Chloe Blessing had 14 kills and 18 digs for Shiloh Christian (29-7).
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Baptist Prep gained two deuce units in its sweep of Hackett in Class 3A. The Eagles (37-2-1) gained state for the second consecutive 12 months. Abby Renshaw was named MVP after contributing 26 kills and 6 digs to the profitable facet.
Mackenzie Freeman led Hackett (38-2-2) with 21 kills and 10 digs. Hackett, which misplaced within the finals for the third straight 12 months, scored solely 10 fewer factors than the victors.
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Mansfield (34-2) gained its fourth straight 2A crown, 25-23, 26-24, 25-12, over Conway Christian. The win avenged a regular-season loss to the Eagles, who got here into the championship match with an ideal 25-0 report.
The Tigers, who’ve gained all 4 of their titles in sweeps, trailed in each set Saturday earlier than rallying. MVP Allyson Edwards had 10 kills within the first set and completed with 20 kills together with 9 digs. Kaylee Ward added 14 kills, 5 digs and three blocks.
Emerson Rice led Conway Christian with 14 kills.
• Whereas Arkansas had repeat winners in each classification, it was a really completely different story in Kansas, which noticed a number of groups break by means of to win titles over conventional powers.
In 6A, Mill Valley gained its first title, defeating top-seeded Blue Valley North, 25-23, 25-19 (sure, they play better of three within the state championships). Kaitlyn Burke (eight kills, 4 digs, two blocks) and Saida Jacobs (5 kills and 5 blocks) led the best way. Each made the All-Match group together with junior center Ashlyn Blazer.
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In 5A, St. Thomas Aquinas was favored to repeat as champions and declare its fourth title in 5 years, however the Saints fell brief to first-time champion Seaman, 25-19, 25-22. Junior MB Reagan McGivern was a drive within the win for the Vikings (38-6). Senior center Brooklyn Gormley and junior OH Maegan Mills additionally made the All-Match group for the victors.
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Bishop Miege dominated McPherson, 25-12, 25-14, in 4A. The Stags (23-18) got here to state because the final seed and went 2-1 in pool play on Friday, however they had been at their greatest on day later and gained their second straight championship and third over the previous 4 seasons.
Senior libero Gabby Williams was a catalyst, each within the again row and from the service line. Miege additionally acquired good work from juniors Triniti Stevens, Kriston Verhulst and Lauren Lopez in addition to senior setter Ava Martin.
McPherson, which was led by sophomore OH/MB Brooke Doile, will return all however one starter.
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Heritage Christian gained its fourth title, and third in a row in 3A, defeating Smoky Valley within the championship match. The four-peat was not with out adversity, nevertheless, because the Chargers dropped a pool play match to Beloit, their first state event loss after 25 consecutive wins relationship to 2016.
Senior OH Rachel Van Gorp, an Iowa State recruit; led the best way for the champions, which additionally acquired robust work from senior setter Anna Schenk, senior OH Grace Schmedding and senior center Cy Rae Campbell.
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Hillsboro repeated as champions in 2A, sweeping Hoxie within the ultimate, simply because it had in 4 earlier state-tournament matches. Seniors Savannah Shahan, Zaylee Werth and Anslee Brewer led the best way. Freshman libero Amayah Werth additionally shined within the win.
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Little River additionally repeated as champions in Class 1A – Div. I. Led by its 5 seniors, Alain Eck, Aubrey Olander, Ashley Stephenson, Kami Grasser and Kathleen Elwood, Little River (42-2) suffered a Recreation 2 hiccup to South Grey earlier than recovering to win the deciding set in convincing style, 25-7.
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Lebo avenged a pool play loss to Hanover by defeating the Wildcats in straight units sooner or later later to assert a second consecutive Class 1A Div. II title. Saige Hadley had the title-clinching kill for Lebo, which additionally put junior setter Abi Jones and senior hitter Audrey Peek on the All-Match group.
Hanover, which gained state in 2020 and 2021, has now misplaced two straight years within the finals.
• The state of Idaho had some acquainted names repeat as champions.
In 5A, Madison, in its first 12 months with Whitney Howard as head coach, repeated as state champions by defeating Eagle twice in two days within the double elimination format. Eagle gained the primary set of the championship ultimate and led 22-19 within the second earlier than Madison rallied.
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Skyview senior middles Emylie Gwyn and Josie Uhlenhoff had been vital threats, sophomore OH Bellamie Buess was her standard potent self and libero Melissa Eyer and Alex Bower took care of the primary two contacts because the Hawks swept to their fourth straight title, profitable 4A over Bonneville.
Skyview was undefeated in Idaho this season.
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Fruitland gained its first title since 2014, sweeping Snake River in 3A for its third title in program historical past. The Grizzlies wanted to rally from down two units to at least one within the semifinal versus Kimberly to make the ultimate, then gained two shut units versus Snake River earlier than pulling away for the sweep.
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Melba is the toast of 2A once more after defeating Malad for its second title in a row. Tariah Carter had 23 kills and freshman Joelle Kelly added 13 for the Mustangs, who graduated seven from final 12 months’s championship group.
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Horseshoe Bend is the 1A -Div. II champion for the third straight 12 months after the Mustangs (28-1) swept Council behind 20 kills and 20 digs from senior Annelie Wilson.
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Troy gained 1A-Div. I for the third 12 months in a row. The Trojans edged Grace in 5 units because of good work from setter Olivia Tyler, OH Dericka Morgan and RS Tessa Stoner.
• The smallest 4 classifications in Utah concluded their seasons final week.
Orem gained 4A in a sweep over Inexperienced Canyon, ending a 42-run with out a championship. The Tigers served 13 aces within the championship match, led by 4 from libero Scarlett Web page, who additionally anchored the protection. Orem gained the primary two units simply, however wanted an enormous Recreation 3 from senior Sami Blackett (seven kills, two aces and a block) to place Inexperienced Canyon away.
“We knew that with the intention to win the match towards Inexperienced Canyon within the finals, we needed to be aggressive from the service line,” mentioned coach Invoice Sefita. “Our hitters additionally needed to be inventive in scoring factors and that was a sport changer.”
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Emery gained its first title in 27 years by downing perennial contender Morgan in 5 units in 3A. Abby Morris led the best way for the champions with 23 kills, together with the title clincher with the rating 14-12 within the final set.
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Parowan accomplished an undefeated season with a second straight 2A title. The Rams defeated Kanab in 4 units, the fourth time defeating the Cowboys in as many tries this 12 months, in what was a repeat of final 12 months’s championship ultimate. Junior Paige Felder had 22 kills and 4 aces for the victors (29-0).
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Panguitch dominated acquainted foe Wealthy to win the 1A title, avenging a loss within the finals a 12 months in the past. The Bobcats gained their first title since 2019 by counting on a deep roster and difficult serving from Tabetha Henrie.
• In Illinois, 4 faculties, Lemont, Altamont, Belleville East and St. Teresa, had been all denied the prospect to compete for state titles by being disqualified from regional play by the Illinois Excessive College Affiliation as a result of they performed greater than the 35-match restrict.
Lemont’s exclusion brought on essentially the most uproar as a result of the group was poised to make a deep run after going 27-9 through the common season, together with 13-0 with out a dropped set within the South Suburban Convention.
“The season limitation by-law exists in each IHSA sport with the intention to present aggressive fairness among the many faculties as they enter into competitors within the IHSA State Collection,” IHSA Government Director Craig Anderson mentioned in a ready assertion. “As unlucky because the outcome could also be, these groups acquired a aggressive benefit that no different group within the event acquired, and there’s over 40 years of priority dictating that violating this rule excludes a group from State Collection participation. Neither myself, the IHSA workers, nor the IHSA Board of Administrators derive any pleasure in delivering this determination, however we’re tasked with upholding the foundations our member faculties put into place.”
• In Missouri, Houston Excessive was initially compelled to forfeit a district ultimate win over Licking because of utilizing three ineligible gamers, the Missouri State Excessive College Actions Affiliation dominated.
These gamers participated within the Salem Memorial Hospital Mammography Volley for a Remedy coed event on October 21, violating an MSHSAA rule forbidding gamers to take part in an organized non-school competitors involving the identical sport throughout the identical season.
A choose dominated that the MSHSAA went too far in mandating a forfeit and the state affiliation subsequently rescinded the forfeit. Houston misplaced its subsequent match to Stover.
• Courtney Kvitle, who was “Courtney Thomas” when she performed for Wisconsin between 2011 and 2014, was subjected to harassment by two dad and mom of gamers following Quincy Notre Dame’s playoff loss to Macomb in a regional ultimate on Thursday.
The dad and mom claimed that Kvitle, who has coached the Raiders for six seasons, give up on her group. They entered the locker room after the match to inform her so and continued berating Kvitle outdoors the locker room afterwards.
“I felt threatened, and I felt violated,” Kvitle informed native media. “I felt I wasn’t protected as a coach.”
Quincy Notre Dame completed the season 32-5 and had overwhelmed Macomb in an earlier match. The Raiders are 175-24, with 5 straight 30-win seasons, throughout Kvitle’s tenure.
• Two weeks in the past, we launched our ION checklist, which is our state-by-state Participant of the Yr Watch checklist. Final week in Dots, we listed gamers, nominated by people whose opinion we belief, who additionally got consideration from Alabama by means of Missouri. This week, we end the “also-considered” checklist by itemizing gamers from Montana by means of Wyoming:
MONTANA
Kirra Ban, 5-3 Sr. libero, Huntley Challenge
Karsen Breeding, 6-0 Sr. OH, Gallatin
Piper Jette, 5-10 Sr. OH, Billings Senior
Harlie Murphy, 5-6 Sr. MB, Huntley Challenge
NEBRASKA
Malorie Boesiger, 5-10 Fr. S, Norris
Mattie Dalton, 5-9 Jr. OH, Fremont
Paighton Erb, 5-11 Soph. MB, Columbus
Shay Heaney, 6-2 Jr. OH, Elkhorn North
Anna Jelinek, 5-9 Jr. OH, Norris
Lyric Judson, 5-10 Fr. MB, Papillion- La Vista South
Religion Venable, 6-1 Jr. MB, Pius X
Nora Wurtz, 6-4 Sr. MB, Douglas County West
NEVADA
Angelina Guerrero, 5-8 Sr. OH, Durango
Hannah Pemberton, 5-7 Sr. S, Coronado
Addison Schreurs, 5-10 Sr. S, Spanish Springs
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Kate Blinn, Jr. MB, Harmony
Emilia Cavicchi, Sr. S/RS, Oyster River
Sya McKay, 6-1 Jr. MB, Somerworth
Kiera Moynihan, Soph. MB, Inter-Lakes
Maia Schneider, 5-5 Sr. libero, Hollis Brookline
Anabelle Svenson, 6-3 Sr. MB, Oyster River
NEW JERSEY
Kalena Stavish, 5-7 Sr. S, Immaculate Coronary heart Academy (Washington Township)
Sophia Tapia, Sr. MB, Tenafly
NEW MEXICO
Emma Eden, 6-1 Sr. OH. Albuquerque Academy
Ella Pockman, 5-10 Sr. OH, Bosque
NEW YORK
Lillian Bentley, 6-1 Sr. MB, Portville
April Jakubowski, 5-7 Sr. S, Lancaster
Sabrina Kinkaid, 6-2 Sr. MB, Shenendehowa
NORTH CAROLINA
Kinnady Sales space, 6-1 Soph. OH, East Forsyth
Bailey Rowe, 5-9 Sr. OH, North Henderson
Jordan Good, 5-8 Sr. S, Reagan
Maddie Smith, 6-1 Sr. OH, College Christian
NORTH DAKOTA
Cora Badding, 6-0 Sr. MB, Langdon-Edmore-Munich
Josie Jensen, 6-3 Sr. MB, Northern Cass
Sydney Schwabe, 5-4 Sr. S Thompson
OHIO
Keely Culler, 5-11 Jr. OH, Archbold (Ohio)
Sophie Davis, 5-11 Jr. RS/OH, Bellbrook (Ohio)
Abbey Emch, 6-3 Jr. MB/OH, Crestview (Columbiana, Ohio)
Gretchen Sigman, 6-0 Sr. RS, Springfield (Ohio)
Sara Snowbarger, 6-0 Soph. OH, Wooster (Ohio)
Katie Sowko, 6-0 Sr. OH, Lake Catholic
Sydney Sprada, 5-10 Soph. OH, Brookville (Ohio)
Kam Stover, 5-9 Jr. OH, Highland
Emsley Venard, 6-0 Jr.. S, St. Ursula (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Mya White, 6-0 Sr. OH, Lebanon
Abby Yoder, 5-9 Sr. S, King’s
OKLAHOMA
Victoria Grey, 5-9 Sr. OH, Neighborhood Christian
Hannah Pleasure Nuthman, Jr. OH, Christian Heritage
Caroline Wooden, 5-5 Sr. libero, Jenks
OREGON
Ava Ainsworth, 6-1 Jr. S, Marshfield
Addy Azavedo, 5-4 Jr. libero, Jesuit
Hannah Brown, 5-9 Sr. S. Sherwood
Gracelyn Myhre, 5-11 Sr. OH, Sisters
Gracie Peach, 5-6 Sr. libero, Marshfield
Annabelle Peterson, 5-9 Sr. MB, Cascade
Dani Avenue, 5-6 Sr. libero, Crescent Valley
Emma Williams, 6-0 Sr. OH, Jesuit
PENNSYLVANIA
Raven Albrecht, 5-7 Jr. S, Higher Merion
Avery Butcher, 5-6 Sr. libero, North Allegheny
Sofia Morse, 5-6 Sr. S, Pine-Richland
Bria Stepp, 5-9 Sr. S, Seneca Valley
RHODE ISLAND
Alexis Cole, 5-6 Sr. S, Chariho
Annie Draper, 5-9 Sr. RS, North Kingstown
Katja Nelson, Sr. MB, Chariho
Abigail Spadoni, Sr. OH, Coventry
Sierra Thompson, Sr. MB, South Kingstown
SOUTH CAROLINA
Ramsey Chastain, 5-11 Soph. S, Dorman
Clara Cloninger, 5-10 Soph. OH, North Myrtle Seaside
Sydney Fischer, 5-10 Jr. S, Lexington
SOUTH DAKOTA
Taylor Byl, 6-3 Sr. MB, Sioux Falls Christian
Makenzie Walsh, 6-2 Soph. RS, O’Gorman
TENNESSEE
Kayla Dunlap, 6-2 Jr. RS/MB, Franklin (Brentwood, Tennessee)
Noelle Obi, 6-0 Jr. RS, Central Magnet
Bellamy Parker, 5-11 Sr. OH, Knoxville Catholic
TEXAS
Sydney Bryant, 6-3 Jr. OH, George Ranch
Zoe Gillen-Malveaux, 6-3 Jr. MB, Greenhill
Jessica Jones, 6-2 Sr. MB, Frisco Wakeland
Jaidyn Livings, 6-2 Sr. OH, Prestonwood Christian
Kate Mansfield, 6-2 Sr. MB, Plano West
Lauren Perry, 6-0 Sr. OH. Denton
Lainee Pyles, 6-3 Sr. MB, Fossil Ridge
UTAH
Paige Felder, 6-2 Jr. OH, Parowan
Abby Morris, Sr. OH, Emery
VERMONT
Reese Gregory, 5-6 Soph. S, Essex
Gabby Sneddon, 5-9 Sr. OH, Rice Memorial
VIRGINIA
Calli Anderson, 5-7 Jr. S, Hidden Valley
Isabelle Bardin, 6-3 Jr. S/RS/OH, Flint Hill
Madison Bowser, 6-0 Sr. MB, Bishop O’Connell
Jules Dooren, 5-7 Sr. S, First Colonial
Blakely Barnes, 5-11 Sr. MB, Kellam
Keeley Heffelfinger, 5-6 Sr. OH, First Colonial
Evie Huang, 5-5 Soph. libero, Flint Hill
Mickhaila Murray, 5-10 Sr. OH, Flint Hill
Ela Shepard, 5-11 Soph. S/RS, Christiansburg
Kennedy Spaid, 5-10 Soph. OH, James Wooden
WASHINGTON
Tea Bosanac, , 6-4 Sr. MB, Seattle Prep
Violet Burchak, 5-9 Sr. S/RS, Shorecrest
Rylie Dolven, 5-7 Sr. S, Kamiakin
Peyton Ensign, , 5-9 Sr. S, Curtis
Victoria Gao, 5-5 Jr. libero, Lakeside
Alyss Kelly, 5-5 Sr. libero, Lake Stevens
Alana Marrs, , 6-4 Jr. OH, Ellensburg
Halle Reiter, , 5-4 Sr. libero, Camas
Emma Sandberg, 5-9 Jr. libero, Gonzaga Prep
WEST VIRGINIA
Abby Dillon, 5-4 Sr. S, Woodrow Wilson
Ava Dunnigan, 5-5 Sr. libero, Musselman
Carli Raye, 6-0 Soph. MB, Wyoming East
Ashlyn Six, 5-8 Sr. OH, Oak Glen
Alexis Stack, 5-9 Jr. OH, Greenbrier East
WISCONSIN
Kaitlyn Dohs, 5-8 Sr. OH, Oak Park
Jae Becoming, 5-8 Sr. libero, Cedarburg
Sydnee Nelson, 5-10 Soph. OH, Oshkosh West
Reese Ptacek, 6-3 Sr. MB, Prescott (Wisconsin)
Natalie Surges, 6-1 Soph. OH, Brookfield East
Cora Webster, 5-4 Sr. libero, Waunakee
WYOMING
Gia Eire, 5-10 Fr. S, Kelly Walsh
Wet Powell, 5-10 Jr. OH, Cody
Payge Riedesel, 5-8 Sr. OH, Campbell County
Michon Sailors, 6-2 Jr. MB, Laramie
To see the precise ION checklist, in its two components, look right here for Half 1 — and right here for Half 2.
• We proceed our evaluate of gamers or coaches doing distinctive or uncommon issues outdoors of volleyball with a highlight on coaches.
Do you know that San Francisco College highschool coach Bob Hillman has a parallel profession as a singer/songwriter? He has launched seven albums and toured the U.S. and Europe, together with prestigious venues just like the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, and the Newport People Pageant.
In his early 2000s “heyday,” he labored extensively because the opening act for Suzanne Vega and likewise supported folk-rock icons like Todd Snider and Dave Alvin. His subsequent recording, a collaboration with legendary slide guitarist Greg Leisz, will probably be launched on November 17, which can be the primary day of the California state championships. The one after that leans towards energy pop and is anchored by Elvis Costello & the Sights drummer Pete Thomas.
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Do you know that Oconee County (GA) head coach Mark Oglesby was a lead actor in a film? Oglesby starred as Buddy in “Lethal Love” again in 1987. Right here’s the film abstract:
“Two love-sick youngsters named Buddy and Ann determine to elope, however Buddy is murdered. Twenty years later, Ann makes use of black magic to summon long-dead Buddy to her bed room each evening till native youngsters drive her to suicide. When Ann’s niece inherits the house, she’s stricken by violent youngsters, a homicidal maniac and a strolling lifeless man – all of the nightmares that include the home.”
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Do you know that Windsor (CA) head coach Christen Hamilton scoffs at operating marathons. She not too long ago accomplished an ultra-marathon, a 55 kilometer jog. That’s over 34 miles!!!
• We’re including an additional Dot to incorporate different objects that may get ignored within the coming weeks with all of the state championship occasions taking place.
In Texas, Abby Fender reached 1,000 profession assists for Richardson Excessive to set the varsity report. Fender completed the feat regardless of sitting out two-thirds of her junior 12 months with a knee harm…
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Ava Younger reached 1,000 profession digs for Hinsdale Central (IL), which not too long ago gained its first regional title since 2012.
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Georgetown Day of D.C. noticed gamers attain milestones in consecutive matches final week. First, senior setter Clara Yu, a Columbia College recruit, went over 1,000 profession assists. Then, junior RS Jada Aksu, a Lafayette School pledge, eclipsed 500 profession kills…
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Final Wednesday, Oconee County traveled to Morgan County for an Elite 8 showdown towards the group that defeated it in final 12 months’s Georgia AAA state ultimate in 5 units. Oconee misplaced the primary set, however got here again to win 3-1, led by senior setter Isabel Miller (28 assists, group hitting share of .329, and 14 digs). Oconee then beat Area 8AAA rival Hart County on Saturday in 4 units to safe a return journey to the State Finals.
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After Pitman misplaced a second-round match to Folsom within the California Sac-Joaquin Part Division 1 playoffs, the Pleasure thought their season was over and that the teaching profession of Kristen Pontes-Christian was over, too. However the college acquired an e-mail the subsequent morning informing Pitman that it acquired an SJS At-Massive bid to the state event. The Pleasure battle on!
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Florida’s Seacrest Nation Day, the two-time defending FHSAA 2A champion, is 26-3 heading into right now’s match to advance as soon as once more to the Closing 4. Seacrest would set a faculty report for wins in a season ought to it prevail. The group is coached by first 12 months head coach Jeff Motluck. Motluck has 22 years of expertise teaching as an assistant on the D-II collegiate stage however by no means grew to become a head coach till this 12 months.
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Dorman senior OH Carly O’Brien has 992 profession kills heading into tonight’s Higher State ultimate versus Rock Hill.
Till subsequent time …