-
- St. Marys sophomore Morgan Bardwell (9) makes an attempt a spike in opposition to Fort Frye earlier this season. (Photos by Kerry Patrick)
-
- St. Marys libero Alyssa Winland reaches for a dig throughout a match earlier this season at Fort Frye High School. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)
St. Marys sophomore Morgan Bardwell (9) makes an attempt a spike in opposition to Fort Frye earlier this season. (Photos by Kerry Patrick)
CHARLESTON – If Greenbrier West desires to repeat as Class A state champions the seventh-seeded Cavaliers should get previous No. 2 Gilmer County and the ultimate 12 months of the Dobbins twins – Ava and Blair.
State event favourite Wirt County, which fell to the Cavaliers within the 2024 quarterfinals, faces No. 8 Pendleton County following Wednesday’s 8:30 a.m. opener between No. 4 East Hardy and No. 5 Madonna.
The Titans (35-10-1) of head coach Chelsea Stickelman start their run within the 1:30 afternoon session.
“This team has worked hard all season long to get to this point,” mentioned the coach. “We’ve struggled as all groups do however they’ve actually proven they’re able to play powerful groups.
“I think beating St. Joe really helped them realize they can play tough teams and they are a tough team.”
St. Marys libero Alyssa Winland reaches for a dig throughout a match earlier this season at Fort Frye High School. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)
No. 6 St. Marys, which should do extra with much less as junior stalwart Brynnley Bulluck is on the shelf injured, drew third-seeded Sherman for the final quarterfinal.
A 12 months in the past the Blue Devils (25-11-1) of head coach Stephanie Corathers made historical past by advancing to the large present for the primary time when the event was held by itself at West Virginia State University.
The lack of Bulluck, who has greater than 400 kills, just isn’t notably good timing for the Pleasants County program. The Tide roll with the one-two punch of masher Sophia Rollo and setter Emma Russell in addition to fellow senior outdoors Carter Plantz.
“Still processing our regional win after such an emotional night. Losing Brynnley wasn’t just the loss of a key player, but also a team leader,” admitted Corathers, who will look to senior libero Alyssa Winland in addition to sophomores Rylee Renner (setter) and Morgan Bardwell (hitter) to assist prepared the ground. “We don’t have any 6-foot ladies so we have now to play strategic. People all the time ask what we run. We don’t run a standard volleyball rotation or one thing constant as a result of we aren’t constructed for it, so to have the ability to transition between video games and even in a recreation is loopy.
“However, it makes for a good team when no one can ever determine what the heck we’re doing! Last year was a rollercoaster with classifications and lawsuits. While we went to state, it felt like we truly didn’t get to enjoy it. Coming into this season, I felt we had the talent to be able to compete. However, you never know with these girls. They tend to let the mental game get the best of them. If this team plays their game, we are tough. Obviously, we will be in a bigger atmosphere. It will be an environment we haven’t experienced. At this point, I want them to enjoy the ride and have fun, but most of all – leave it all on the court.”
Wirt County head coach Katie Frazier is simply glad the orange and black are literally returning to the capitol metropolis this fall.
“We are obviously very excited to be back in Charleston, especially on time with double-A through quad-A this year,” expressed Frazier, who can be with seniors Addie Stephens, Makayla Moore, Katherine Lemley and Bella Starcher yet one more time.
“It’s been a long season and a lot of work up to this point, but it’s been a really fun year for the girls and us coaches. For the most part the girls have really just done anything we’ve asked of them and are looking forward to getting one last chance to play together this week.”
Stephens, who has 92 aces, had 35 kills because the Tigers eradicated Tug Valley within the regional. She has 536 downed spikes with a .518 hitting effectivity.
Sophomore setter Breigyn Dawson, who has 111 aces and 925 assists, keys the offense and can try to assist carry residence the primary state crown to Elizabeth since 2020.
The Tigers, who had the seven seed when the seniors have been sophomores, misplaced to eventual state champion and No. 2 seed Williamstown. During that 2023 season No. 8 Pendleton County upset No. 1 Buffalo.