Let's muddy the waters even more before tournament time. Mercy, unable to topple SHA in two previous meetings, now sweeps the Valkyries at home 25-21, 25-22, 25-23.

 

With Assumption taking NDA 3-2 tonight, SHA 3-2, and Mercy 3-0 earlier this week, has Kordes found the magic elixir to win state again? Has SHA started to slip at the wrong time of the year?

 

This is the most mixed up I've seen these four teams in recent years. I picked SHA earlier, but unless they buckle down, they may be staying home this year instead of heading to Valley HS.

It is truly a great time to be a volleyball fan in KY. I have not seen this much parity since the early 90's. Love it.

Wow!

 

This is going to be a game of who can get hot (and lucky) at the right time.

Wow. That's shocking to say the least. I only wish I could watch the four of them play in the state semis verse each other. Those two games would draw HUGE crowds. If only.....

 

So now the "Big 4" have finished their regular season. I tallied up the sets won and lost along with matches won and lost verse each other. This is where the teams stand.

 

Assumption [5-3](17-12)

Sacred Heart [5-3](16-12)

Mercy [3-4](9-14)

Notre Dame [2-5](11-15)

[matches](sets)

Edited October 16, 201510 yr by volleyblogger

I picked SHA, but I swear that it seems as if Assumption is peaking at the right time. They've developed some offense at the net which was their extreme weak point.

Kordes coaching is the difference. I pick Assumption to win it because of that. He knows how to adjust after losing to a team.

I picked SHA, but I swear that it seems as if Assumption is peaking at the right time. They've developed some offense at the net which was their extreme weak point.

 

and probably their only real weakness. If their offense is clicking, watch out.

SHA was without their L2 for the Assumption game and def looked all out of sorts vs Mercy. Missed serves, poor passing, etc.

 

Without a true middle on their roster, SHA is looking very predictible and other teams are seeing that as well. Obviously, Hammons is carrying the offensive load, but she has to learn how to "hit 'em where they aint" and not always try for the fancy shot or hit it right at a DS. Zwiebel is not being as offensive as usual and needs to go back to her normal self and help take over games to be the extra offense SHA is in desparate need of.

 

Assumption is coming around like they always do and will be a force if they continue to play in system. They do a good job of running their offense and running a variety of attacks. Olsen does a good job of putting balls in places where their middles can attack and that really opens up the floor for their outsides to get 1-on-1 matchups and Moore has really emerged as their L1 in the last half of the season and is following in the footsteps of her older sister.

 

Mercy is a wildcard as they really are not as good as other teams overall but have some great pieces. Elmore has led this young team all year and done a good job of being a leader and setting balls where they need to be. Their libero, Kelly O'Neil might be one of the best around and is about as automatic as they come in serve recieve. Their middles are athletic and long and pose a force for opposing teams.

 

In my honest opinion, the 7th region championship will be the state championship this year. If Assumption wins, they've won their 18th state championship. If SHA wins, they have a good shot at their 2nd, but will be closer unless things start clicking again.

 

NDA will always be a challenge but one that can be overcome, same with Mercy. Things change when its all on the line.

NDA is 2-3 vs Assumption/SHA with 4 of the 5 games coming down to the final set. It's going to be real close if everyone holds court and they meet in the Semis. I give Assumption the edge with coaching but wont be surprised to see any of these 3 do it.

 

Mercy is the wild card but I still don't see them getting out of the quarters, if they do, they have a real good chance.

 

PS, NDA better not sleep on Henry Clay or Scott

PS, NDA better not sleep on Henry Clay or Scott

 

Mercy learned that lesson with Henry Clay in 2011......

NDA dominated Scott without Morgan Hentz. Pretty sure they could sleep on them and still eke out a win.