vblover

Absolutely great high school match tonight at Dixie between NDA and St Henry. Two teams fighting, players grinding, momentum changing runs, and so on. NDA takes sets 1 & 2 behind solid backrow play from Region 9 Tournament MVP Jackie Noll and big offensive contributions from Natalie Hardig and Lainey Stephenson. Then, St Henry plays inspired volleyball and wins game 3 & 4 to force a decisive game 5. Maria Tobergte sprained an ankle and missed 8-10 points in game 2 and was absolutely awesome in sets 3 & 4 to lead the comeback. Paige Noble was also hitting thunderous balls off and around the block. NDA jumped out early in the 5th and wins 15-8. Looked like St Henry might have run out of gas. Awesome display of volleyball and represented Region 9 and NKY well. Thanks to all the young ladies and coaches. Great show!

NDA sweep. Back and forth G1, 26-24. Then, NDA controlled and Cooper serve receive fell apart. 25-18, 25-16.

Unfortunately for Bush, Ryle just hasn't been able to support her being the POY. She is an amazing talent and a fierce competitor. Totally agree that competition matters, especially when looking at raw stats. Apples to oranges based on competition. And, I favor 6 rotation players for major awards unless you are a monster attacker and blocker.

There should be more than 1 NDA kid on the team. They are undefeated in NKY. Jackie Noll for sure and I'd add Lainey Stephenson.

First, it's just an opinion. I have no vote. 202 kills (.329 hitting percentage) which leads her team by nearly 50 kills. 3.4 kills per set. 49 aces which leads her team by double. She's also a 6 rotation player that's doing a nice job in serve receive and defense. NDA doesn't have a kid with overwhelming numbers to make the argument for "the best player on the best team" argument.

I'd say Kaity Smith from Cooper would get my vote.

Cooper in a sweep. 25-19, 25-11, 25-23

I'll take Cooper in a close one. At home and has a slight advantage defensively.

NDA is "down" on a regional and national level but is still the team to beat in Region 9. Will be tested again this weekend in Chicago.

JR DS Olivia Montelisciani and SOPH OH Abby Noll both provided production off the bench in the comeback.

Very competitive match. In my opinion, it started to turn at the end of game 2. Cooper had a comfortable lead (maybe 21-15) and NDA went to the bench and found a spark or two. They lost 25-23 but played much cleaner in game 3 and 4 with their bench stepping up. Game 5 was back and forth with NDA pulling away at the end. Both teams had their chances and it will be interesting to see how both teams grow in the next 2 months. Great way to start the season!

NDA wins in 5

Going 5. NDA wins game 4

NDA take game 3

Cooper up 2 games to 0.