Will It Be another Uphill Climb for Hillsboro's Competition: A Preview of Girls Division Four Sectional Three

Remember how we noted that boys sectional six had probably lost more to graduation than any other? We sort of feel the same about girls division four sectional three. But in this case, it's almost entirely due to the graduation of the Hillsboro '08s, specifically outside hitter Allison Fanta (199 kills and honorable mention all-state) and middle hitter Anna Donlan (392 kills and second team all-state). Together with some other key '08s from that team, Fanta and Donlan led the Tigers to a Scenic Bluffs conference championship and the very brink of a state title. Here's what else will be happening in the sectional.

REGIONAL A

Contenders: Alma, Cochrane-Fountain City, Elmwood, Gilmanton, Independence, Pepin, Plum City and Spring Valley.

Top Finishers Last Year: Both Cochrane-Fountain City and Plum City reached regional finals.

Random Notes: The Plum City Blue Devils finished 18-10 overall and 6-3 in the Dunn-St. Croix conference.

REGIONAL B

Contenders: Cashton, De Soto, Hillsboro, Kickapoo, La Farge, New Lisbon, North Crawford, Royall

Top Finisher Last Year: Hillsboro lost to Burlington Catholic Central in the state finals.

Random Notes: Even though they lost two big swings in Fanta and Donlan, Hillsboro returns several key players from their silver-ball-winning team of a year ago. Look for senior libero Rae Griffin, senior middle Mara Mueller and sophomore defensive specialist Julie Stekel to help the Tigers repeat as sectional champs.

REGIONAL C

Contenders: Cassville, Highland, Ithaca, River Ridge, Seneca, Wauzeka-Steuben, Weston, Wonewoc-Center

Top Finisher Last Year: River Ridge lost to Potosi in a sectional semifinal.

Random Notes: We can't find anything about this regional.

REGIONAL D

Contenders: Argyle, Barneveld, Belmont, Benton, Pecatonica, Potosi, Shullsburg, Southwestern

Top Finisher Last Year: Potosi lost to Hillsboro in the sectional final.

Random Notes: Potosi won the Six Rivers West conference last year and should be a strong contender again this year.

Our prediction: Hillsboro over Potosi in four at Cashton high school on November 1.

Tomorrow: Girls Division Four Sectional Four