Will Last Year's Two Be This Year's One: A Preview of Girls Division Two Sectional Two

The preview du jour is division two sectional two and it just so happens to include Waupun, last year's number two team. When all is dug, set and killed, however, sectional two just might be able to boast about having the state's number one team. Joining Waupun in this sectional will be the Oconto Falls Panthers who reached the state semifinals last season, as well as perennial contender Xavier.

REGIONAL A

Contenders: Clintonville, Freedom, Marinette, Oconto, Oconto Falls, Waupaca and Wittenberg-Birnamwood.

Top Finisher Last Year: Oconto Falls lost to Kettle Moraine Lutheran in the state semifinals.

Random Notes: Oconto Falls had four players with triple digit kills last year, but only one returns: senior outside hitter Kym Ludwig (147 kills). However, with the help of returning back-row specialist Brittany Brusky, they should have a nice run in this regional.

REGIONAL B

Contenders: Berlin, Omro, Pioneer Westfield, Ripon, Waupun, Wautoma, Winneconne

Top Finisher Last Year: Waupun lost to Kettle Moraine Lutheran in the state final.

Random Notes: Waupun only graduated one '08 so they have many of the players who took them to within a whisper of a state title last year. Look for some big swings from junior middle Bridget Nickel (2nd team all-state), nice assists from setter Michielah Navis (1st team all-state) and more big swings from junior outside hitter Brandi Dolgner (3rd team all-state).

REGIONAL C

Contenders: Fox Valley Lutheran, Little Chute, New London, Notre Dame, Seymour, West De Pere and Xavier.

Top Finisher Last Year: Little Chute lost to Oconto Falls in the sectional final.

Random Notes: Little Chute won the Eastern Valley conference last season, but graduated current UW-Whitewater freshman Kelli Trautmann. Green Bay Notre Dame features senior setter/outside hitter Chelsea Culver (honorable mention all-state). Xavier will have a young team that will likely include the three freshmen from last season's roster: current sophomores Brooke Schowalter (setter/right side), Lauren DeShaney (middle) and Lexi Thein (outside/defensive specialist).

REGIONAL D

Contenders: Denmark, Luxemburg-Casco, Southern Door, Sturgeon Bay, Two Rivers and
Wrightstown.

Top Finisher Last Year: Wrightstown lost to Little Chute in the sectional semifinal.

Random Notes: Even with the loss of honorable mentional all-stater Emily Micke, Wrightstown should be a force in this regional.

Our Prediction: Waupun over Green Bay Notre Dame in three.

Next Up: Girls Division Two Sectional Three