Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Will the Panthers Claw Their Way to a Sectional Title: A Preview of Girls Division Two Sectional One

Only two divisions left. And we're going to start our look at division two with sectional one, which just so happens to contain what we believe to be the only double-hyphenated school in the state. We're referring, of course, to Gale-Ettrick-Trempeleau (one wonders what the letter jacket must look like). But we digress. From the Osceola Chieftains to the Altoona Railroaders, there will be plenty of exciting volleyball to witness.

REGIONAL A

Contenders: Amery, Ashland, Hayward, New Richmond, Northwestern, Osceola and Spooner.

Top Finisher Last Year: Osceola lost to Waupun in the state semifinal.

Random Notes: Osceola had a nice run in last year's state tournament until they ran into Waupun. Since they'll be returning senior outside hitter Heather Byl (130 kills), middle hitter Amber Hogen (82 kills) and senior setter Katie Rydeen (395 assists), they should be a top contender this time around as well. New Richmond returns senior Hayley Peterson (66 kills).

REGIONAL B
Contenders: Baldwin-Woodville, Barron, Bloomer, Durand, Ellsworth, Rice Lake, Somerset

Top Finisher Last Year:

Random Notes: Somerset graduated Colorado State freshman Megan Plourde, as well as several other key '08s. Durand has senior all-conference performer Amber Doverspike (56 kills) and Ellsworth has junior setter Carlie Melstrom.

REGIONAL C

Contenders: Altoona, Lakeland, Medford Area, Mosinee, Nekoosa, Northland Pines, Tomahawk

Top Finisher Last Year: Altoona lost to West Salem in the sectional semifinal.

Random Notes: Look for Altoona to make another run in this regional. There's a great write-up in last fall's Altoona Times about who will be the up-and-comers in 2008. Names mentioned include sophomore Bethany Reyzer and senior Brittany Gregorich.

REGIONAL D

Contenders: Adams-Friendship, Black River Falls, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, Mauston, Onalaska, Sparta, West Salem

Top Finisher Last Year: West Salem lost to Osceola in the sectional final.

Random Notes: First-team all-stater Brooke Stittleburg is off to Western Illinois University, but her younger sister, junior Morgan Stittleburg, is ready to step up for Black River Falls. She'll be joined by, among others, Hannah Ripp. The West Salem Panthers feature Northern Illinois recruit Mary Kurisch.

Our Prediction: West Salem over Osceola in four.

Next Up: Girls Division Two Sectional Two

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

West Salem's mascot isn't the titan. It's Panthers. I agree with your prediction that West Salem will win this sectional. Mary Kurish is a POWER. And Galesville-Ettrick-Trempeauleau's letterman jackets look pretty normal: They abriviate it as G-E-T