(3) Amherst vs. (8) Highland
What: Division I Norwalk Regional semifinal
When: 6 p.m., Nov. 3
Where: Norwalk, 350 Shady Lane Drive
Records: Amherst 21-4, Highland 22-3
Amherst’s path: def. Buckeye, 3-0, Medina, 3-0 and St. Joseph Academy, 3-2
Highland’s path: def. Brunswick, 3-2, Wooster, 3-2 and Olmsted Falls, 3-1
On deck: Winner advances to the Norwalk Regional final to play Northview or Perrysburg on Nov. 5.
Outlook: For the second straight year, the Comets have made it to the regional tournament, and their next goal is to survive and advance. Amherst was the second team to come back against St. Joseph this seasonm with Gilmour in the regular season. Amherst outside hitter Nia Hall averages six killer per set, along with Cecily Waynar’s 3.5. But the difference in the Comets’ performance was their role players stepping up at the right time, especially at the net. Ava Darmos, Isabelle Gotsis with freshmen Kendal Dobbins and Mia Scanlon played key roles in their comeback win over the Cougars. However, Highland is on the rise and became a team the Comets don’t want to play in a close match. It has played two fifth sets in the postseason. It seemed to be at its best with a four-set win over Olmsted Falls. The Hornets’ leading hitter is Alayna Tessena with four kills per set. Highland’s front line has experience with Izzy Shanks (2.1 kills per set), Kallan Hrics (1.8), Calee Angus (1.6) and Maya Piechowiak (1.2). Their last playoff run in 2021 was ended by Westlake in a district semifinal and will look to make the most of this year’s run.
Perez’s pick: Amherst
