(3) Open Door vs. (2) Badger
What: Division IV Brooklyn District semifinal
When: Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn High School, 9200 Biddulph Road
Records: Open Door 19-4, Badger 19-5
Open Door’s path: Defeated Fairport Harding 3-0 and Southington 3-0.
Badger’s path: Defeated Oberlin 3-1 and Richmond Heights 3-0
On deck: Winner advances to the district final to play the winner of (1) St. John School and (7) Cardinal on Oct. 27.
Outlook: Badger has received some love in the Division IV state coaches poll, making some appearances. The Braves made a few appearances in the poll with them receiving a first-place vote in the process. They have six hitters who average at least one kill per set. Their leaders are Sarah (1.4 kills per set) and Hannah Betts (2.1). They average 0.2 blocks per set as a team, which means if Open Door can get into system, they won’t have to worry about getting rejected from block kills. Badger averages 25.9 digs per set with Hannah Betts leading the squad with five digs per set. Junior outside hitter Bianca Yakochuk averages 4.2 kills per set. Racel Faber (2.1 kills per set) and Grace Giesbrecht (1.7) provide nice options as underclassmen. Senior setter Gina Lawver averages 9.1 assists per set to lead the young Patriots. If Open Door can keep the mistakes to a minimum and spread the ball around, they should have a good chance of coming out on top.
Perez’s pick: Open Door
