After just a few short weeks, the TAPPS State Semifinals have finally arrived, and the quality of the competitors remaining is nothing short of pristine.
The major headlines for this week include the meteoric rise of Concordia Lutheran in Coach Kim Odinga's first year back with the program. Additionally, we'll get to see the two TAPPS-5A powerhouses -- FBCA and LSA --have yet another rematch to determine who goes to the State Final.
Here is a breakdown of what's to come this week.
...
Concordia Lutheran Crusaders vs. Prestonwood Christian Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Concordia Lutheran (37-12; 9-2) have blazed through the first two rounds of the postseason, sweeping both Trinity Christian and John Paul II to punch their ticket to the final four.
In her first season back with the team, Coach Kim Odinga wasted no time in optimizing her talented lineup.
Senior OPP Rylee Henderson (West Georgia-commit), Kinzie Riley (Jr. OH), Haley Herndon (Jr. OPP), and Adele Neuhaus (Sr. MH) have been among the numerous weapons on offense, while Texas State-commit Anna Blaine, Carmen Harless (Dallas Baptist), Carleigh Schluter (Sam Houston), and Sara Sellers (Jr. DS) have played brilliantly on the supporting end.
The Crusaders will look to keep their momentum rolling as they prepare to face Prestonwood Christian (34-4; 12-0) who is on a tear of their own.
If successful, Concordia Lutheran will return to the state championship game for the first time since 2018.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kirra Musgrove -- LSA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Anna Blaine -- Concordia Lutheran
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Bayleigh Minor -- FBCA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Keely McNeill -- Rosehill Christian
Doug Brown (VYPE)
▲
Taylor Crain -- LSA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Rylee Henderson -- Concordia Lutheran
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Layne Bulow -- FBCA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Kaleigh Frazier -- Rosehill Christian
Doug Brown (VYPE)
▲
Aniston Collins -- LSA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE
▲
Cambry Gerardi -- FBCA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Kinzie Riley -- Concordia Lutheran
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Mercy Freeman -- Rosehill Christian
Doug Brown (VYPE)
▲
Fort Bend Christian Eagles vs. Lutheran South Pioneers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
FBCA (33-5; 13-2) is coming a big-time win (3-1) against St. Joseph, and they have their sights set on a return to the TAPPS-5A championship game.
It's no secret who the stars are. Bayleigh Minor (Jr. MB), Ruth Ochelli (Jr. RS), Layne Bulow (Jr. OH), and Cambry Gerardi (Sr. OH) round out an deadly offensive quarter for the Eagles, with Daniela Ramirez (So. L) and Lauren LeRoux (Jr. S) providing support on the back-side of the rotation.
On the LSA side, the Pioneers (40-7; 14-1) earned the TAPPS 5A-District 5 title prior to defeating San Antonio Christian and St. John XXIII in last week's five-set nail-biter.
Junior setter Kirra Musgrove has been on fire all season (575 kills) and that's evidently carried over into the postseason. She is backed up by a slew of playmakers -- namely, Taylor Crain (Sr. L), Aniston Collins (So. S), Kenna Sambrano (Jr. MH), and Remy Keller (Sr. OH).
These two clubs have already played each other three times this season, with LSA holding a one game advantage over the Eagles. However, FBCA defeated the Pioneers in the State Semis a year ago, so this could really be anyone's game.
Suffice it to say, this is one matchup you won't want to miss
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Rosehill Christian Eagles vs. Keystone Christian Cobras
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Rosehill Christian (27-9; 14-0) has been on a hot-streak throughout the entire Fall season, which has continued into the TAPPS-3A playoffs.
The Eagles reached the State Semis a year ago, but nearly fell to Round Rock Christian. Now is their chance for redemption and it seems like they are a up to the task, with Keystone Christian (26-6; 8-0) -- whom the Eagles defeated in the postseason a year ago -- standing in their way.
Returning TAPPS All-State honorees, Kaleigh Frazier (Sr. OH) and Mercy Freeman (Sr. MH), will be key contributors in the upcoming battle, alongside Keely McNeill (Sr. S), McKenzie Pamphile (Sr. MH), and Macy McPartland (Sr. L).