The big question: Will a DuPage team win a title?
Can it really be volleyball playoff time in Illinois?
It seems like it was just yesterday that I was at Benet for my first match of the season. Truthfully, it was only eight weeks and two days ago. No season flies by like a Kelsey Robinson kill quite like volleyball's.
But the playoffs are here this weekend. In two weeks four new state champions will be crowned.
Will one hail from DuPage County? Last year was the first time since 2001 it didn't happen, thanks to St. Charles East. Let's dig out the five burning questions heading into the postseason, in descending order:
5. Will Neuqua Valley win a regional title?
The Wildcats have knocked on the door, bowing out in regionals to Benet and Naperville Central the last two seasons. Neuqua's prospects turned a lot more dicey with the loss of senior setter Sam Skryd (torn ACL) and the hobbling of outside Nikki Federico to a torn meniscus.
But the Wildcats are deep with senior experience, led by middle Emily Tulloch and new setter Beth Blackman, who has club experience at the position. Avenging an early loss to Downers Grove North and super outside Britta Baarstad won't be a picnic, but Neuqua will have home cooking playing in Naperville.
4. Will an underdog have any bite in 4A?
Area 4A sectionals have played true to form the last two years. Fifteen of the top 16 seeds advanced to sectionals, with No. 5 seed York in 2007 the lowest seed moving on.
That could change this year. No. 8 seed Naperville Central has made huge strides after a 2-7 start, is hardened by a rugged schedule, and wins over Naperville North (twice), Hononegah and Lemont prove the Redhawks can hang with quality competition.
It's a tough regional final assignment for top seed Benet, with a lineup for the most part new to playoff pressure. On the other side of the bracket, No. 6 seed Waubonsie Valley could give No. 3 Naperville North all it wants in a regional final - especially if outsides Nicole Salmon and Martha Stewart bring their "A" game.
3. Who is the team nobody wants to play?
That's easy. York is 23-3 since a loss to Hinsdale Central on Sept. 8, avenging its loss to the Red Devils in two sets at the Benet Invite. The Dukes play one of the most difficult schedules in the area, and young stars like sophomore outside Caroline Rose are peaking at the right time.
Don't be surprised if No. 3 York knocks out No. 2 Geneva for the second straight year in a sectional semifinal, setting up a rematch with defending state champion St. Charles East. With Saints senior outside Caroline Niski slowed by an ankle injury, York could win its first sectional in 16 years.
2. Will St. Francis' homecourt make a difference?
Hosting a sectional final on its home floor can't hurt St. Francis - but somehow I don't see Annemarie Hickey and Co. from Joliet Catholic being fazed by playing at Spyglass Center.
More important is how St. Francis defends the hard-hitting Hickey and Alyssa Warren, because when matches are to be won that is where Joliet Catholic goes for its points. At the same time, if Spartans junior Meg Vonderhaar brings her "A" game, the Big Three of Kelsey Robinson, Kristen Kelsay and Vonderhaar could just be enough to carry St. Francis.
Either way if you want to see the best match of the year, save your gas money, skip the trip to Redbird Arena and be there early in Wheaton next Thursday.
1. Will a DuPage state champion be crowned?
Could it happen? Sure. But no DuPage team appears as sure-fire a bet as Benet last year. If, and a big if, St. Francis clears the Joliet Catholic hurdle you can start chiseling the Spartans' name on their ninth state title.
In 4A it seems safe to say that some DuPage team will play at Redbird Arena in two weeks. Who that is is a good question. Benet, Hinsdale Central, Naperville North and York all have legitimate aspirations.
Let's just say meet me in Normal in two weeks and ask that question again. Until then, let the games begin.
jwelge@dailyherald.com