Volleyball postseason glance

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

EASTERN REGION tournament

Today’s quarterfinals At Tallwood, Maury (20-0) vs. Gloucester (11-3), 5 p.m.; Great Bridge (22-0) vs. Princess Anne (14-8), 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday’s quarterfinals At Tallwood, Menchville (11-1) vs. Norview (16-4), 5 p.m.; First Colonial (18-4) vs. Western Branch (14-8), 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday’s semifinals At Tallwood, Maury-Gloucester winner vs. Great Bridge-Princess Anne winner, 5 p.m.; Menchville-Norview winner vs. First Colonial-Western Branch winner, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday’s final At Tallwood, 5 p.m.

Outlook Great Bridge, a state semifinalist last year, is the favorite after losing just two sets all season. Savvy setter Tim FitzPatrick, the Southeastern District Player of the Year, leads the Wildcats, whose arsenal includes all-district first team picks 6-foot-8 middle Shane Popelka and outside hitter Ryan Iaquinto. “My biggest concern is avoiding the swine flu,” Great Bridge coach Dave Albaugh said. “We have a lot of weapons.” Maury, the other unbeaten in the field, relies on Eastern District POY Will Grimes and setter Joey Callahan. First Colonial and Beach POY Chase Holderby have a less demanding path to the finals if they can rebound from a Beach tournament semifinal loss to Cox. The two finalists of this event advance to the state Group AAA semifinals. 

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

EASTERN REGION tournament

Today’s quarterfinals At First Colonial, Granby (20-2) vs. Menchville (9-3), 5 p.m.; Great Bridge (20-2) vs. Princess Anne (19-4), 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday’s quarterfinals At First Colonial, Gloucester (16-3) vs. Maury (12-7), 5 p.m.; Cox (20-2) vs. Hickory (16-5), 6:15 p.m.

Thursday’s semifinals at Tallwood, Granby-Menchville winner vs. Great Bridge-Princess Anne winner, 5 p.m.; Gloucester-Maury winner vs. Cox-Hickory winner, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday’s final at Tallwood, 6:30 p.m.

Outlook Cox with Beach POY Chelsea Blanford and Princess Anne, led by sophomore sensation Gaby Smith, are favorites to reach the finals, but Southeastern District champion Great Bridge shouldn’t be overlooked. The well-coached Wildcats have a solid cast led by go-to performer Ally Karol and jump-serving libero Alexis Burrell. “This group stays calm even in tough situations and knows what to expect from the Beach teams,” coach Chris Lessick said. Granby has the Eastern District’s top player in Rebecca Sabo. Hickory’s upset hopes hinge on Katie Jarrett, while Maury leans on Lamesha Deal.