These 10 teams could make it to state

The WIAA girls volleyball playoffs began Tuesday with regional openers. Here are 10 teams we think have a good chance of reaching the state tournament at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon Nov. 7-9.

Appleton North (15-19)

North has a modest record, but this program has appeared in the WIAA state tournament in Division 1 the last four seasons. Senior hitter Teegan Charapata leads the team in kills (474), with senior Kayden Lamon also totaling 206 kills. Senior libero Chloe North is the team's leader (370), while juniors Lydia Koshuta (533 assists) and Hannah Moua (303 assists) lead the offense as setters.

Fox Valley Lutheran (31-5)

The Foxes are ranked third in Division 2 in the latest Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association rankings. The second-seeded Foxes are in the Sheboygan South section and finished in a three-way tie with Luxemburg-Casco and Freedom for the North Eastern Conference championship. FVL has a diverse hitting lineup with six players with over 100 kills, including Hannah Uhlenbrauck (199), Sophia Wunderlich (178), Alaina Patchett (146), Hannah Draeger (120), Greta Nolte (108) and Brianna Stewart (100) . . Riley Schmitz is having a great season at libero (414 digs) and the Foxes have two outstanding setters in Molly Bixby (414 assists) and Ava Patchett (395).

Freedom (23-9)

A talented and athletic squad is the strength of the Irish, the ninth-ranked team in D2. Freedom is the No. 3 seed in the Sheboygan South Section and was the only NEC team to beat Luxembourg-Casco this season. Senior hitter Avery Lang has 390 kills and 186 digs, with senior Eva Wall (202 kills) also an option at the net. Sophomore setter Lilli Big Eagle is a rising player who leads the team with 735 assists and also has 209 digs.

Kimberly (31-10)

The Papermakers shared the Fox Valley Association title with Kaukauna this season and are honorable mention in the D1 poll. They are the top seed in the Appleton North section. Sophomore hitter Ava Van Vonderen leads the team in kills (289), followed by senior Ava Reis (266). Ava Van Camp, a senior libero, has 476 digs, with junior setters Emma Tesch and Ava Van Hammond leading the teams with 531 and 433 assists, respectively.

Kaukauna (31-7)

The Ghosts are an honorable mention selection in the D1 rankings and shared the FVA title with Kimberly. They are No. 3 in the Appleton North section. Senior setter Madi Tripp is one of the best players in the state, leading the team in assists (801) and ranking second in digs (437). The Ghosts have plenty of options in net, with Hailey Kobussen leading the team in kills (253), while Delaney Ward (249), Claire Gerrits (177) and Ashlynn Vande Voort (162) have more than 150 kills this season.

Neenah (23-10)

The Rockets finished third in the FVA and are the No. 3 seed in the Hartford Section. They are extremely balanced on offense, with junior Ella Nigl (168) and sophomores Lilly Romjue (152) and Elaina Kramer (143) leading the team in kills. Sophomore Paige Hoelzel has 87 total blocks and junior libero Ella Lindgren leads the digs (363). Seniors Nadia Marchionda (325 assists) and Ally Corrente (315) are represented at the setter position.

St. Mary Catholic (21-10)

The Zephyrs reached the Division 3 state tournament last season, losing to Howards Grove in the semifinals. SMC finished second in the Big East Red Division, with Autumn Crowe (210) and Eliana Brenn (188) leading the team in kills. SMC is located in the Richland Center section and is ranked #3.

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Waupaca (23-9)

The Comets came close to reaching the state tournament last season when they lost to Rice Lake in a D2 final. This season, the Comets earn honorable mention honors in the WVCA rankings and feature the state's top junior in Peyton Carlson, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter. Carlson has 452 kills and 60 aces this season. Waupaca finished fifth in the NEC this season and is the No. 3 seed in the Merrill Section.

Winneconne (28-8)

The fourth-seeded Wolves are in the Merrill Section and are a young, improving team that received honorable mention in the D2 rankings. Junior hitters Alyssa Koval and Malia Bodoh lead the team in kills with 262 and 215, respectively, while sophomore Bailey Church totaled 869 assists.

Xavier (24-15)

The two-time defending Division 2 state champions have completed a tough schedule in preparation for their debut at the D1 level. The Hawks won the Bay Conference and have two experienced outside hitters in Madison Daley (313 kills) and Ali Tylinski (236). Junior Grace Hackl is the team leader for the Digs (349), with junior setter Sydney Neilitz having a strong season with 756 assists. The Hawks are the No. 4 seed in the Appleton North section.