November 4, 2009 — Maplewood and Cochranton have one goal in mind as the Tigers and Cardinals enter today’s District 10 playoffs at Meadville Area Senior High School: make it to states.

Sounds easy for a pair of teams that have combined to win 11 D-10 titles and a pair of state championships since 2000. However, a closer look at the competition, and perhaps it will not be as easy as perceived.

The Cardinals, who won four straight D-10 crowns from 2004-2007, are in Pool B for today’s opening session at the House of Thrills. They will be joined by Jamestown and Youngsville, which lost just four games between them.

“I’ve heard a little about (Youngsville),” said Cochranton head coach Marci Malliard. “And I have seen Jamestown once. But I do not know enough to fashion any game plan or anything like that.

“Generally, we just go in and look to take care of our side of the net.”

Key for Cochranton could be catching Youngsville right out of the gate at 5 p.m.. The Eagles finished second in Region 4, losing just two matches — both to a solid Class AA Warren squad. If the Cardinals can win the opener, it would be a big boost to their confidence.

“We need to go in and serve tough,” Malliard said. “Serving and passing, it doesn’t matter the level, that is the name of the game.

“Also, we can’t try and rely on any one person. Need to have everyone on. We have been doing that well at the end of the season. That has been nice.”

That does not mean their work is done.

After the Youngsville showdown, Cochranton must stay mentally prepared for their final match at 7 p.m. against Jamestown. Any lapses could cost the Region 2 champions dearly.

“It’s not that much (of a worry),” said Malliard. “You have to be mentally prepared to play at this point to begin with, and I think (the team) will be fine. They have not had too much of a problem with that.”

If Cochranton can get by both teams, a showdown with Region 2 rival Maplewood could be waiting in the wings.

Both coaches would prefer that showdown come in the final, where both teams would advance no matter the outcome. Last year, however, the two met in the semifinals. Maplewood won that clash and went on to win the D-10 crown.

“That tradition, the reputation, the girls have earned that,” said Malliard. “They have done it by playing hard. We both (Maplewood and Cochranton) know the target is on our backs.”

“We play in one of the toughest regions in the district,” added Maplewood head coach Sheila Bancroft. “I think that has prepared us for this.”

On paper, Maplewood has the tougher task. The Tigers’ state chances will play out in Pool A with Sharpsville and Mercer. Sharpsville enters the tournament undefeated.

“I know with the name, reputation ... people are going to think we (Maplewood and Cochranton) are the favorites,” said Bancroft. “But Youngsville and Sharpsville, I think, are going to be really tough. We need to focus on Maplewood and what we do as a team to win.”

The Tigers do have some factors that could swing their way. Sharpsville plays Mercer at 5 p.m. The Tigers get the Mustangs at 6 p.m., maybe a little tired after a hard fought battle with the Blue Devils at 7 p.m., Sharpsville and Maplewood meet to close Pool Play, with the Devils coming off an hour break after playing. That is another factor that could favor Maplewood.

“I don’t see any one or the other being a factor, really,” said Bancroft. “We have played a lot of volleyball this year and faced these exact situations before. So it is nothing new to any of the teams.

“But it is a one night deal and you have to be on your best game or your going home. A best-of-three does not leave a lot of room for error.”

And one place no team can afford to have errors is in the serve/receive and passing games.

Bancroft is somewhat pleased with where her team is going into the tournament. She also felt there were some distinct keys to that part of the game for the Tigers.

“With any team, the passing game is never where (the coach) wants it to be,” said Bancroft. “We have improved, but some passers are on and some aren’t. It also depends on the serve. The key for us is to make it a playable ball (on serve receive).

“You never want your setter running all over the place, but if it is a playable ball it gives you a chance.”

Another key for the Tigers will be hitting, especially that of Lindsay Hasbrouck.

“Lindsay is the type of player that can take over a game,” said Bancroft. “But what we really need from her is consistency. When she is on, no one can stop her. But we need her to recognize when she is not hitting well and for her to keep the ball in play.

“And at this point in the season, she understands that. And that is where we need our other hitters to step up as well.”