DaytonDailyNews.com

KETTERING — There's no comparison. Like this year's squad, the last time the Alter volleyball team went to state there were seven seniors on the roster. That's where the similarities end.

"The dynamic of this team is totally different," Knights coach Tina Jasinowski said. "Instead of having two really talented players, we have six. It's a much more talented team."

That talented team is two wins away from matching the season accomplishment of the 2003 Alter squad that earned a Division II state title. The 24-3 Knights will face a familiar foe at the Wright State University's Ervin J. Nutter Center, playing Millersburg West Holmes (24-3) in the D-II semifinals Friday. The Knights defeated West Holmes in the state final in 2002 and 2003.

"While a few of these players were on the team in 2003, it wasn't their team," Jasinowski said. "This tournament is for them, they built this team."

Knights setter Kacie Hausfeld, middle-hitter Emily Borchers and outside-hitter Katie Laravie were all on the roster in 2003.

The tourney starts today. Defending D-III state champ Villa Angela-St. Joseph (21-5) returns to defend its title. Walsh Jesuit (25-1) was the D-II state runner-up last year. D-I contender Mother of Mercy was runner-up in 2004 as was West Holmes in '04, '03 and '02.

Jasinowski hopes that the Knights' depth gives them the edge.

"This team is a tough team to scout," she said. "Last time, we launched a lot of balls to Carrie Demange. This time, we have a lot of contributors and a lot of depth and, hopefully, that will cause some frustration for our opponents."

Can Anna stay perfect?

Perfection will be put to the test Friday when undefeated Anna (28-0) plays Albany Alexander (27-0). The Rockets returned to state last year after almost two decades. That experience helped boost the Rockets atop the state D-III coaches poll most of the season.

"Last season, I thought we could get to state, but we definitely weren't a favorite," Anna coach Karen Zumberger said. "But we only lost two seniors, so we're definitely coming in with a target on our backs this season."

State volleyball tournament

Where: Nutter Center at Wright State University

Format: Rally scoring best 3-of-5 games.

Start time: Games will start 30 minutes after the conclusion of the preceding game.

Today's D-IV semifinals (6 p.m. start):

Frankfort Adena (25-2) vs. Norwalk St. Paul (24-3);

then New Knoxville (25-2) vs. Toledo Christian (22-5).

Friday's D-III semifinals (11 a.m. start):

Albany Alexander (27-0) vs. Anna (28-0); then

Huron (24-4) vs. Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (21-5).

Friday's D-II semifinals (after D-III):

Cuya. Falls Walsh Jesuit (25-1) vs. Sunbury Big Walnut (24-2); Millersburg West Holmes (24-3) vs. Alter (24-3).

Friday's D-I semifinals (after D-II):

Perrysburg (21-6) vs. Cin. Mother of Mercy (23-4);

then Solon (22-5) vs. Cin. Mount Notre Dame (21-5).

Saturday's finals:

Division IV at 11 a.m., Division III at 1:30 p.m.,

Division II at 4 p.m., Division I at 7 p.m.