Capsules: Wed. regional finals

A glance at Wednesday's area regional-final volleyball matches: 

Class 2A: No. 11 WEST BRANCH (26-7) vs. IOWA CITY REGINA (18-11)

Time and site: 7 p.m., at Tiffin

Notable: West Branch broke through with its state-tournament debut last season, and is favored to make it to Cedar Rapids for the second year in a row. The Bears own two wins over their River Valley Conference South Division rivals, but the second was a five-setter. Madison Russell paces a balanced Bears attack with 3.93 kills per game, followed by Haley Poula (2.96, .371 kill efficiency). Regina was below .500 at the beginning of October, but has closed with nine wins in its last 10 matches. Tori Owens is the featured hitter in the Regals' arsenal, averaging 5.36 kills per set. Megan Bonnett is worth about 9 assists per game. Regina's only previous trip to state came in 2003. 

Class 1A: No. 11 SPRINGVILLE (29-10) vs. No. 3 NEW LONDON (37-6)

Time and site: 7 p.m., at Iowa City West

Notable: Springville takes a 12-match winning streak to Iowa City, and the Orioles have lost just once all season to a 1A foe. That was to Lisbon, and that was a loss it has avenged three times, including a convincing win in the second round of regionals. Four Orioles average at least a kill per game, led by Megan Wagaman (2.90) and Tracy Kilburg (2.19). Springville is seeking its second strate bid; the first came in 2008. New London is no stranger to postseason runs; the Tigers advanced to state six times from 2000 to 2009. Half of the Tigers' six losses have come to 1A No. 1 Fort Madison Holy Trinity. Emily Parks leads the Tigers at 3.28 kills per set. 

Class 1A: No. 14 IOWA MENNONITE (26-9) vs. No. 2 JANESVILLE (34-4)

Time and site: 7 p.m., at Center Point

Notable: Janesville is favored to reach the state tournament for the fourth straight year, and might have the goods to go all the way. The Panthers were semifinalists last year, and seven of their top nine players from that team return. Included are top hitters Kendyl Sorge and Sylvia Amlie (nearly 3 kills per set apiece) and setter Brittney Hanson. Nationally-ranked Dike-New Hartford beat the Panthers twice, but both times, Janesville took a set. IMS has swept its way through regional play behind Olivia Yutzy (4.67 kills per game) and versatile setter Casey Perez (6.95 assists, 1.57 kills per game). IMS made three state appearances between 1998 and 2001.