(2) Gilmour vs (1) Akron Hoban What: Division III regional final When: Noon, Nov. 2 Where: Mentor, 6477 Center St., Mentor Records: Gilmour (21-4), Akron Hoban (26-0) Gilmour’s path: Def. John Adams 3-0, def. Lakeside 3-0, def. Canfield 3-0, def. Padua 3-0 Hoban’s path: Def. Chaney 3-0, def. Alliance 3-0, def. Howland 3-0, def. Highland 3-0 On deck: Winner advances to play (5) NDCL or (1) Toledo St. Ursula in a state semifinal Nov. 7 at Northmont. For the record: This has all the feel of a default state title game. The Lancers and Knights have swept through the postseason as the Nos. 1 and 2 in the coaches poll. Gilmour is at full strength for the first time all season and are ready for the challenge. Up and down the front row, no matter who the Lancers put up front, the ball getting back over is a challenge for every opponent no matter the capacity. Those balls that do get over, the back row of Brie Habeeb, Mi-Na Diggs and Cara Riley, plus Marlie Davis and Aubrey Anders when needed, get those balls back up for hitters such as Kayla Channell, Kyla Williams and D’Aira Whitner, plus Davis and Anders. … Hoban’s biggest challenge came in a regional semifinal first set against Highland as the Hornets were within three points. That’s the closest any opponent has been this postseason to the Knights. Their offense runs through senior Amber Watson, who averages 4.5 kills per set, but fellow seniors Ava Norfolk and Skylar Schmidt also average 2.1 apiece to play strong support roles. Junior Macie Mintz (4.8 digs) and senior Mary Hottinger (2.5) play solid back row games and Madison Mintz averages 9.9 assists. The Knights blocks may be their weakest link with Hope Sherman averaging 0.7 blocks and Norfolk averaging 0.5. Hercik’s pick: Gilmour