Grand Rapids Christian - Only blemish on the season is a loss to D1 #1 Mercy. With solid ball control, passionate youth, and a setter who can set dimes on the court, they will be tough to beat Saturday.
Mattawan - Some think #3 is too high for Mattawan this early. I guess we will find out soon enough.
Rockford - Look for Rockford to have an added boost of energy as they get back captain, Lindsay Taylor. The Miami-Ohio recruit will need to step up if they want to get past the two above mentioned.
Predictions
Round 1
Pool A - (Rockford, Portage Central, and Allendale) - Look for Rockford to roll through the pool with PC taking 2nd
Pool B - (Grand Rapids Christian, East Kentwood, and South Christian) - GRC easily gets by EK and South Christian. South Christian upsets EK and grabs the 2nd place spot.
Pool C - (Mattawan, Byron Center, and Plainwell) - Mattawan and Plainwell advanced in that order.
Round 2
Power Pool 1 - (Rockford, Grand Rapids Christian, and Byron Center) - Although Rockford is seeded higher, the host has a tough time with GRC and loses a close match in 3. Both teams handle Byron Center easily.
Power Pool 2 - (Mattawan, East Kentwood, and Portage Central) - Mattawan gets a little test from Portage Central but pulls out the pool undefeated. In a back and forth battle for 2nd, PC edges EK in 3.
Playoff Bracket
Semi Final 1 - Grand Rapids Christian vs. Portage Central - GRC is just too much for a Portage Central team that is tenacious on defense. GRC wins in 2.
Semi Final 2 - Mattawan vs. Rockford - Maybe the longest match of the day. Rockford edges Mattawan in set 3 going to overtime 19-17.
Finals - Grand Rapids Christian vs. Rockford - Rockford just does not have the answer for dynamic sophomore Addie Vanderweide. Jordy and Addie lead GRC past Rockford in 3.