Marian Elite Tournament small but strong field

<div>Marian is hosting a small, but competitive tournament that features several ranked teams in the 8 team field.  In the 8 team field, every team will make the gold bracket.  As teams enter the month of October, the goal is to stay healthy and prepare for the state tournament.  This tournament will do just that for many of the teams.  </div> <div> </div> <div>Tournament Favorites:</div> <div> </div> <div>Stoney Creek (#5 in D1) - Coming off a huge 5 set win over Lake Orion, Stoney Creek may be the team to beat.  Stoney has beaten Lake Orion and Mercy this season but both teams were without a top player.  Stoney Creek is proving themselves to be a team in contention in the state tournament.  </div> <div> </div> <div>Marian (#6 in D1) - Marian is licking their wounds after the 3 set loss to Farmington Hills Mercy.  They are also coming off a tournament win at East Grand Rapids against Rockford.  Are they truly a contender for a state championship?  The next few weekends will help prove that.  We think they are a team to watch.</div> <div> </div> <div>North Branch (#3 in D2) - North Branch has had a season full of injuries.  Coach Jim Fish has not had many matches with his full lineup.  As we get to the end of the season, North Branch is hoping to get healthy as they are on a collision course with #2 in D2, Notre Dame Prep.  A tournament championship against some top D1 teams could get them off on the right path.</div> <div> </div> <div>Northville (#8 in D1) - Northville has proven to be a team to watch this post season.  Wins over Brighton and Lake Orion highlight the resume.  Another team that a tournament win could help boost the momentum going into the post season.</div> <div> </div> <div>Other teams to watch - Bedford and Dakota</div> <div> </div> <div>Players to Watch in the tournament - Maddie Dowd (Marian), Christine Audette (Marian), Ava Brizard (Marian), Audrey Brown (Seaholm), Hannah Grant (Northville), Clare McNamara (Northville), Kate Stration (Stoney Creek), Ainsley Guse (Stoney Creek), Stefanie Smith (Stoney Creek), Allyson Severance (North Branch)</div> <div> </div> <div>Predictions</div> <div> </div> <div>Pool A (Marian, Seaholm, Bedford, and Northville) - This pool looks to be brutal all day.  Look for Marian, Bedford, and Northville to go 2-1 on the day.  Tiebreakers?  Don't ask.  Northville 1, Marian 2, Bedford 3, and Seaholm 4.</div> <div> </div> <div>Pool B (Stoney Creek, Dakota, North Branch, and Midland) - Another great pool.  Look for Stoney to edge North Branch for 1 and 2.  Dakota takes 3rd and Midland follows.</div> <div> </div> <div>Playoffs</div> <div> </div> <div>Quarters (1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 in each pool)  8 go to Gold.</div> <div> </div> <div>Northville vs. Midland - Northville earned the right to play the 4 seed in the other pool.  That right means a 2 set win over the Chemics.</div> <div> </div> <div>North Branch vs. Bedford - Look for this match to go the distance with Bedford coming out on top in 3 close sets.</div> <div> </div> <div>Stoney Creek vs. Seaholm - In a rematch of OAA Red teams, Stoney continues to roll with a 2 set win over Seaholm.</div> <div> </div> <div>Marian vs. Dakota - Marian is just too balanced for Dakota and wins in 2 sets.</div> <div> </div> <div>Semi's </div> <div> </div> <div>Northville vs. Bedford - Coach Jodi Manore continues her magic and beats Northville in 2.  Don't give her team time to scout.</div> <div> </div> <div>Marian vs. Stoney Creek - In a back and forth battle, Marian takes down Stoney in 3 18-16 to move on to the final.</div> <div> </div> <div>Finals</div> <div> </div> <div>Bedford vs. Marian - Although Bedford may not be the best team in the tournament, they continue to win with balanced offense and disciplined defense.  Bedford in 3.</div>