Division 4 Semifinals Breakdown & Predictions
The Division 4 state semifinals feature four of our top-7 teams. The tournament has seen some of the regulars at Battle Creek fall, but the four teams remaining all have compelling arguments to win the state championship this weekend. Here’s…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Division 4 state semifinals feature four of our top-7 teams. The tournament has seen some of the regulars at Battle Creek fall, but the four teams remaining all have compelling arguments to win the state championship this weekend. Here’s a closer look at Friday’s pairings and who we expect to reach the final on Saturday.
Semifinal 1: No. 3 Mendon vs. No. 6 Southfield Christian
Both of these teams have to feel like they are destined for the title this weekend. For Mendon, the Hornets defeated the “New England Patriots” of Class D, Battle Creek St. Philip in regional play. They then swept No. 8 Adrian Lenawee Christian in the quarterfinals on Tuesday by scores of 25-10, 25-17, 25-20. The Hornets have been really balanced with their production this year behind hitters like Anna Smith, Hayley Kramer and Cierra Nightingale. They have a reliable setter in Aubrey Croster and a reliable defender in Amaijha Bailey.
For Southfield Christian, the Eagles had the biggest win in districts when it beat two-time defending Class D champs, Plymouth Christian. On Tuesday, Southfield Christian swept Kingston by scores of 25-14, 25-12, 25-12. The Eagles were continued to be led by junior Emily Van Dyke, who had 23 kills and 12 digs while Caitlin Warnshuis had 10 kills with five aces. Despite the dominant win, Rachel Stiteler still racked up 30 assists for the Eagles as well. Southfield Christian is making its first appearance in Battle Creek, so nerves could be a concern.
Semifinal 1: No. 2 Leland vs. No. 7 Carney-Nadeau
Second-ranked Leland wasn’t messing around in its quarterfinal matchup with Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, beating the Irish by scores of 25-13, 25-8, 25-11. The Comets haven’t been challenged in weeks thanks to the play of Hanna Elwell and Allie Martin. Ella Siddall has also done a great job of running their potent offense throughout the year. The 2015 Class D state champions, Leland is hungry to return to the top and the Comets certainly look like qualified to get there.
Carney-Nadeau was challenged the most in the D4 quarterfinals, going to five sets with No. 11 Onaway. The Wolves won by scores of 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-9. The Wolves continued to win behind their 1-2 punch of sophomore Taylor Kedsch and junior Sandra Boulton. They combined for 33 kills. Kedsch also contributed 30 digs while senior Alanis Harris had a team-high 41. Carney-Nadeau will have to raise its game on Friday to be able to fend off Leland, but the Wolves have the potential to do it.
Prediction: These both should be some great matches. Division 4 has really played out well and Friday morning should be some excellent volleyball. In the end, Mendon and Leland look to be the teams playing the best right now. The Hornets have beaten some great teams in recent weeks and they have the experience at Battle Creek. Southfield Christian appearing there for the first time is likely to provide some nerves. Leland also has the experience edge on Carney-Nadeau, but the Comets also are playing at a higher level right now.
State Championship: Mendon vs. Leland