Rising stars at the D3 state finals

<p>In the Division 3 state semifinals, three strong programs turned to some young players to help lead them toward the state championship. While Bronson was the team to walk away with the title again, each squad showed why they could return to Battle Creek in the near future thanks to their promising underclassmen.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/2AiTD35">RELATED: D1 state finals rising stars</a></p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/2QmawUk">RELATED: D2 state finals rising stars</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Bronson</strong></p> <p>The four-time state champions have had to rebuild each year with new talent and the 2018 season was no different. The Vikings continued to have great setting in Battle Creek from sophomore <strong>Meagan Lasky</strong>, who tallied 92 assists over the two matches at Kellogg Arena. She also added 26 digs over the two days. Lasky will be one of the leaders of the squad next season, learning from her sister and Miss Volleyball finalist, Kiera Lasky. Bronson also used sophomore middle hitter <strong>Jenna Salek</strong> and freshman outside <strong>Karissa Gest</strong> in spot moments over the weekend. The two will have expanded roles next year in place of the six seniors that will graduate this spring.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Unionville-Sebewaing</strong></p> <p>USA had a strong run to the state championship match behind some great play from their upper classmen, but the Patriots may return sooner rather than later thanks to some promising young players. Sophomore outside hitter <strong>Grace Williamson </strong>and freshman middle hitter <strong>Megan Gross </strong>each had 11 kills over the two matches. Williams also had 18 digs on the weekend while Gross had eight digs and a pair of aces. Sophomore <strong>Brynn Polega </strong>had four aces in Battle Creek and also tallied 17 digs as a right side. Sophomore DS <strong>Maci Montgomery </strong>was also a key player on defense, as she had 28 digs over the two matches and tallied four aces as well. Sophomore <strong>Emma Stecker </strong>also saw some time in the back row and will help solidify the USA defense for 2019.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central</strong></p> <p>The Kestrels didn’t have their time in Battle Creek go the way they wanted, but sophomore outside hitter <strong>Mikayla Haut </strong>showed why she is one of the top rising stars in the state. Haut led the Kestrels in kills with 18 and added in 18 digs in the semifinal with Bronson. Haut will be joined next season by a pair of current sophomore hitters in <strong>Anna Dean </strong>and <strong>Abbie Costlow</strong>. Dean had seven kills and two blocks in the semifinal while Costlow had five kills and eight digs. Sophomore <strong>Kylie Barron</strong> had a pair of kills out of the middle and she will kelp the Kestrels replace senior Maddie Haut in the middle next fall.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Traverse City St. Francis</strong></p> <p>Traverse City St. Francis had a lot of seniors and juniors leading the way, but two sophomores really stood out for the Gladiators. <strong>Kaylin Poole </strong>was great at the net as an outside compliment to senior Molly Mirabelli. Poole had 17 kills in the semifinal loss to USA. She also had 12 digs. Poole is likely to take on the main hitting duties for the team next season. She will have fellow sophomore, setter <strong>Hannah Sidorowicz </strong>returning with her. Sidorowicz had 38 assists and seven digs in the semifinal loss and is sizing up to be one of the top returning setters in Michigan in 2019.</p>