Five must-see matches and events for the week of Sept. 23

With conference play really picking up around the state, each week is going to start providing some great matchups to catch. There are also some marquee weekend tournaments to put in your calendar this week. Here’s the best of what is taking place over the next six days. Mercy vs. Marian – Tuesday at Marian, 6:30 p.m. It’s the first of a potential four (best-of-five sets) meetings between these two on Tuesday night, with our top-ranked team in D1, Marian, hosting No. 4 Mercy. The Mustangs have yet to drop a match this year while Mercy suffered a loss two weeks ago to third-ranked Lowell. However, that was without Miss Volleyball finalist Jess Mruzik (Michigan) and she is back from her time in Egypt where she helped lead Team USA to a title in the Girls U18 World Championship in Cairo. At full strength, the Marlins are the favorite to win the state title this year. They have all the hitting and one of the best setters in the state in Julia Bishop (Michigan State). Marian could be one of the teams that stands in Mercy’s way. The Mustangs are a relatively young team with five freshmen and four sophomores. However, the young class does a lot. Outside Ava Brizard is our top-ranked player in the Class of 2022 and long middle Sarah Sylvester is just coming off an ankle injury, but suited up this past weekend. Christine Audette is a great senior outside leader and I would expect the Mustangs to have their best at home on Tuesday. Plymouth Christian vs. Oakland Christian – Tuesday at Oakland Christian, 6:30 p.m. A pair of top-10 teams in Division 4 meet up on Tuesday night when Oakland Christian (No. 9) faces Plymouth Christian (No. 8) in a MIAC Blue clash. The MIAC Blue is loaded this year and will feature a lot of big matchups throughout the conference schedule. Oakland Christian won the MIAC Red last year and is moving up to the Blue. Plymouth Christian was second in the Blue in 2018. The Eagles have a pair of All-league senior leaders in libero Madison Raymond and outside Gabriella Kellogg to compete against an Oakland Christian squad that is without a senior for the second consecutive season. Libero Hailee Ide and outside Kaylee Page were All-Conference First Team players as well for the Lancers. It should be a close battle of two Division 4 contenders. Marshall vs. Parma-Western – Wednesday at Parma-Western, 6:30 p.m. In an intriguing Interstate 8 Athletic Conference clash, the Panthers of Parma-Western (No. 13 D2) will play host to Marshall (No. 18 D2) on Wednesday night. The Redhawks have a lot of talent to work with in junior middle Olivia Webber and junior outside Abby Welke. They are set up nicely by senior setter Makenzie Bonnell. They will be challenged by Western senior hitters Abi Wilcoxson and Jenna Whisman, and a solid back row led by senior Janie Davenport. Northville Invitational – Saturday at Northville The Mustangs of Northville (No. 10 D1) bring in a very strong field for a tournament this Saturday. Some of the best in Division 1 will collide. Saline (No. 8 D1), Clarkston (No. 9 D1), Lake Orion (No. 11 D1), Ann Arbor Skyline (No. 12 D1), Bedford (HM D1) and Holly (HM D1) are all included in this tournament. Each is looking to secure a big tournament win to build some momentum for the long grind of October. Some special Division 1 talent will be on display in Northville. Michigan Elite C&D Invite – Saturday at Michigan Elite A strong collection of smaller programs will gather at Michigan Elite on Saturday for tournament play. Included in the field is St. Mary Catholic Central (No. 2 D3), Charyl Stockwell Academy (No. 7 D3), Harbor Beach (No. 12 D3), Manchester (No. 16 D3), Plymouth Christian (No. 8 D4), Oakland Christian (No. 9 D4), Lansing Christian (No. 16 D4) and others. This should be a good showcase for Division 3 and 4 programs and a chance to see the stars that may not get as much publicity. There are some state championship contenders in this field, so give it a look if you are in the area.