Five must-see matches and events for the week of Oct. 14

<p>It’s a big week in the state of Michigan with the <strong>Beast of the East </strong>taking place this weekend. Prior to that, there are still some big matchups set to take place on Tuesday. Here’s a look at the premiere matchups around the state this week.</p> <p><strong>Lowell at Lakewood – Tuesday, 6 p.m.</strong></p> <p>It’s a battle of a pair of top-5 teams when <strong>Lakewood </strong>(No. 5 D2) and <strong>Lowell </strong>(No. 3 D1) collide on Tuesday evening. The Red Arrows have only lost to Hudsonville this year in a pair of three-set tournament matches, while also owning a win over top-ranked Mercy. Lakewood has struggled to get past these top teams a division above, losing four sets to the Red Arrows over the year already. Still, this match should be very competitive. The Vikings have two outstanding hitters in <strong>Maradith O’Gorman </strong>and <strong>Aubrey O’Gorman</strong>. Lowell can match with hitters <strong>Jenna Reitsma </strong>and <strong>Meghan Meyer</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Novi at Northville – Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.</strong></p> <p>The annual KLAA rivalry occurs again on Tuesday night. <strong>Novi </strong>(No. 9 D1) hasn’t lost in the West Division while <strong>Northville</strong> (No. 6 D1) is 4-1. These two met earlier this year in tournament play with Novi getting a 25-14, 25-22 victory, but the Mustangs have made strides since then. Northville suffered a loss to Brighton in conference play, while the Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs in a thrilling sweep, 29-27, 28-26, 25-23. <strong>Shannon </strong>and <strong>Rachel Jennings </strong>have been playing at a high level this year and Northville has senior hitters <strong>Clare McNamara </strong>and <strong>Jenna Boksha</strong>. Both teams also have some strong defensive players that should make for some exciting rallies on Tuesday.</p> <p><strong>Centreville at Mendon – Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.</strong></p> <p>A great matchup of D3 vs. D4 takes place on Tuesday night as well when the defending D4 state champs, <strong>Mendon </strong>(No. 1 D4), play host to <strong>Centreville </strong>(No. 3 D3). The Bulldogs are ready to make a push to get into the D3 title race behind senior captain <strong>Joanna Larsen </strong>on the outside. <strong>Kenleigh West-Wing </strong>is a dynamic player that can set, play the net or the back. Her rise as of late gives Centreville another added dynamic. The Hornets continue to ride the tremendous play of junior outside <strong>Anna Smith, </strong>who was the MVP of the D4 state finals a year ago. Mendon also has a steady defense behind captains <strong>Gracie Russell </strong>and <strong>Julianna Hagenbuch</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Plymouth Christian at Southfield Christian – Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.</strong></p> <p>It’s another competitive MIAC matchup taking place on Tuesday when <strong>Southfield Christian </strong>(No. 2 D4) plays host to <strong>Plymouth Christian </strong>(No. 8 D4). The SC Eagles had control of the PC Eagles in the first two sets of their previous conference meeting, but Plymouth Christian was able to be competitive in the third set in a 28-26 defeat. Plymouth Christian will have its hands full trying to slow down the 1-2 punch of <strong>Emily Van Dyke </strong>and <strong>Caitlin Warnshuis </strong>on the outside. There may not be a better hitting duo in Division 4. Plymouth Christian has <strong>Gabriella Kellogg</strong> ready to lead them at the net and <strong>Hallie Creighton </strong>is an impressive setter that could keep the SC defense guessing. <strong>Madison Raymond </strong>will have to have a big game at libero for Plymouth Christian to get the win.</p> <p><strong>Beast of the East Tournament – Saturday, 9 a.m. at Michigan Elite</strong></p> <p>It really doesn’t get any bigger than this. You won’t find a better tournament field all year and you may not find better competition than this all season, including the MHSAA state finals weekend. The best across the board come together this weekend at Michigan Elite for the annual Beast of the East Tournament. In total, 32 teams will compete. Among the field is <strong>Mercy </strong>(No. 1 D1), <strong>Grand Rapids Christian </strong>(No. 1 D2), <strong>Schoolcraft </strong>(No. 1 D3), <strong>Coopersville </strong>(No. 2 D2), <strong>SMCC </strong>(No. 2 D2), <strong>Lowell </strong>(No. 3 D1), <strong>Mattawan </strong>(No. 4 D1), <strong>Notre Dame Prep </strong>(No. 4 D2), <strong>Clarkston </strong>(No. 5 D1), <strong>Northville </strong>(No. 6 D1), <strong>Marian </strong>(No. 7 D1), <strong>Stoney Creek </strong>(No. 8 D1), <strong>Lake Orion </strong>(No. 15 D1), <strong>Bloomfield Hills </strong>(No. 16 D1), <strong>Detroit Country Day </strong>(No. 18 D2), <strong>L’Anse Cruese North </strong>(No. 20 D1), <strong>Flushing </strong>(No. 21 D1), <strong>Warren Regina </strong>(No. 22 D2), <strong>Utica Eisenhower </strong>(No. 24 D1) and <strong>Portage Central </strong>(HM D1). You won’t find a stronger collection anywhere. If you enjoy prep volleyball in Michigan, you will need to be at Michigan Elite on Saturday. We will have expanded coverage of this big tournament throughout the week.</p>