Players to watch & predictions for the MHSAA Division 4 semifinals

<p>We have arrived at Battle Creek.</p> <p>It’s officially state finals weekend and 16 teams will vie for state championships from Thursday-Saturday at Kellogg Arena.</p> <p>Up first will be Division 4, which features three teams that were in the same position a year ago.</p> <p>Here’s a closer look at the two matchups and what players you need to know for Thursday.</p> <p><strong>Mendon vs. Southfield Christian – Thursday, Noon</strong></p> <p>This is a rematch of last year’s semifinal that saw the Mendon Hornets top the Southfield Christian Eagles in three, 25-18, 25-15, 25-13. Mendon is the 2018 D4 state champ and has been ranked near the top all year while Southfield Christian entered the postseason as our second-ranked team and has been anxiously awaiting another shot at Mendon.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Mendon – </em></strong>The Hornets are led by <strong>Anna Smith</strong>, a junior outside hitter that dominated at Battle Creek a year ago. She had 20 kills against the Eagles in last year’s semifinal while hitting .390. <strong>Juliana Hagenbuch </strong>will be a key in this matchup at libero. She is going to face to some powerful Southfield Christian hitters and will need to be on her game while continuing to serve aggressively.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Southfield Christian – </em></strong>The Eagles have been led by their 1-2 punch on the outsides in seniors <strong>Emily Van Dyke </strong>and <strong>Caitlin Warnshuis</strong>. The two combined for 23 kills in last year’s semifinal, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Mendon. This year, both have improved their all-around game and each can take over a match. Van Dyke is coming off a 26-kill performance in Tuesday’s quarterfinal sweep of Ubly.</p> <p><strong><em>Prediction – </em></strong>Southfield Christian has made it its goal to get back to Battle Creek and now it is here. Will the Eagles not let the moment be too big for them this year? This is definitely a better team than what faced Mendon last year, but I am not sure Mendon is a better team than it was a year ago. Smith is definitely a dominant player and may be able to carry Mendon to the win, but I like the way Southfield Christian has played throughout the postseason. They look composed, aggressive and confident. They are sure to face adversity on Thursday, but I suspect they will handle it much better this time around. <strong>Southfield Christian over Mendon in five</strong></p> <p><strong>Rudyard vs. Leland – Thursday, 2 p.m.</strong></p> <p>Leland was the 2018 Division 4 runner-up and 2015 Class D state champion. The Comets were our fifth-ranked team in D4 coming into the postseason. Rudyard was our seventh-ranked team after the regular season and the Bulldogs defeated Carney-Nadeau in the quarterfinals on Tuesday in four sets. Rudyard is the final team waving the Upper Peninsula flag in Battle Creek.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Leland – </em></strong>Leland is a fundamentally sound team that is led by its libero <strong>Mia Osorio</strong>. She led the Comets defensively in Battle Creek last year and has seen plenty of big hitters in recent years. Her ability to pass consistently gives Leland a big advantage in these marquee matchups. <strong>Tatum Kareck </strong>also had some good experience in Battle Creek last year, as she had 13 kills over the two matches for the Comets. Now she is a go-to outside for Leland and ready to show she can lead this program to another state championship.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Rudyard – </em></strong>The Bulldogs have some length in the middle with <strong>Nina Alpers </strong>and they will need to use her size to their advantage on Thursday. Not the biggest team, Alpers is one that can play well above the net and finish consistently. <strong>Sara Beelen</strong> is also a finisher for Rudyard, but it will be her ability to pass that will really be important. Leland is a team not known for mistakes, so Rudyard will have to serve receive very well in this matchup.</p> <p><strong><em>Prediction – </em></strong>A lot can be said for experience this time of year. Leland is making its sixth semifinal appearance in seven years. The Comets won’t have any nerves or going into this match and won’t have to get acclimated to playing on a big stage. Rudyard is making a long trip for this match and is swimming in deep waters with a shark. I just think asking the Bulldogs to come away with this one is a little too much to ask on Thursday. <strong>Leland over Rudyard in four</strong></p>