Kalamazoo-area difference makers in D1/D2

Drew Ellis September 28, 2021 @ 02:03 PM

It’s been a strong start to 2021 for the Kalamazoo-area when it comes to the prep volleyball season. A number of names are putting up impressive stats while leading their team to spots in our Division 1 and Division 2 rankings. Here’s a look at some of the standouts from the area in the top two divisions. [player_tooltip player_id="24864" first="Alia" last="Mastromatteo"], Sr. S, Portage Northern: Mastromatteo has been a nice spark plug for Northern and their new coach, Erin Onken. She’s got a lot of strong hitters to work with, but is doing a good job of spreading the ball around, while also recognizing when to call her own number. Cecelia Pelak, Jr. OH, Mattawan: Pelak is doing a lot for Mattawan this season, leading the squad in kills and aces thus far while putting up a strong hitting percentage. She’s also a smooth passer in the back row, while being able to contribute with her blocking. Pelak still has a high ceiling of growth as well with another year to come. Jenna Morris, Sr. MH, Battle Creek Lakeview: Lakeview has a lot of potential with some explosive outside hitters, but Morris is providing a big boost to the team at middle as part of a position change this season. She’s been able to terminate consistently, but has been a big force on the block to keep her team in-system. [player_tooltip player_id="137575" first="Mehl" last="Hansen"], Sr. S, Portage Central: Hansen has been impacting the game in every aspect for Central, as she’s the team’s setter, but also is among the stat leaders in kills, aces, digs and blocks. Standing 5’9”, Hansen is an athletic powder keg that is quick on her feet and instinctive with her play. Sarah Campbell, Sr. OH, Gull Lake: Campbell is taking on a lot for Gull Lake this season. She’s getting a lot of swings and has turned it into a successful season. Campbell is accounting for nearly half of the team’s kills at 266. She isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone at the net. Olivia Deeb, Sr. S, Wayland: The Wildcats have a lot of hitters opponents have to focus on and a large reason for that is Deeb’s play. She’s able to keep opponents guessing and mix up the attack for Wayland. Deeb also has a very challenging serve that has led to 50 aces thus far in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id="152529" first="Payton" last="Rice"], Jr. OH, Harper Creek: Rice plays with a high court IQ, as she sees the defense well and knows where to place the ball, and at what speed. Rice has good form and generates good power on her swings and serves without much effort. [player_tooltip player_id="66343" first="Corrie" last="Wisser"], Jr. S, Hopkins: Wisser really is a dynamic player that is having as strong of a year as anyone. As a setter, she’s got Hopkins hitting at a high percentage as a team while also putting down over 100 kills herself. Her serve is among the best in the state, already putting down 75 over 62 sets. She also is an excellent defender that is approaching 200 digs on the season.