Division 1 quarterfinals breakdown & predictions

<p>It’s time for finals week.</p> <p>Eight teams remain in all four divisions, with only four in each advancing to Kellogg Arena this weekend.</p> <p>Let’s breakdown Division 1 first, which includes our top-4-ranked teams, and seven that were in the top-13.</p> <h4><strong>Davison vs. Marian at Royal Oak HS</strong></h4> <p>The defending champs and top-ranked team in D1 gets set for a new challenge from Davison. These two haven’t encountered each other this season, so there could be some feeling out early. Davison has a game-changer in the middle in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60832" first="Amanda" last="Glanton"]</strong>, that can pose some problems for the Mustangs. However, Marian still has the top array of weapons in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24846" first="Ava" last="Brizard"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24877" first="Sarah" last="Sylvester"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137570" first="Janiah" last="Jones"] </strong>are all hitting .440 or better, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66330" first="Ella" last="Schomer"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24883" first="Sophia" last="Treder"]</strong> are strong finishers as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66328" first="Ava" last="Sarafa"] </strong>runs a very fast offense that has yet to meet its match, and I don’t see Davison being able to either. <strong>Prediction: </strong>Marian over Davison in 3</p> <h4><strong>Rockford vs. Hudsonville at Holland High School</strong></h4> <p>The top matchup on Tuesday has No. 2 Hudsonville squaring off with No. 3 Rockford in a great matchup full of elite talent. Both teams have diverse offensive options. The Rams have five different players with 199 kills or more and can run fast behind setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137571" first="Mackenzie" last="Delacher"]</strong>. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137574" first="Alina" last="Anderson"]</strong> is a top-level libero with a lot of athleticism. Hudsonville can match hitting and blocking with Rockford, led by outside <strong>Eva Joldersma</strong>, who has 401 kills. The Eagles have five players with 190 kills or more, but also have a big blocking presence with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91609" first="Leah" last="Rogers"]</strong> in the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24839" first="Carlina" last="Bender"] </strong>is also a libero that can battle it out with anyone, while bringing a great serve to the floor as well. These two have played 12 sets against one another this season, with Hudsonville winning 10 of them. The Eagles just seem to be a really tough matchup for the Rams. <strong>Prediction: </strong>Hudsonville over Rockford in 4</p> <h4><strong>Ann Arbor Skyline vs. Northville at Dexter HS</strong></h4> <p>No. 4 Skyline will look to get back to Battle Creek after a year away, while No. 8 Northville is looking to make its first trip since 2018. The Mustangs actually handed Skyline their last loss back on Sept. 25, but the Eagles were without <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66319" first="Harper" last="Murray"] </strong>at the time. Skyline avenged the loss in October, but it was a competitive match. Skyline has a big 1-2 punch at the net in Murray and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24843" first="Cari" last="Bohm"]</strong>. Northville will try to answer with powerful hitter <strong>Abby Reck</strong>, while also playing sound defense behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108714" first="Taryn" last="Rice"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24867" first="Jessica" last="Mondragon"]</strong>. This match is likely to come down to the team that makes fewer unforced errors. Skyline got a little stagnant in its regional final with Brighton, but that close call may have been a good wake-up for the Eagles. <strong>Prediction: </strong>Skyline over Northville in 5</p> <h4><strong>Dearborn Divine Child vs. Macomb Dakota at St. Clair Community College</strong></h4> <p>Dakota has been up near the top of the rankings during the season before settling into No. 12 at playoff time. The Cougars have the ability to contend for the state championship, but have struggled with some lapses. This week is certainly no time for that. The Cougars have a great array of arms, including dynamic setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108718" first="Erin" last="Madigan"]</strong>. Madigan is also a great blocking option alongside middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66302" first="Olivia" last="Gardner"]</strong>. Gardner and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66338" first="Emma" last="Thamarus"]</strong> are the lead hitters and can finish with a lot of power. Divine Child will have its hands full. The Falcons were unranked entering the postseason, but find themselves in the Elite Eight. <strong>Jillian Palmer </strong>will have a big challenge at setter. She’ll need to mix things up to keep the Dakota blockers off-balance. <strong>Riley Tople</strong> will need to finish at a high rate when her number is called, while the DC defense will have to have its best outing of the season. <strong>Prediction: </strong>Dakota over Divine Child in 3</p>