Division 2 quarterfinals breakdown & predictions

<p>Division 2 has the potential to see a repeat of the 2020 semifinalists, as all four are still alive heading into Tuesday’s quarterfinals.</p> <p>This crop of eight teams that will compete for a spot in Battle Creek includes seven teams that were in our final top-10 rankings.</p> <p>Here’s a closer look at each of the four matchups and what to expect in the pairings.</p> <h4><strong>Grand Rapids Christian vs. Niles at Grand Rapids South Christian</strong></h4> <p>The three-time defending D2 champs entered the postseason as our top-ranked team and they continue to shine. They are coming off a four-set win over Unity Christian and now take on upset-minded Niles (No. 6). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24853" first="Evelyn" last="Doezema"] </strong>has been absolutely dominant all year and it will be tough for Niles to find a way to slow her down. Niles will have to rely heavily on its energy and defense. The Vikings play very upbeat and they have a lot of capable passers. <strong>Kailyn Miller</strong>, <strong>Amelia Florkowski</strong> and <strong>Cadence Knight </strong>will have to be on their game. Doezema is likely to get her points and a lot of swings, but Niles will have to find a way to finish points when in-system. <strong>Prediction: </strong>GR Christian over Niles in 4</p> <h4><strong>Detroit Country Day vs. Notre Dame Prep at St. Clair Community College</strong></h4> <p>These two usually meet in districts, but the brackets played out where this great matchup will take place on the quarterfinal stage. Unfortunately, both No. 2 NDP and No. 7 DCD aren’t at full strength. The Irish have been playing without setter/outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24844" first="Alyssa" last="Borellis"]</strong> due to a thumb injury she suffered during the Beast of the East Tournament. Country Day lost one of its top hitters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24862" first="Morgan" last="Lockhart"]</strong> to a knee injury. Still, the Yellowjackets have big swingers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24870" first="Serena" last="Nyambio"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24869" first="Nyla" last="Muskovin"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66291" first="Laurece" last="Abraham"]</strong>. All are capable of taking over a match. However, DCD will have to overcome the elite-level defense of the Irish, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24842" first="Josie" last="Bloom"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66295" first="Allison" last="Berent"]</strong>. NDP doesn’t have DCD’s size, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137573" first="Sophia" last="Sudzina"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24857" first="Bianca" last="Giglio"] </strong>are still powerful arms that know how to finish. Where the Irish have the edge is in their fundamentals and championship experience. NDP has won many tough points in recent years and DCD has yet to breakthrough with this group. Can they handle the pressure on Tuesday? <strong>Prediction: </strong>Notre Dame over Country Day in 5</p> <h4><strong>Cadillac vs. North Branch at Midland HS</strong></h4> <p>It’s No. 9 North Branch taking on No. 10 Cadillac in a great matchup. The Vikings are a win away from a return trip to Battle Creek, riding the play of senior setter/hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24845" first="Renee" last="Brines"]</strong>. She does so much for this team and consistently performs at the highest level. Sophomore middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110314" first="Carissa" last="Musta"]</strong> has had a breakthrough season and one of the top blockers in the state. She will be key, going up against a young, but deep North Branch roster. The Broncos spread the ball well behind sophomore setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110302" first="Adrienne" last="Greschaw"]</strong>. She’s got five Broncos with at least 194 kills or more this season. Sophomore outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110291" first="Alana" last="Deshetsky"] </strong>has been the most consistent finisher, but sophomore middle <strong>Kaela Chingwa </strong>is also a top finisher while being a big blocking force. The youth of North Branch could be a concern at this stage, but the Broncos are always well-coached and just seem to have the depth to get this victory. <strong>Prediction: </strong>North Branch over Cadillac in 4</p> <h4><strong>Lakewood vs. Onsted at Williamston HS</strong></h4> <p>No. 3 Lakewood finds itself a win away from yet another trip to Battle Creek. The Vikings draw No. 18 Onsted in the quarterfinals. Onsted will have the uphill challenge of trying to slow down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24871" first="Maradith" last="O’Gorman"]</strong>, the 6’3” outside hitter that has developed an all-around game. While the Vikings have a dominant hitter, they also can play great defense behind sophomore libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110318" first="Carley" last="Piercefield"]</strong>. She’s got a lot of big-match experience already and plays with a lot of poise. <strong>Ruby Foster </strong>had a big showing in the regional final win over Dundee for Onsted, with 10 blocks. She will have to be able to get a hand on some of O’Gorman’s attacks to give her team a chance. <strong>Kamryn Ross </strong>will also play a key role with her setting, trying to avoid O’Gorman’s long reach when on the offensive. In the end, Lakewood seems to have too much experience to slip up in this one. <strong>Prediction: </strong>Lakewood over Onsted in 3</p>