Division 3 quarterfinals breakdown & predictions
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The slate for the Division 3 quarterfinals is really strong. While the rankings are a bit scattered, it’s clear that these teams have taken their play to another level in the last two weeks. These matchups seem pretty even and…
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Continue ReadingThe slate for the Division 3 quarterfinals is really strong.
While the rankings are a bit scattered, it’s clear that these teams have taken their play to another level in the last two weeks.
These matchups seem pretty even and it wouldn’t surprise me to see all four go five sets.
Muskegon Western Michigan Christian vs. Watervliet at Hamilton HS
No. 24 Watervliet deserves a lot of respect, as it knocked off No. 4 Bronson and No. 19 Kalamazoo Christian last week to reach this quarterfinal. It doesn’t get any easier for the Panthers, as they now draw top-ranked WMC. The two had a competitive meeting during the Bronson Invite earlier this year, with WMC winning in two sets. However, the Panthers also lost to Bronson that day, so they certainly have shown improvement since that first meeting. At that event, Watervliet had some impressive hitters in Natalie Hart, Samanthat Dietz and Myah Hobson. It will take a collective effort against WMC. Kyla Wiersema Kyla Wiersema 6'0" | MB Western Michigan Christian | 2022 State MI can be a one-woman wrecking crew at times, but Madison Wiersema is a handful as well. Setter Kendal Young has a good connection with both. This match is likely to come down to the team that is able to consistently finish points and make fewer defensive errors. Prediction: WMC over Watervliet in 4
Royal Oak Shrine vs. Reese at Genesee HS
No. 13 Reese takes on HM Royal Oak Shrine in this quarterfinal. The Knights are making a second consecutive quarterfinal appearance despite working in a lot of new pieces this season. Shrine has been dominant thus far in postseason play, serving aggressively and defending well. Margaret Jones is a six-rotation outside that can hold her own with the best in the division. She has a smooth swing, but is quick on her feet to make impactful blocks and passes. Norah Tisko Norah Tisko 5'8" | DS/L Royal Oak Shrine | 2023 State MI is hard-working libero that throws herself around the court to keep a rally going. She will be very important in Tuesday’s match. Reese comes into this matchup with a lot of senior leadership, which it will need being in its first quarterfinal since 2010. Getting that last win to Battle Creek can be the hardest. Maddi Osantowski Maddi Osantowski 5'10" | OH Reese | 2022 State MI is a complete player for the Rockets. She can make plays anywhere on the court. Setter Aydan Dalak Aydan Dalak 5'9" | S Reese | 2022 MI is a great on-court leader and plays with a lot of fire. She will have this Reese team ready to grind out the long points. Prediction: Reese over Shrine in 5
Calumet vs. McBain at Grayling HS
It’s a top-10 matchup in Grayling as No. 7 Calumet squares off with No. 9 McBain. Both teams are at their best, having swept through regional competition last week. McBain definitely has a strong arsenal of servers that can turn the tide in the game. The Ramblers also have a deep array of hitters in Gabby VerBerkmoes, Emma Schierbeek and Jersey Scott. Setter Analiese Fredin does a great job of mixing up the attack and getting everyone involved offensively. Calumet is no slouch from the service line either. Marybeth Halonen had 11 aces on her own in a regional semifinal win over Iron Mountain. Helen Beiring has been able to take over games with her hitting as well, so McBain will have to focus in their blocking on her. Prediction: McBain over Calumet in 5
Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central at Lumen Christi HS
The featured matchup in Division 3 is in Jackson, with No. 3 P-W taking on the two-time defending state champs in second-ranked SMCC. This year’s Kestrel team is pretty young, but the winning mindset still exists strongly in the program. Their five-set win over No. 10 Brooklyn Columbia Central was a real growing experience for the young talent. Freshman Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI has been a big impact player on the outside and is part of a deep offense alongside McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI and Audrey Cousino. Setter Kate Collingsworth Kate Collingsworth 5'10" | S Monroe | 2022 State MI is one of the veterans that has done a remarkable job with the new hitters this year. P-W was tested in its regional final, going five sets with Napoleon for its first regional title since 2012. The Pirates are a mentally tough and physical bunch. Led by setter Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI , P-W is a strong defensive team with great passing and blocking ability. Riley Hengesbach leads the way in the back row, while Sierra Schneider is a terror up front with over 150 blocks on the season. Saige Martin isn’t far off, while Dani Pohl is an explosive hitter and blocker as well. This match could just come down who wants it more. It’s new territory for most of the players, but SMCC still has that winning intangible that will be tough to overcome. Prediction: SMCC over P-W in 5