Top D4 defenses for 2022

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top defensive teams tend to go a long way in Division 4 volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A good defense can help make up for the lack of hitting depth or size in D4, and coming into the prep season there are some teams that should set the bar for defensive play in the division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at 6 teams in Division 4 expected to lead the way in defense to start the 2022 season. (in alphabetical order)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fowler: </strong>The Eagles bring back four players with over 100 digs in 2021, lead by senior <strong>Aery Koenigsknecht</strong>. She is joined by seniors <strong>Carly Andros</strong>, <strong>Candis Myers </strong>and <strong>Taylor Weber</strong>. Myers is also strong up front with the block, leading last year's team. Senior <strong>Anna Vanneste </strong>is also a helpful hand at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Inland Lakes: </strong>The 2021 D4 runner-up returns a senior libero in <strong>Ryann Clancy</strong>, who had over 600 digs last season. Senior outside <strong>Natalie Wandrie</strong> was an active defender in the back row as well and shows great form on her passing. Senior <strong>KC Cain</strong> also returns as a DS this season, while <strong>Hannah Robinson</strong> is back to patrol the middle as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lansing Christian: </strong>The Pilgrims have a lot of steady defenders back for 2022. Senior <strong>Audra Usiak</strong> returns at libero to lead the way, but <strong>Ava Waldron </strong>is a returning junior DS to compliment her. Senior setter <strong>Madelyn Rottman</strong> is also an instinctive defensive player. <strong>Katelyn Rottman </strong>is an improving all-around outside as a junior, while <strong>Grace Leavett </strong>will be a force in the middle as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leland: </strong>The Comets should again be a strong defensive team with returning junior libero <strong>Olive Ryder</strong>. She's very active and instinctive in the back row. <strong>Alexis Luce </strong>is a strong defensive setter as well. In the middle <strong>Fiona Moord </strong>makes a big impact to help the back row make plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lenawee Christian: Josie Mineff </strong>returns as a senior libero to lead this deep roster of defensive talent in 2022. <strong>Isabelle Kirkendall</strong> is an all-around talent that can play anywhere on the floor and is a big asset to the defense. Junior middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473915' first='Hannah' last='Baker'] </strong>and <strong>Sophie Samonek</strong> are a great 1-2 paid in the middle for blocking and make it challenging for opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Philip: </strong>The Tigers graduate a lot, but always seem to have the talent and coaching to stay atop the D4 contenders. This year, senior <strong>Kate Doyle </strong>and junior <strong>Rylee Altman</strong> return after being consistent DS performers last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209470' first='Maddie' last='Hoelscher']</strong> is also a returning middle that will provide some needed blocking help.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->