Division 1 State Championship Top Vote Getters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week we ran preseason polls for fans to decide who would be their eventual state champion in each of the four divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We started with <a href="https://bit.ly/3BNcUen"><strong>Division 1</strong></a> last Monday and had a great group of teams to choose from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's who the Prep Dig readers voted for in the top four slots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Lakeland (40.1%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles ran away with our poll and its certainly not out of the question for them to be a top D1 title contender this year. Lakeland has won a district championship the last two seasons and will be eager to take another step in 2022. The Eagles return three All-Lakes Valley Conference honorees from last year and a lot of talent overall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108719' first='Eve' last='Martin'] </strong>is a dynamic setter and hitter that is a big asset for any D1 team. The Eagles also have some great size at the net with senior middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140494' first='Rachel' last='Zurek'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173602' first='Olivia' last='Krill']</strong>. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173603' first='Kennedy' last='Hudson']</strong> is a tireless libero that will give her all to lead Lakeland to more championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Byron Center (11.9%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs have been a tough out for Division 1 programs in recent years and have set a standard for the program. This year's Byron Center squad has a big hole to fill in replacing <strong>Taylor Humphrey</strong> on the outside, but the Bulldogs look like they can do it through a team effort. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110278' first='Caroline' last='Baker'] </strong>is a returning junior setter with a lot of promise. She can get the ball to one of three juniors that could produce a lot at the net. <strong>Makenzi Bennett</strong>, <strong>Marie Barr</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='500659' first='Bri' last='Whitfield']</strong> gives BC a lot of different attacking options. <strong>Kate Wisniewski</strong> is also a returning senior defender that gives the Bulldogs a lot of returning experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Clarkston (10.5%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolves were a semifinalist in 2020 and always are in the D1 discussion as they play a tough schedule throughout the year as part of the OAA Red. In 2022, Clarkston will bring a lot to the table once again. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66303' first='Paige' last='Giehtbrock'] </strong>is a veteran senior outside that has improved with each season. She will be joined by junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110288' first='Cayla' last='Cogan'] </strong>as a great 1-2 punch at the pins. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110309' first='Emery' last='Kuebler'] </strong>returns as a junior setter, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Chloe' last='Giehtbrock']</strong> is a sophomore that can play almost anywhere and excel. Mix in a strong junior DS in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110299' first='Kiley' last='Gallagher']</strong>, and Clarkston looks like it should remain a top D1 program this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Northville (7.75%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs added another regional championship in 2021 and they have their sights set on a return to Battle Creek this year, for good reason. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66325' first='Abigail' last='Reck']</strong> is one of the most dominant players in all of D1. The senior can finish at the pins or in the middle, and is a big presence defensively as well. Juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110327' first='Ava' last='Thomas'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110315' first='Avry' last='Nelson']</strong> will be great compliment pieces at the net to Reck. While Northville graduated a talented setter, they bring in sophomore transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'] </strong>from Mercy. Craggs was one of the state's most productive freshmen in 2021. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108714' first='Taryn' last='Rice']</strong> is as strong as they come in the back row while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110313' first='Greta' last='McKee'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110300' first='Ashlee' last='Gnau']</strong> are also experienced defenders. Northville is certainly looking stacked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->