Preseason Scrimmage Preview: Ann Arbor Skyline

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FINALLY! August 8th commences the start of the 2022 high school season and you know what that means, VOLLEYBALL! In just a few short days, we will be getting our first tastes of what is to come this season. A season that is looking to be a big one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's Division 1 Runner-Ups, Ann Arbor Skyline, don't want to wait any longer and are getting the party started with a scrimmage featuring some of the top teams in the state. Teams including hosts, Skyline with Frankenmuth, St. Mary's Catholic, Clarkston, Livonia Stevenson, Jenison and Canton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what to look for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Skyline</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyline is coming into the 2022 season looking very different, but yet, return a lot. The biggest pieces of the puzzle to look for replacement will be in the middle and at setter. Who takes over for [player_tooltip player_id='24843' first='Cari' last='Bohm'] and [player_tooltip player_id='60856' first='Lauren' last='Lee']. [player_tooltip player_id='66319' first='Harper' last='Murray'] returns for her final season in the mitten state, in both high school and club, before her career in Lincoln, NE, begins. Skyline also returns Denison commit <strong>Ayla Dunbar</strong> and utility attacker, [player_tooltip player_id='176600' first='Kate' last='Maley'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Frankenmuth</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frankenmuth showed a lot of promise in the 2021 season and had me convinced they could make a deeper run than they did. Alas, the Eagles return five star hitter [player_tooltip player_id='153672' first='Audrey' last='Geer']. Geer was the sole heartbeat of the team with her prowess at the net and her command of the back court. There is some questions in the middle for Frankenmuth and I will be curious to see if little sister, <strong>Madison Geer</strong>, will join her sister on Varsity this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>St. Mary's Catholic Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just like the hosts, Skyline, St. Mary's Catholic Central are also returning after a 2021 Runner-Up finish. This is a team that returns a lot but loses some vital players that could be an issue. Mainly, who will replace [player_tooltip player_id='24850' first='Kate' last='Collingsworth'] at setter? The Kestrels return stud outside hitter duo [player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'] and [player_tooltip player_id='156321' first='McKenna' last='Payne'] though. The two are both six rotation players with great ball control and heavy arms. I'll be curious to what new faces join them in their venture to capture the title this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Clarkston</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team could very well be a dark horse in the Division 1 conversation this season. A team that has a lot of good, viable pieces to work with, I am curious to see what they look like this early on. Returning are the Giehtbrock sisters, Paige and Chloe, alongside OH [player_tooltip player_id='110288' first='Cayla' last='Cogan'] and liberos [player_tooltip player_id='156319' first='Addison' last='Newblatt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='110299' first='Kiley' last='Gallagher']. These names alone alone are worthy enough for some early consideration, who else steps up and fills in?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Livonia Stevenson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of the five All-Region honorees from last season, three of which return, MB <strong>Grace McBrien</strong>, OH [player_tooltip player_id='110336' first='Megan' last='Ervans'], and S <strong>Emily Meseroll</strong>. This trio is not too shabby of a crew to rebuild with. Like the rest of the teams listed, I will be curious what names step up to fill out the starting line up and bench. Stevenson has the potential to be a big player this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->