Top Hitters in Division 3 For 2022 Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division 3 is proving to have a lot of promising talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of the top squads, many of the leaders are juniors or sophomores. It should make for an exciting couple of seasons to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the midst of Week 6 of the season, here's a look at some of the standout hitters in Division 3 thus far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156321' first='McKenna' last='Payne'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'], So. SMCC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At this point Payne and Costlow have to accept they are forever linked to each other. The two standout sophomores are the perfect 1-2 punch for SMCC and continuing to play at a high level this season. Both finish at a high rate and are really strong defensively as well. They are going to have the Kestrels as D3 contenders for years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156343' first='Navea' last='Gauthier'], So. OH Shelby</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":204037,"width":158,"height":210,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/06/FAR-OUT-15AA.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-204037" width="158" height="210" /><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='156343' first='Navea' last='Gauthier']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for a MVP of the entire state, Gauthier has a pretty strong argument thus far. The super sophomore has already recorded over 440 kills on the season, racking up a mind-boggling 8.4 kills per set right now. Despite getting a lot of attacks, she's still finishing over .320 and adding in a tremendous serve and defensive game. The 6'2” outside seemingly has no limit to what she can do.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Gabrielle VerBerkmoes, Sr. MH McBain</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VerBerkmoes is building off her great semifinals appearance in 2021 by having a strong 2022 season thus far. She's been able to dominate a lot of her opponents at the net, offensively and defensively. Her finishing rate is improving, as is her serving. VerBerkmoes is proving she's got all the tools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173618' first='Samantha' last='Dietz'], Sr. OH Watervliet</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dietz has really been showing her ability to finish all around the court this season. Whether in the front row or back row, Dietz has a variety of speeds and arm angles she has been using to finish points. She's got a keen eye for an opening and is athletic enough to get a good swing on an out-of-system ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462056' first='Saige' last='Martin'], Jr. MH Pewamo-Westphalia</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>P-W has a great outside in Dani Pohl, but junior middle [player_tooltip player_id='462056' first='Saige' last='Martin'] is putting together an impressive season to keep the Pirates near the top of Division 3. She's not far behind Pohl in kills, while also being one of the leaders in the Lansing area when it comes to blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226837' first='Garnet' last='Mullet'], Jr. OH St. Francis</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mullet is putting up strong numbers with her attacks and her digging ability. She's very quick in the back court and able to get to a lot of opposing attacks. Offensively, Mullet is able to explode off the floor and put a lot of force into her swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156307' first='Shelby' last='Ignash'], So. MH Cass City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ignash stands 6'0”, but plays even longer and is a real game changer for Cass city. She's like a magnet to the ball on the block and combines that with quick feet and athleticism offensively. When Ignash winds up, it's ending points. Her athletic ability is highlighted by her play in the back row, where she's able to hold her own defensively as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Takiya Cornelius, Sr. OH Bridgman</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cornelius looks very light on her feet and that produces a deceptively quick attack. She's able to cover a lot of ground in a short time, but her arm swing is very fast and leads to a lot of terminations. Cornelius is able to finish on both ends of the net, and is relentless when battling for 50/50 balls at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->