Who’s stepping up in Grand Rapids area through Week 5?
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The 2022 prep volleyball season is already a month in and the play has been fantastic. The Grand Rapids area has long been one of the top areas of play in the state. Thus far, 2022 has seen plenty of…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 prep volleyball season is already a month in and the play has been fantastic.
The Grand Rapids area has long been one of the top areas of play in the state. Thus far, 2022 has seen plenty of high-level play from the area.
Here’s a look at some of the teams and players shining in the early stages of the season.
Division 1
Hudsonville
The Eagles have suffered just two losses, to Skyline and Lakewood, taking a set in both defeats. Currently riding a 12-match win streak, Hudsonville got past Grand Haven on Thursday night. We expected a big season out of junior outside Isabelle Swiercz Isabelle Swiercz 6'2" | OH Hudsonville | 2024 State #110 Nation MI and she hasn’t disappointed. She’s over 225 kills, 160 digs and 40 aces on the year. She’s really embraced the go-to hitter role and is showcasing her tremendous all-around game. Gianna Bender Gianna Bender 5'6" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2024 State MI has also stepped up into the libero role. The junior is steady as a rock in the back row and allowing Hudsonville to stay in-system. Senior middle Sydney Overweg has also been a big plus in the middle. She’s hitting nearly .400 on the year and leading the team in blocks, helping fill a big hole left from last year’s graduating class.
Forest Hills Northern
The Huskies continue to prove they are a contender this year with their powerful offense. The last eight days have seen them sweep Grand Rapids Christian, Greenville and Lowell. Kennedy Louisell Kennedy Louisell 6'0" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2023 State #140 Nation MI is a Miss Volleyball finalist for a reason, but she’s also backed up by very dangerous hitters in Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI and Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI . Setter Lauren Hallas Lauren Hallas 5'9" | S Forest Hills Northern | 2023 State MI is moving the offense efficiently, working with a number of other senior hitters as well. Credit the FHN defense too, as many of their recent sets have seen their opponents at 15 or less.
Forest Hills Central
The Rangers are hitting a nice stride lately, picking up sweeps of Byron Center, East Grand Rapids and GR Northview over the last eight days. FHC is able to rely on a great 1-2 punch at the pins in Sarah Dunn Sarah Dunn 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2023 State MI and Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI . The two are also helping lead a strong defensive effort alongside senior libero Kate Hotaling Kate Hotaling 5'4" | DS/L Forest Hills Central | 2023 State MI . With some matchups against Hudsonville, GR Christian and FH Northern on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if the Rangers are able to elevate themselves to the next level.
Coopersville
The Broncos are out to a 4-0 start in league play with sweeps of Unity Christian, Hamilton, Fruitport and Holland Christian. Their losses this season have been by very narrow margins, proving that Coopersville is very much capable of being a top team in Division 1. Hayley Wegener Hayley Wegener 5'11" | S Coopersville | 2023 State MI is connecting well with her hitters, primarily Emily May Emily May 6'1" | OH Coopersville | 2023 State MI . The Broncos have also been solid at the net when it comes to blocking and deflections to keep themselves in points.
Division 2
South Christian
The Sailors are on a roll right now, having won 11 straight matches. That includes a big sweep of Grand Rapids Catholic Central earlier in the week. Kennedy Arp Kennedy Arp 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2023 State MI and Ellie Fles Ellie Fles 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2024 State MI have been a difficult 1-2 punch for opponents to stop. Arp is hitting close to .500 on the season. South Christian has also been a handful from the service line, led by senior setter Gina Boomsma, who has over 50 aces in 2022 already.
Holland Christian
The Maroons were on a hot streak, but have suffered recent losses to the likes of Hudsonville, Rockford, GR West Catholic and Coopersville. There’s certainly no shame in those losses to great teams. Holland Christian isn’t far from turning those losses into wins. The Maroons have a lot of hitting depth, which makes them tough to game plan for. Senior setter Tryna Vander Zwaag is doing a good job of mixing up the hitters and keeping the offense unpredictable. She’s also been leading the defensive effort. Senior Sophia Pierce has been the most consistent finisher and the blocks leader.