Beast of the East: Team Previews (Part 5)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The event we have all been waiting for! We will finally be seeing 32 of the best teams in the state of Michigan, across all divisions, to one spot for an epic weekend of volleyball! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hosted by [program_tooltip program_id='431551' first='Michigan' last='Elite Volleyball Academy'] at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac, Michigan, only the best of the best will be on tap for this event. These teams are so good in fact, we are going to be breaking down and previewing each team attending the Beast of the East. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's wrap up this break down with our last seven teams coming to the Beast of the East this weekend. A lot of underdog favorites are in the mix and will surely cause some trouble for the big dogs with this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Jenison</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A top 25 team hailing from the Grand Rapids area, Jenison comes in to the weekend very battle tested and ready to create some chaos for their opponents. While with 8 losses on the season, this team has gone toe-to-toe with some huge competition from opening weekend onward. Led by OH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222360' first='Aubrey' last='Johnson']</strong> as the team's kill leader, she'll have to come up huge this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":161384,"width":203,"height":184,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/10/Rachel-Zurek-1024x933.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161384" width="203" height="184"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Lakeland</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the last remaining undefeated teams in the state, Lakeland enters the tournament coming off of their first loss to South Lyon East and a 17-1 record. Despite this loss, this team is going to be dangerous to go against. Led by the play of OH/S <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108719' first='Eve' last='Martin']</strong>, team leader in service aces, assists and second in kills, Martin can do it all. Alongside her in the middle is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140494' first='Rachel' last='Zurek']</strong>, a highly terminal attacker who can shut down the biggest of hitters at the net. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Marshall</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A regional finalist a season ago, this team is looking to capitalize on last year's success. The Red Hawks return one of the top defenders in the state and Miss Volleyball nominee, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152528' first='Ella' last='McAllister']</strong>. And she'll have her hands full this weekend going against some of the top attackers in the state. In Pool F, Marshall will see another stellar defender in Birch Run's [player_tooltip player_id='66297' first='Kalliann' last='Cook']. A match that should be at the top of the list for anyone looking for defensive showdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Mattawan</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":162522,"width":203,"height":158,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/10/DSC_8886-1024x804.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162522" width="203" height="158"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some representation from Southwest Michigan, Mattawan is another top 25 team coming into the weekend with some high chances of causing uproar. With high hopes for the postseason, the Wildcats could very easily be one of the last teams remaining come Saturday as well. Mattawan looks up their senior opposite, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108761' first='Cece' last='Pelak']</strong>, heavily in about every aspect of her game. She's a lethal attacker across the net and in the back row and can play some stellar defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Grandville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bit of an underdog coming into the tournament. Grandville has the potential for some big time upsets this weekend. They're led by the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110292' first='Zoey' last='Dood']</strong>. A 6'2 setter with the mighty southpaw on two, Dood brings so much to the table, it is impossible to know what is to come from her. Dood runs a very well-oiled machine, while still remaining a potent attacker and blocker. Dood will be going toe-to-toe with the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class, [player_tooltip player_id='66319' first='Harper' last='Murray']. A net match up that will be oh so fun to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Oxford</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another underdog coming into the weekend, Oxford sees themselves set up in a pretty tough pool. Including the likes of the reigning Division 2 and 3 Runner-Ups in North Branch and St. Mary's Catholic Central, they'll have their hands full. Surely this squad will put up a great fight against these giants. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66339' first='Rachel' last='Townsend']</strong> leading the way, she'll have to really deliver for this team to pick up some marquee wins.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>.<br><em>Join us at the<a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/09/the-prep-dig-top-250-expo-series-is-back-2/">&nbsp;Prep Dig Top 250 Expo</a>! Use code LShotPDExpo250 for 10% off your registration fee. Register before October 19th for the early bird special!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->