Four Division 2/3 district finals not to miss

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along with some great Division 1 district finals already set for the week, Division 2 and Division 3 have some high-profile matchups taking place in the next 48 hours as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at four matchups that will display some of the best each division has to offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>D2: No. 3 Notre Dame Prep vs. No. 4 Detroit Country Day at NDP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Country Day is a program that could have a lot of postseason accolades in recent years, but Notre Dame Prep has stood in its way each time. The defending Division 2 champs have had DCD's number, but 2022 seems like the Yellowjackets best chance to change the storyline. DCD definitely has the edge in offensive firepower. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66291' first='Laurece' last='Abraham']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier']</strong> and <strong>Mia Eckholdt </strong>are a tremendous trio of arms for DCD to use. The Irish have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140493' first='Grace' last='Wenaas']</strong>, one of the best finishers in the state this year, but lack the overall size that Country Day brings to the court. That means NDP will have to be technically sound and strong defensively. Those are two staples of the program as is. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66295' first='Allison' last='Berent']</strong> is one of the best liberos in the state and will sure to be up to the challenge of trying to stop the DCD offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>D2: No. 2 GR South Christian vs. No. 7 GR Christian at GRC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big battle of Grand Rapids rivals is set to take place. Pressure could be on South Christian, as it's the higher-ranked team facing a GRC team that has made four consecutive trips to Battle Creek. GRC will have its hands full with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66293' first='Kennedy' last='Arp'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110296' first='Ellie' last='Fles'] </strong>of South Christian. The Eagles will try to counter with <strong>Rowan Cebulski </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66327' first='Makenzie' last='Ritsema']</strong>. When any of these four take a swing, it's going to be tough to stop. For that reason, the libero play will be key. The team that is able to stay in-system more consistently and get the high-velocity swings will have the advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>D2: No. 10 Frankenmuth vs. No. 12 Birch Run at Birch Run</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Birch Run just picked up a recent 4-set win over Frankenmuth and now the question is can the Panthers do it again? The featured 1-on-1 battle to watch here if Frankenmuth junior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153672' first='Audrey' last='Geer'] </strong>against Birch Run senior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66297' first='Kalliann' last='Cook']</strong>. Both excel at their position and have been able to turn the tide of a match on their own. Cook is very steady and composed while leading her team from a defensive role, while Geer is an energetic and motivated hitter that wants to really push Frankenmuth to the district title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>D3: No. 12 Bridgman vs. No. 6 Watervliet at Watervliet</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers will get to host a district final against a game Bridgman team. The two met during the regular season with Watervliet picking up a comfortable win. But, the Bees should come back a stronger team in this rematch. <strong>Takiya Cornelius </strong>is a game changer that can get hot quickly. Watervliet will be challenged to slow her down. The key for Bridgman will be finding compliments to Cornelius during key stretches. Sophomore <strong>Tatyanna Hill </strong>may be that compliment. The 6'1” middle has a lot of potential. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173618' first='Samantha' last='Dietz'] </strong>and <strong>Natalie Hart </strong>are impact players around the court for Watervliet and they will be ready to make plays offensively and defensively to keep the Panthers from being upset. Watervliet has the better overall depth in all aspects of the game, so if they stay within themselves the Panthers should be able to prevail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->