Five Dark Horse D3 Title Contenders In 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2023, it looks as if Division 3 could be highlighted by similar title contenders that we saw in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, there can always be a little room for someone new to sneak in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This fall, there are a handful of teams that have reasons to be optimistic that they can shake up the eventual semifinal picture in Battle Creek.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bronson</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings aren't a team that you can ever overlook in Division 3. Last season, they were eliminated in the regional semifinal by eventual D3 runner-up, Kalamazoo Christian. Bronson has a great base of returning talent, including four All-Region selections from 2022. Leading the way will be senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274529' first='Brealyn' last='Lasky']</strong>, the very definition of a captain. She's continued the impressive run of the Lasky family in the Bronson volleyball program. Lasky has a lot of powerful hitters to work with in juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156288' first='Aubree' last='Calloway'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595381' first='Payton' last='Springstead']</strong>, along with sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490361' first='Aleah' last='Brackett']</strong>. Should the Vikings have defenders able to step in, they seem like a strong title contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Charlevoix</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rayders were a district champion in 2022 before falling in five sets in the regional semifinal as part of a highly-competitive bracket. This year's Charlevoix squad looks like it could be among the top northern contenders in D3. Offensively, the Rayders will have a solid 1-2 punch to work with in <strong>Abbey Wright </strong>on the outside and <strong>Addison Boop</strong> in the middle. The two seniors are patient and consistent hitters that handle pressure points well. <strong>Kylee Rice </strong>is also a strong defensive player that can handle back-row responsibilities. If Charlevoix can nail down a setter and some complementary players, they can be a force again in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lutheran Northwest</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lutheran Northwest gets paired up in a tough MIAC division with D3 power Plymouth Christian. The Crusaders will be an experienced group in 2023 that is battle-tested. Lutheran Northwest graduates just two from last year's squad. Leading the team in 2023 are key leadership pieces in senior libero <strong>Lorelai Gallo</strong> and junior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288954' first='Brooke' last='Hehl']</strong>. Both bring the best out of their teammates and are excellent communicators on the floor. Offensively, <strong>Sophia Alder</strong> is a powerful middle that could be in for a dominant season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Manistique</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Emeralds were highly competitive with a lot of top D3 programs last year and bring back a solid group of talent for 2023. Up front, Manistique should be able to hold its own with most behind senior setter <strong>Emma Jones</strong>. She's got the ability to spread the ball out and develop hitters quickly. One of those hitters she's developed chemistry with is senior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153681' first='Ella' last='Schuetter']</strong>. While needing to fill in the holes on the outsides, the team will also be aided by a veteran libero in junior <strong>Kamry Flodin</strong>. A reliable defense will lead to the offense having time to gel in the early stages of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Traverse City St. Francis</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Francis was knocked out right away in the 2022 postseason, but by a team that lost in the regional final in five sets. The Gladiators had a relatively young team last fall, but that could payoff in a big way this season. St. Francis returns three All-Region players, including outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220968' first='Quinn' last='Yenshaw']</strong>, who was a standout freshman player up north. Yenshaw displayed a lot of tools to be an impact player around the court. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226837' first='Garnet' last='Mullet'] </strong>is a senior outside that provide a solid offensive attack on the pins. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='223048' first='Avery' last='Nance']</strong> is a steady and consistent libero that can get a lot of difficult shots. The junior will be among the top defenders in D3 this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other top contenders</strong>: Cabrini, Lake City, Morley Stanwood, Riverview Gabriel Richard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->