Five Dark Horse D3 Title Contenders In 2023
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In 2023, it looks as if Division 3 could be highlighted by similar title contenders that we saw in 2022. However, there can always be a little room for someone new to sneak in. This fall, there are a handful…
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Continue ReadingIn 2023, it looks as if Division 3 could be highlighted by similar title contenders that we saw in 2022.
However, there can always be a little room for someone new to sneak in.
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.
Bronson
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 Brealyn Lasky Brealyn Lasky 5'6" | S Bronson | 2024 State MI , 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 Aubree Calloway Aubree Calloway 5'9" | OH Bronson | 2025 State MI and Payton Springstead, along with sophomore Aleah Brackett Aleah Brackett 5'8" | RS Bronson | 2026 State MI . Should the Vikings have defenders able to step in, they seem like a strong title contender.
Charlevoix
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 Abbey Wright on the outside and Addison Boop in the middle. The two seniors are patient and consistent hitters that handle pressure points well. Kylee Rice 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.
Lutheran Northwest
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 Lorelai Gallo and junior setter Brooke Hehl Brooke Hehl 5'8" | S Lutheran Northwest | 2025 State MI . Both bring the best out of their teammates and are excellent communicators on the floor. Offensively, Sophia Alder is a powerful middle that could be in for a dominant season.
Manistique
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 Emma Jones. 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 Ella Schuetter Ella Schuetter 5'11" | MB Manistique | 2024 MI . While needing to fill in the holes on the outsides, the team will also be aided by a veteran libero in junior Kamry Flodin. A reliable defense will lead to the offense having time to gel in the early stages of the season.
Traverse City St. Francis
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 Quinn Yenshaw Quinn Yenshaw 6'0" | OH Traverse City St. Francis | 2026 State MI , who was a standout freshman player up north. Yenshaw displayed a lot of tools to be an impact player around the court. Garnet Mullet Garnet Mullet 5'9" | OH Traverse City Saint Francis | 2024 State MI is a senior outside that provide a solid offensive attack on the pins. Defensively, Avery Nance Avery Nance 5'4" | DS/L Traverse City St. Francis | 2025 State MI 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.
Other top contenders: Cabrini, Lake City, Morley Stanwood, Riverview Gabriel Richard