Breaking Down 5 Surprise D3 Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The young season is already bringing some new names to the plate when it comes to D3 contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lot of veteran squads are showing what they can offer, while some underclassmen are pushing other teams to a new gear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Benzie Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Huskies have been picking up win after win to start the 2023 season, while also having to dig deep to get some of the victories. It shows a lot of resilience in this roster. Senior hitter <strong>Ava Belcher</strong> has been dominant for stretches. Her attacks are fierce and her blocking has been some of the best we've seen in Division 3 thus far. <strong>Flora Zickert </strong>has been a great compliment offensively, while <strong>Maddy Stewart </strong>has been getting the ball to both players with a high chance for success. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153667' first='Emma' last='Brooks'] </strong>has looked in command of the back row at libero, while <strong>Scarlett Ramirez </strong>and <strong>Grace Heiges </strong>are adding to the blocking efforts. Along with the defensive effort, Benzie Central is proving to be a handful from the service line, which is aiding in their early success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bridgman</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bees showed a lot of promise last year and come into the 2023 season looking strong as well. Bridgman has one of the more impressive hitters we've seen early in the 2023 season in junior <strong>Tatyanna Hill</strong>. The 6'1” middle can play on the outside as well. She's got good footwork and a lot of explosiveness off the floor to make for some big swings. Her blocking is also a big asset. <strong>Lily Barker </strong>is a senior outside that also brings a lot of strengths to the floor and helps round out the offense along with veteran players <strong>Kaylee Scheel </strong>and <strong>Mikayla Walsh</strong>. <strong>Bella Gearhart </strong>is a senior setter that helps piece the hitters together. Defensively, <strong>Kylie Ott </strong>and <strong>Melanie Warren</strong> are experienced in the back row and helping the Bees stay technically sound.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lake City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans have a close-knit unit that is aided by family ties. While graduating a pair of sisters from last year's team, this year's squad is still working with the family tie of seniors <strong>Mackenzie Bisballe </strong>and <strong>Alison Bisballe</strong>. Allison is a long and athletic middle that can also play on the outside. She plays well above the net with her long reach and impacts a lot of opposing shots. Mackenzie is a setter/hitter combo that also has a long reach and gives Lake City an advantage over most D3 teams in regard to size. The two have a good connection, obviously, and are a dominant presence offensively and defensively. The Trojans have a lot of senior experience to work with, including libero <strong>Hailey Hamel</strong>, outside <strong>Hannah Vasicek </strong>and fellow setter <strong>Hannah Allen</strong>. This veteran squad should play with a lot of poise throughout 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TC St. Francis</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We knew coming into the season that St. Francis could be a team to look out for in 2023. Thus far, the Gladiators have lived up to the billing. They are putting themselves up against bigger opponents and picking up some wins, including a match win over Fruitport and a set win over Rockford. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220968' first='Quinn' last='Yenshaw'] </strong>was one of the strongest freshmen in the state last year and looks like an experienced veteran outside this season. The squad can also rely on senior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226837' first='Garnet' last='Mullet']</strong> as well as junior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='223048' first='Avery' last='Nance']</strong>. With their experience at key positions, St. Francis will only get stronger as more players step up as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Valley Lutheran</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chargers are certainly charging thus far in 2023. Yet to take a loss, Valley Lutheran is handling its territory well, including a nice win over Swan Valley. Valley Lutheran plays with a lot of awareness and is serving the ball well thus far. Senior outside <strong>Madelyn Herzberger</strong> has been all over the court making plays while seniors <strong>Alayna Adamski </strong>and <strong>Cloe Wollenweber </strong>have been good compliments on the pins to give the Chargers options on the outside. In the middle, <strong>Clara Grimpo </strong>has been coming through with timely blocks and kills. <strong>Riley Krause </strong>is a senior setter that does a good job feeding the hot hitter and showing leadership on the floor. Senior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261129' first='Brittney' last='Sting'] </strong>is in the same boat, as she brings a lot of contagious energy with her play and vocal leadership.Valley Lutheran is another senior-heavy squad to watch out for in Division 3 this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->