Voting Results For D3 Championship Poll
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There were some interested fan bases in our Division 3 Preseason Championship poll. Of the four divisions, no poll got more votes than Division 3. There were some powerhouse programs leading the way over the last week. Here’s a look…
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Continue ReadingThere were some interested fan bases in our Division 3 Preseason Championship poll.
Of the four divisions, no poll got more votes than Division 3.
There were some powerhouse programs leading the way over the last week.
Here’s a look at the top-5 vote getters.
SMCC (50.74%)
The Kestrels on paper certainly seem like they could be the favorite in 2023 and clearly the voters agree. This year’s SMCC squad brings back a lot of experience and should be solid in most key areas. Junior McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI (Utah) is recently committed to play at the next level and is one of the top defenders in the state. Her play makes her one of the most valuable players in all of D3. She will allow this explosive SMCC offense to stay in system throughout the year. Junior Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI is a dynamic six-rotation outside now, and the Kestrels also have talented sophomore hitters in Madeline Dettling Madeline Dettling 6'0" | OH SMCC | 2026 State MI and Olivia Beaudrie Olivia Beaudrie 5'7" | OH SMCC | 2026 State MI . Jillian Anderson is also an experienced hitting option in the middle as a senior, while Molly Blanchett is a defense/hitting option to work in as well. At setter Leah Desarbo is a returning setter that should help SMCC get off to a fast start in 2023.
Pewamo-Westphalia (26.07%)
The 2022 state champions had been building toward a title for years and finally broke through last fall. Defending the title will be a tall order, but the Pirates definitely have a foundation of talent to work with in 2023. Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI (Eastern Michigan) was the Player of the Year in D3 last season and is back to lead the squad as a senior setter. At 6’1”, Smith has the size and athleticism to be a dominant force in D3. Smith will have senior middle Saige Martin Saige Martin 6'0" | MB Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI back. The All-State middle is a 6-foot power that has the ability to finish anywhere around the net. Defensively, Carolina Hengesbach is a veteran libero that the Pirates can rely on while developing new go-to hitters.
Plymouth Christian (21.20%)
The Eagles are going to be able to contend with most other D3 teams in terms of hitting power. This year’s PCA squad is loaded, led by Allison Pilat Allison Pilat 6'2" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI (Cedarville). The senior stands 6’2” and can really bring the heat. Junior Sophia Kellogg Sophia Kellogg 5'8" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2025 State MI and sophomore Riley Pilat Riley Pilat 5'11" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2026 State MI also bring great complimentary hitters to the net that also have solid defensive skills. Those skills will also aid the efforts of Kate Creighton Kate Creighton 5'5" | DS/L Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI , a veteran defender that has a lot of great leadership skills. The Eagles are a well-coached team that have program success to lean on as well. This team should definitely hold its own with the best of D3 this year.
Other Team Not Listed (0.75%)
We try to cast a wide net in these preseason polls, but sometimes a team or player can slip through the cracks. Clearly a fanbase believes they have a team that wasn’t included in this poll that can contend for the D3 title. In the past we have seen a variety of teams make a run in Division 3. A lot of talented teams emerge from the north and from the thumb, so perhaps this year will feature a surprise title contender.
Traverse City St. Francis (0.70%)
The Gladiators bring back a lot of experience from the 2022 squad and are hoping that experience can lead to a deep postseason run. Garnet Mullet Garnet Mullet 5'9" | OH Traverse City Saint Francis | 2024 State MI is a returning senior outside that brings on-court leadership and is part of an impressive crew of hitters. Quinn Yenshaw Quinn Yenshaw 6'0" | OH Traverse City St. Francis | 2026 State MI was one of the top freshman players in D3 last fall and is back as a sophomore outside. Claire Hurley Claire Hurley 5'10" | OH Traverse City St. Francis | 2026 MI is also a promising young hitter as a sophomore, while Reese Jones Reese Jones 5'4" | S Traverse City St. Francis | 2026 MI is a sophomore setter that can help keep the offense playing at a fast speed. Defensively, Avery Nance Avery Nance 5'4" | DS/L Traverse City St. Francis | 2025 State MI is a returning libero that was very impactful as a sophomore. Her ability to elevate her play in pressure situations can help TCSF become a top contender this year.