Breakout Performances at Beast of the East 2023

<!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<strong>@lshotvb&nbsp;</strong>on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball!</em></h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/top-250-expos/">Join us at the&nbsp;Prep Dig Top 250 Expo</a>! Use code LShotVBExpo2023 for 10% off your registration fee.</em>&nbsp;(APPLICABLE TO ALL EXPOS)</h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading">–</h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Beast of the East has stormed through Michigan. One of the most hotly anticipated tournaments of the year, only the best of the best show up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's tournament was dominated once more by the Marian Mustangs, winning their 3rd title in four years. Meanwhile, the West side of the state showed up and showed OUT! Jenison found themselves in the championship, while Rockford took down the top dog in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amongst the best of the best across the Mitten state, there were a handful of teams that used this time to make statements. Here are some of the teams with the biggest breakout performances on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jenison</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ultimate Runner-Up of the tournament, Jenison had things pretty well handled every match they took on. The west side of the state was well-represented in this illusive event. Jenison came close to being the first ever to win Beast of the East. Similar to how they finished last weekend, we could see Jenison be one of the last remaining teams come November. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by an All-Tournament team honoree, [player_tooltip player_id='222360' first='Aubrey' last='Johnson'], this group is balanced, composed and deadly! Despite being riddled with youth, it was the young guns that showed up that propelled the Cats to such a successful day. OH [player_tooltip player_id='226882' first='Karis' last='Chatfield'] and L [player_tooltip player_id='467951' first='Rylee' last='Paddock'] had great outings alongside OPP [player_tooltip player_id='200397' first='Dylann' last='Kelly'] and MB Lydia Uganski.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenison would go 6-1 on the day losing to Marian in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saline</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":471606,"width":"173px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7116324535679375","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/10/olivia-behen.webp?w=728" alt="" class="wp-image-471606" style="aspect-ratio:0.7116324535679375;width:173px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='172207' first='Olivia' last='Behen'] </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've been waiting for the 2022 Semi-finalists to come to form this season. At Beast of the East, it seemed that Saline was at Kellogg Arena-level play. After a really strong showing in pool play that saw the Hornets down No. 8 Rockford in 3, they'd swarm on to take down No. 2 SMCC (D3) in the gold bracket opener. It was a shorter day for the Hornets as they fell to top ranked North Branch in the quarter finals. But if the fight in that match suggests anything, it's you cannot sleep on this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading the way was All-Tournament team member [player_tooltip player_id='156313' first='Marie' last='Laurio'] (Syracuse) who drove home the team on both offense and defense. Laurio notched 50+ kills on a .309 clip and then added a solid 33 digs on the day. Right behind Laurio was OH [player_tooltip player_id='153662' first='Catherine' last='Flaharty'] who brought in 36 kills, hitting .329 on the day. The biggest revelation was the change at the setter's position. A player most notably seen for her defensive duties in the libero jersey, [player_tooltip player_id='172207' first='Olivia' last='Behen'] (Grand Valley) was running the offense at Beast of the East. In her debut in the position, Behen averaged nearly 10 assists per set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Utica Eisenhower</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ike, Ike, IKE! The big talk of the town after a nice turn of events at Beast of the East. This is a young, talented group of girls. A group that is missing some critical pieces too. Utica Eisenhower went from being touted the bottom seed of the pool to coming out on top of the pool and merged their way into the gold bracket. With upset wins over both Dewitt and No. 2 (D2) Grand Rapids Christian, this was a really nice showing from the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plymouth Christian</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is one of the top teams in Division III. They have been knocking at the door for a No. 1 ranking in their respective division, and after Saturday, it's hard to say that they are NOT the top team in Division III. The Eagles of Plymouth Christian may have walked away with a 2-2 record, but it was in the losses that they showcased their elite level. In pool play against Northville, PCA had the Mustangs on the ropes with a 23-25 and 26-28 decision. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OH [player_tooltip player_id='153663' first='Allison' last='Pilat'] (Cedarville) was an All-Tournament team selection and deservedly so. This player was on another level at Beast of the East. It was in the biggest matches that Pilat seemed to play at her best. A big booming swing with an array of cuts up her artillery, it's this type of player that you need to win a championship. [player_tooltip player_id='226911' first='Riley' last='Pilat'] was a nice touch to the offense too in the middle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->