Division 1 Semifinal Breakdown & Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The semifinal action in Battle Creek closes out with two high-profile matchups in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A solid group of four has rounded out the D1 playoffs and all four teams feel like worthy championship contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the two semifinal matchups and what to expect from them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 2 Northville vs. No. 5 Forest Hills Northern – 4:30 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two teams that reached Kellogg Arena last year are back to meet up in a great semifinal matchup on Friday. The Mustangs are seeking their first MHSAA state championship in history, while FH Northern is looking to win its first title since 2002.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northern has had an impressive run of wins to get to the semifinals, beating Lowell, Hudsonville, Byron Center and Grand Haven in successive order. The Huskies had some adversity to overcome midseason with the dismissal of their coach, but it hasn't stopped them from playing their best volleyball at the right time. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110295' first='Elana' last='Erickson'] </strong>has been one of the state's best overall players with 626 kills and 463 digs. She's tireless with her effort on the court and has been willing her team to big victories. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110305' first='Kendall' last='Hopewell']</strong> is a big force in the middle as well with 356 kills, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226936' first='Lexie' last='Stotenbur']</strong> has gotten both the ball frequently with a chance to succeed. She's over 1,350 assists on the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northville has also beaten a strong string of teams to get to the semifinals, disposing of South Lyon East, Bedford, Saline and Portage Northern in its last five matchups. The Mustangs have arguably the best defense in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110313' first='Greta' last='McKee'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110300' first='Ashlee' last='Gnau']</strong> trade the libero jersey, but both are elite-level players in the back row. <strong>Avery Nelson</strong> is also a big blocking factor in the middle to make the job easier for the passers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156325' first='Molly' last='Reck'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156326' first='Mallory' last='Reck']</strong> have really raised their game in 2023 and both are complete players. They can do it all offensively and defensively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'] </strong>has been the silent glue that holds it all together as the setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup should be great and back-and-forth. The Huskies have the edge in finishing ability, but Northville has the defensive advantage. This game is likely to come down to serving and first contact, and the edge in those categories goes to the Mustangs. Northville also has the experience of winning a five-set battle on this court last year. They should remain poised in the close points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Northville over FH Northern in five</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 3 Clarkston vs. Farmington Hills Mercy – 6:30 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make no mistake, Mercy is a top-level team despite not being ranked. The Marlins have struggled with injuries and being able to play at full strength due to standout setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'] </strong>playing for Team USA early in the fall. This matchup of Oakland County teams should provide a lot of great volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marlins ended the championship run of their rival, Marian, with a sweep in Tuesday's quarterfinal. Mercy was the last team to win the D1 title before Marian and now look to keep the hardware in the Catholic League. This team definitely plays on another level with Flynn in action. The 6'3” setter might be the most impactful player at Kellogg Arena this weekend. She's got incredible instincts and a natural feel for all aspects of the game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski'] </strong>has been one of the top freshman in the state, leading Mercy in hitting on the outside. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226944' first='Maya' last='Zarow']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226899' first='Cree' last='Hollier'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110286' first='Angie' last='Butler']</strong> provide a nice balanced offensive attack for the Marlins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarkston came up a point shy of Battle Creek in 2022 and the Wolves have been on a mission this year. Running through a two-setter system, the Wolves have a lot of power at the net between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110288' first='Cayla' last='Cogan']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156319' first='Addison' last='Newblatt'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442995' first='Marlie' last='Smith']</strong> on the outside. Smith, also a freshman standout, is one of the setters as well along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110309' first='Emery' last='Kuebler']</strong>, both of which set a great ball. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110299' first='Kiley' last='Gallagher']</strong> has been a rock in the back row for Clarkston for years. Clarkston relies on its aggression, both with its hitting and with its serving to try and suck the life out of opponents. It's worked quite well for them so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two met three times during the season with Clarkston winning two of the three matchups. With both teams strong on the outside, this matchup could come down to the middle. Hollier has a great connection with Flynn and really explodes off the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='179732' first='Isabelle' last='Henry'] </strong>has had a lot of success against the Marlins this year and has been a momentum-shifter for the Wolves throughout the season. With both teams having solid defense and serving, this middle matchup could be the X-factor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Clarkston over Mercy in five</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->