Division 1 Semifinal Breakdown & Predictions
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The semifinal action in Battle Creek closes out with two high-profile matchups in Division 1. A solid group of four has rounded out the D1 playoffs and all four teams feel like worthy championship contenders. Here’s a look at the…
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Continue ReadingThe semifinal action in Battle Creek closes out with two high-profile matchups in Division 1.
A solid group of four has rounded out the D1 playoffs and all four teams feel like worthy championship contenders.
Here’s a look at the two semifinal matchups and what to expect from them.
No. 2 Northville vs. No. 5 Forest Hills Northern – 4:30 p.m.
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.
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. Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI 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. Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI is a big force in the middle as well with 356 kills, while Lexie Stotenbur Lexie Stotenbur 5'9" | S Forest Hills Northern | 2026 State MI has gotten both the ball frequently with a chance to succeed. She’s over 1,350 assists on the year.
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. Greta McKee Greta McKee 5'5" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI and Ashlee Gnau Ashlee Gnau 5'8" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI trade the libero jersey, but both are elite-level players in the back row. Avery Nelson is also a big blocking factor in the middle to make the job easier for the passers. Molly Reck Molly Reck 5'10" | OH Northville | 2025 State MI and Mallory Reck Mallory Reck 5'10" | RS Northville | 2025 State MI have really raised their game in 2023 and both are complete players. They can do it all offensively and defensively. Ella Craggs Ella Craggs 5'9" | S Northville | 2025 State #127 Nation MI has been the silent glue that holds it all together as the setter.
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.
Prediction: Northville over FH Northern in five
No. 3 Clarkston vs. Farmington Hills Mercy – 6:30 p.m.
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 Campbell Flynn Campbell Flynn 6'2" | S Mercy | 2025 State #4 Nation MI playing for Team USA early in the fall. This matchup of Oakland County teams should provide a lot of great volleyball.
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. Kate Kalczynski Kate Kalczynski 6'1" | OH Mercy | 2027 State MI has been one of the top freshman in the state, leading Mercy in hitting on the outside. Maya Zarow Maya Zarow 5'10" | OH Mercy | 2026 State MI , Cree Hollier Cree Hollier 5'8" | MB Mercy | 2026 State MI and Angie Butler Angie Butler 5'10" | OH Mercy | 2024 State MI provide a nice balanced offensive attack for the Marlins
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 Cayla Cogan Cayla Cogan 5'10" | OH Clarkston | 2024 State #96 Nation MI , Addison Newblatt Addison Newblatt 5'9" | OH Clarkston | 2025 State MI and Marlie Smith Marlie Smith 5'10" | S Clarkston | 2027 State MI on the outside. Smith, also a freshman standout, is one of the setters as well along with Emery Kuebler Emery Kuebler 5'7" | S Clarkston | 2024 State MI , both of which set a great ball. Defensively, Kiley Gallagher Kiley Gallagher 5'5" | DS/L Clarkston | 2024 State MI 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.
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. Isabelle Henry Isabelle Henry 6'1" | MB Clarkston | 2025 State MI 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.
Prediction: Clarkston over Mercy in five