Division 3 Semifinal Breakdown & Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 state finals weekend is kicking off with the Division 3 semifinals on Thursday afternoon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've got two great matchups set to get everything rolling at Kellogg Arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at the matchups and picks for the winners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 1 SMCC vs. No. 4 Kalamazoo Christian – Noon</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last two Division 3 runner-ups meet on Thursday to see which one will return to the finals in 2023. SMCC has been the top-ranked team for most of the season, while Kalamazoo Christian is coming off a dominant win over the defending champs, Pewamo-Westphalia, in Tuesday's quarterfinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SMCC has a very well-rounded squad. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156321' first='McKenna' last='Payne'] </strong>plays the setter role despite being one of the top liberos in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226889' first='Madeline' last='Dettling']</strong> are two solid pin hitters that give SMCC plenty of pop at the net. The defense is a big strength with Payne, Costlow and <strong>Ashley Ruhling</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalamazoo Christian has a lot of good balance as well. <strong>Makenna Ekkens</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176604' first='Holland' last='DeVries'] </strong>and <strong>Annelise DeJong </strong>make for a fierce three-headed offensive attack. <strong>Lola Stecker </strong>balances the offense well with her setting ability, while <strong>Jovie Cochran </strong>and Ekkens are dig machines in the back row along with DeVries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each of these teams has a lot of big-match experience and isn't lacking in confidence. Kalamazoo Christian had arguably the most impressive performance in the state on Tuesday, but the Kestrels have played the best of the best in all divisions this year. That should be the difference. SMCC has truly tested itself against the best to be ready for this week. It should allow the Kestrels to win those competitive sets down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>SMCC over Kalamazoo Christian in four</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 10 Cass City vs. No. 5 Traverse City St. Francis – 2 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Hawks make a return trip to Kellogg Arena, looking to reach the final this year. Standing in their way is the Gladiators, who have clawed through recent opponents to get to Kellogg Arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cass City brings one of the best 1-2 punches in Division 3 to the court in middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156307' first='Shelby' last='Ignash'] </strong>and outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172195' first='Kacee' last='Gray']</strong>. The two juniors combined for nearly 900 kills on the season and each brings their own added play on defense. Gray is a solid passer while Ignash has improved on her passing to go along with being a dominant blocker. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250066' first='Isabelle' last='Phillips'] </strong>has quietly produced a really solid year at setter while <strong>Josie Spencer </strong>has been an impressive DS/OH option that is racking up digs and kills as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Francis has been a little more balanced throughout the court. Offensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220968' first='Quinn' last='Yenshaw'] </strong>and <strong>Garnett Mullett</strong> have taken turns being leading options at the net. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226902' first='Claire' last='Hurley']</strong> is also a steady finisher for the team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226903' first='Reese' last='Jones'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='354004' first='Tessah' last='Konas'] </strong>share setting duties and have combined for over 1,200 assists. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='223048' first='Avery' last='Nance'] </strong>is one of the top defensive players coming to Kellogg Arena and is approaching 100 aces as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The serving of St. Francis could be the difference-maker in this matchup. As a team, the Gladiators have over 450 aces. If the Red Hawks aren't ready to bring their best in serve receive, it could be a long matchup. Cass City needs to stay in-system to effectively get the ball to Ignash and Gray, while St. Francis seems like it may be able to better handle long rallies and out-of-system balls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>St. Francis over Cass City in four</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->