Top MHSAA Elite 8 Match-Ups to Watch Tonight

<!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;@lshotvb&nbsp;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>!&nbsp;</em><em>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>Only the most Elite are invited to this one!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we creep closer and closer to the end of the 2023 season, we're at the point of only 8 teams remaining. Some of the biggest match-ups of the season will take center stage tonight and determine the field for who makes it to Kellogg Arena this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at the matches you need to keep an eye on going into tonight!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Forest Hills Northern V Grand Haven</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":450379,"width":"200px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/DSC_6369.jpg?w=939" alt="" class="wp-image-450379" style="width:200px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='462086' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is going to be yet another feisty match-up on the West Side of the state. These two teams have gone through the gauntlet to get to this point and it just keeps going. Forest Hills Northern had to take down No. 1 Hudsonville and No. 8 Byron Center in the regional rounds. Meanwhile Grand Haven took down No. 7 Rockford in the Sweet Sixteen, avenging 3 losses to the Rams in the regular season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This showdown will leave centerstage to some of the biggest names of the season. Senior leaders [player_tooltip player_id='110295' first='Elana' last='Erickson'] (Western Michigan) and [player_tooltip player_id='110305' first='Kendall' last='Hopewell'] (Northern Kentucky) will hope to propel Forest Hills Northern back to another Final Four. The Buccaneers of Grand Haven will have their eyes set on the freshman phenom, [player_tooltip player_id='462086' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'], to lead them to the promise land. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marian V Mercy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So much history has been had between these two programs. Not to mention are these two of the biggest conference rivals in the Catholic High School League, but these teams always shape up for an epic match-up in the post-season. The rivals are currently split in their crossovers this season with both team having 2 wins over the other. Volleyball is all about best of 5 games, and this will be the deciding fifth game. This time for all of the marbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":465966,"width":"186px","height":"auto","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/Marian-vs-Mercy-VB-30.jpg?w=762" alt="" class="wp-image-465966" style="width:186px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marian has been riding off of a wave of momentum going into the post-season with huge victories at Beast of the East and East V. West in Lowell. Can this youth-driven squad led by [player_tooltip player_id='156287' first='Isabelle' last='Busignani'] (Cincinnati) and [player_tooltip player_id='222362' first='Danielle' last='Mertz'] continue their run to a four-peat? Meanwhile, for Mercy, they rounded out the regular season without one of the premier players in the country, [player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'] (Nebraska). Back in the line up, could Flynn be the determining factor to tilt the scale? This is a showdown you do not want to miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grand Rapids Christian V Edwardsburg</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's been a lot of history had between the 4 teams previously mentioned. Not in this match-up however. That's what makes this one so intriguing to anticipate. Grand Rapids Christian has had a phenomenal season and return to form from previous years. For Edwarsdburg, they're on the cusp of historic makings for this program. Due to the unfamiliarity with each other, I could easily see this match having some streaky play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Eagles of GRC, they're a well-oiled machine with a balance to every aspect of the game. Nice, spread out offense and a really effective, sound defensive line. [player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke'] has cemented herself in contention for Rookie of the Year honors with her stellar play at the net. [player_tooltip player_id='110324' first='Grace' last='Spoelma'] is looking to avenge an early career exit in the semi-finals her freshman year and propel this group to the 'ship. For Edwarsburg, they're led by heavy hitters [player_tooltip player_id='274528' first='Drew' last='Glaser'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478074' first='Sarah' last='Pippin']</strong>, a duo that has done incredible things throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">SMCC V Plymouth Christian</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No. 1 V. No. 3. Does not get more high-level than that. This is a match that will truly go the distance. These two private schools with such rich history within their program, only one can make it through. St. Mary's Catholic Central is looking to bring home their first title since 2020 and avenge that brutal upset loss in the championship game in 2021 versus Reese. For Plymouth Christian, in just their second year in Division III, will be looking for their first title since 2017 when they won back-to-back titles in Division IV. This is the two's first cross over all season, meaning we got a nice treat on our hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SMCC has cemented themselves atop the rankings in Division III while playing one of the toughest schedules in all of Michigan. With wins over Division I ranked squads Bedford and Marian, the Kestrels know how to bring the heat. They're led by a duo of pins hitters with [player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'] (Toledo) and [player_tooltip player_id='226889' first='Madeline' last='Dettling'] who will carry the bulk of the offense. For Plymouth Christian, they're led by one of the top seniors in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='153663' first='Allison' last='Pilat'] (Cedarville). With a player like this, there's really no answer as to what she can do when she gets going. Pilat is the type of player to take over a match and never let up. It's the battle of the pins here tonight and you can't miss it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pewamo-Westphalia V Kalamazoo Christian</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":399219,"width":"190px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/11-Taylor-Smith-2.jpg?w=959" alt="" class="wp-image-399219" style="width:190px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='172203' first='Taylor' last='Smith']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have ANOTHER top five battle here in the Elite 8. This time, it's No. 2 V. No. 4. This not only is a battle between two of the top ranked teams in Division III but this is a rematch of last year's Division III title game. Pewamo-Westphalia come in as the favorites, and the winners of last year's match, but you have to imagine Kalamazoo Christian will be coming in red hot with last year's loss in the back of their mind. Not to mention, this is practically home gym for Kalamazoo Christian. We got another dandy on our hands tonight in Division III.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PW has amassed itself a nearly 60 win season so far. Behind the force of <a href="https://prepdig.com/2023/11/p-ws-taylor-smith-named-2023-miss-volleyball/">Miss Volleyball Winner, </a>[player_tooltip player_id='172203' first='Taylor' last='Smith'] (Eastern Michigan), she's coming in with a lot of hype to prove after such a historic honor. She's joined alongside [player_tooltip player_id='462056' first='Saige' last='Martin'], who has been an absolute unit since her breakthrough season last year. For KZoo Christian, [player_tooltip player_id='176604' first='Holland' last='DeVries'] was one of the biggest players in the championship match last year. She's been a force to be reckoned with this season and will surely look to elevate this team to the Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->