2025 D2 State Semifinals Breakdown And Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**The Prep Dig Exposure Tour is coming to Pontiac on Dec. 21 for all interested 2026-2029 prospects following the 2025 fall season. It's a great opportunity to capitalize off the fall season and a great way to start the club year by being seen by scouts and colleges around the US.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2032/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-michigan#register"><strong><em>Click here to register</em></strong></a><em>, and use promo code&nbsp;<strong>“EllisPD25”</strong>&nbsp;to get $10 off your registration.**</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Division 2 semifinal matchups have a lot of intrigue, as two of the top-ranked teams collide in one semifinal, while 10^th-ranked Flat Rock battles an upset-minded unranked opponent in the other.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Either way, it should lead to some exciting play on Friday afternoon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at the two D2 semifinal matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 1 Detroit Country Day vs. No. 3 Grand Rapids Christian, Noon</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending champs DCD draw the program that won the D2 title from 2018-20 to kick off Friday's action in one of the most anticipated matches of the weekend. Both teams have played against the best in the state in D1 and D2, but managed to avoid each other all season. Country Day had an emotional five-set win over No. 2 North Branch in the regional, so it has to feel like it can find a way to win at any point. GRC went five sets with Tecumseh, a 2024 finalist, in a quarterfinal to help build its confidence as well. Both teams are well-balanced with great offenses leading the way. For DCD, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='574175' first='Payton' last='Woodruff'] </strong>is one of the top setters in the state as a sophomore and she's got a power finisher in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra']</strong>, that can take her game up another level this weekend. GRC is led by junior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke']</strong>, who has been one of the top hitters in the state since she was a freshman. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881552' first='Mya' last='McKinnon'] </strong>is someone that DCD will have to keep an eye on as well. She could be the difference-maker if she gets rolling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Country Day over GR Christian in 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Fremont vs. No. 10 Flat Rock, 2 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a first-time appearance in Battle Creek for both squads, so nerves could play a factor. However, it should also lead to some dramatic play down the stretch as both teams should feel like they have nothing to lose this weekend. Fremont is coming off an emotional five-set win over Ogemaw Heights. The Packers had good balance with its attack in the win with <strong>Ava Geers </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842717' first='Hallie' last='Snyder'] </strong>each racking up double-digit kills. <strong>Brynna Barnhart</strong> did a good job of getting the ball to both hitters in position to finish. Flat Rock was able to roll past a Ferndale squad that received a favorable path to the quarterfinals, but prior wins over the likes of SMCC and Wixom St. Catherine have helped build this team's toughness. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443001' first='Zoe' last='Ryan'] </strong>is a top-level setter that is going to push a strong pace on offense and she can get the ball to an array of hitters like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839917' first='Sarah' last='Giroux']</strong>, <strong>Reagan Higdon </strong>and <strong>Lily Klein</strong>. Whichever team can snap into game mode quickest will have the edge here, as there should be some jitters to shake off early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Flat Rock over Fremont in 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->