2025 D4 Quarterfinals 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>There's a bit of a David vs. Goliath feel in the Division 4 quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each matchup features a top-5 team against a ranked opponent. That doesn't mean there won't be some excitement, and some potential upsets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a breakdown of each of the four quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Q13: No. 5 Crystal Falls Forest Park vs. Atlanta at Manistique</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fifth-ranked Forest Park isn't accustomed to losing, as it has 40 wins this season and isn't looking to slow down anytime soon. <strong>Ava Fischer </strong>has been one of the best players in Division 4 this season and has big-match experience to lead the Trojans. <strong>Elise Williams</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765308' first='Evie' last='Anderson']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765310' first='Harper' last='Anderson']</strong> have also come through as well to give Forest Park depth around the floor. Atlanta was running with an unbeaten season for a large chunk of the year as well, so the Huskies won't be lacking in confidence. That is due in part to <strong>Olivia McSwain</strong>, a veteran setter that is a leader on the court. She's established a lot of chemistry with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523257' first='Alliyah' last='Hagemeister']</strong>, who is a strong finisher that can take over a match. Both teams utilize a lot of young talent, so whichever young players handle the pressure better are likely to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Forest Park over Atlanta in 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Q14: Traverse City Christian vs. No. 2 Fowler at Clare</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fowler was able to prevent MP Sacred Heart from getting back to Finals week, while TC Christian dispatched Onekama. The Eagles have been knocking at the door of a semifinals appearance for years and seem like they are their strongest this fall. Libero <strong>Rachel Wirth </strong>has been a huge asset all season and she came up big in the regional final with 28 digs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='836790' first='Paige' last='Thelen'] </strong>has been a consistent source of offense for Fowler, as have <strong>Elizabeth Wirth </strong>and <strong>Skylar Fowler</strong>. TC Christian will look to counter with its offensive attack of <strong>Kirsten Crosby</strong>, <strong>Scarlet Bouwmester </strong>and <strong>Ashlyn Simpson</strong>. These are two gritty teams that are playing with a lot of confidence right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Fowler over TC Christian in 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Q15: No. 1 Mendon vs. Hillsdale Academy at Coldwater</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top-ranked Mendon has been holding down the top spot for most of the season. The Hornets are very deep, as they can hit you from a lot of different ways. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732270' first='Cienna' last='Nightingale']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464695' first='Gracie' last='Schultz']</strong>, and <strong>Lashell Blair </strong>all have the ability to find another level with their hitting. <strong>Karyssa Holtz </strong>does a great job of mixing it up at setter, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462081' first='Jadyn' last='Samson']</strong> is one of the top liberos in the division. Hillsdale Academy doesn't focus on one hitter, either. The Chargers have <strong>Elizabeth Creger</strong>, <strong>Zoe Plemmons</strong>, and <strong>Olivia McArthur </strong>to go to at the net. <strong>Anne Gray </strong>and Plemmons also make for a formidable defensive duo that will force Mendon to dig deep to finish points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Mendon over Hillsdale Academy in 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Q16: Inter-City Baptist vs. No. 3 Ubly at Mott CC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ubly is ranked No. 3 in D4 thanks to playing a tough schedule. The Bearcats have some impressive hitters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611100' first='Waverly' last='Hagen'], [player_tooltip player_id='724836' first='Addison' last='Weber']</strong>, <strong>Brooke Badger, </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838461' first='Sophi' last='Heleski']</strong>. They hit a high rate collectively behind a strong senior setter in <strong>Sadi Heleski</strong>. But, you can't overlook libero <strong>Suzanne Smigielski</strong> either. Inter-City Baptist is a veteran squad led by a group of seven seniors. Setter <strong>Macy Harrison </strong>balances out the offense, but has a particularly strong connection with <strong>Daneris Gomez</strong>, <strong>Katie Smolyanov</strong>, and <strong>Ellie Millner</strong>. Libero <strong>Chloe Smith </strong>also makes great plays in the back row and from the service line. ICB is going to make Ubly earn every point if the Bearcats hope to advance to Battle Creek.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Ubly over Inter-City Baptist in 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->