Underclassmen Performers At D2 Finals Weekend

<!-- 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>In the Division 2 semifinals, three of the four teams utilized underclassmen to compete for the state title in Battle Creek.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While runner-up Flat Rock was using juniors and seniors, the remaining three squads had some freshmen and sophomores in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the talented underclassmen that were on display at the D2 semifinals and finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Country Day</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thought the Yellowjackets are two-time defending state champions now, they still have some young pieces that make big contributions. Leading the way is standout setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='574175' first='Payton' last='Woodruff']</strong>. The sophomore has quickly established herself as one of the elite players in the state. This past weekend, Woodruff had 34 assists with nine digs in the semifinal win over Grand Rapids Christian. She followed it up with 35 assists, four digs, and four aces in the finals with Flat Rock. Woodruff has DCD hitting .303 as a team in the championship match. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838240' first='Sici' last='Guerrant'] </strong>is a sophomore right side that has been a consistent part of the rotation all season as well. She had six kills and 11 digs over the two matches in Battle Creek. She hit .400 in the final and should have a larger role with the Yellowjackets next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Grand Rapids Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles were a pretty veteran squad this season, but had a pair of underclassmen contribute this past weekend. The biggest was sophomore middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881552' first='Mya' last='McKinnon']</strong>, who made a big impression against Country Day. The 6'1” McKinnon was a dominant finisher, posting 12 kills while hitting .455 in the semifinal. She also had a solo block, seven assisted blocks, and three aces. McKinnon looks like the real deal and is a player that should be on everyone's radar. <strong>Carys Nieuwenhuis</strong>, a sophomore DS, also saw action in the semifinal and recorded an ace and a dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Fremont</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Packers had a big senior class lead the way to Battle Creek, but still have some underclassmen that will help keep Fremont in the mix next fall. Sophomore <strong>Ava Geers </strong>was one of the lead offensive weapons this fall. The outside had nine kills in the semifinal with Flat Rock and showed a good range of speeds and attack angles. Freshman <strong>Raenah Smalligan</strong> is a talented DS that had 15 digs and an ace in the match with Flat Rock. She showed good instincts and could be a lead defender next fall. Freshman DS <strong>Nailee Durham </strong>also saw action and had four digs with two aces. That gives Fremont a lot of promise with their returning defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->