Top D1 defenses for 2022
Offense is certainly fun to watch in volleyball, but a great defense is what typically leads to championships. In Division 1, there will be a lot of great defensive play to compliment the high level of offensive talent for the…
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Continue ReadingOffense is certainly fun to watch in volleyball, but a great defense is what typically leads to championships.
In Division 1, there will be a lot of great defensive play to compliment the high level of offensive talent for the 2022 season.
Here’s a look at 11 teams in Division 1 that should be among the top defensive squads in the state. (in alphabetical order)
Coopersville: The Broncos have a lot returning all around, including on defense. Emily May Emily May 6'1" | OH Coopersville | 2023 State MI is a great outside hitter offensively, but also is a force with her blocking and passing. Setter Hayley Wegener Hayley Wegener 5'11" | S Coopersville | 2023 State MI is a very high IQ player defensively as well. The team also returns a trio of DS options that should make for an experience back row.
Dakota: While the Cougars graduated their libero, finding a replacement will be aided by the elite-level blocking Dakota should have in 2022. Dakota is over 6-foot across the net with 6’2” setter Erin Madigan Erin Madigan 6'2" | S Dakota | 2023 State MI , 6-foot outside Emma Thamarus Emma Thamarus 5'11" | OH Dakota | 2023 State MI and 6’2” middles Olivia Gardner Olivia Gardner 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2023 State MI and Johanna Tillman Johanna Tillman 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2024 State MI . Thamarus and Madigan are also proven talents in the back row.
Forest Hills Central: The Rangers return two of their top dig leaders from last year in outsides Sarah Dunn Sarah Dunn 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2023 State MI and Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI . They are active in the back row and help keep the team in-system. Setters Averie Zaschak and Kadence Roelfzema are also sound defensively.
Harper Creek: The Beavers should be excited about 2022, as it has talent all around. Reese Winter is a junior libero that is really a catalyst for the whole team. Teammates feed off her relentless energy. Payton Rice Payton Rice 5'10" | OH Harper Creek | 2023 State MI is a complete player on the outside that plays as well defensively as she does on offense. Middle Maddie Parker is a great asset defensively as well.
Lakeland: The Eagles have a great pair of middles in seniors Olivia Krill Olivia Krill 6'0" | MB Lakeland | 2023 State MI and Rachel Zurek Rachel Zurek 6'0" | MB Lakeland | 2023 State MI . They are very imposing at the net defensively. Kennedy Hudson Kennedy Hudson 5'5" | DS/L Lakeland | 2023 State MI is also a tireless worker at the libero position. She’s able to get to a lot of balls and keep her team in a point. Senior Eve Martin Eve Martin 5'11" | S Lakeland | 2023 State MI is an offensive force, but also has underrated defensive skills.
Marian: The two-time defending champions should remain strong defensively. It’s been somewhat overshadowed how good its defense has been due to its powerful offense. Lauren Heming Lauren Heming 5'6" | DS/L Marian | 2023 State MI returns as the senior libero, while Ella Schomer Ella Schomer 6'0" | RS Marian | 2023 State #142 Nation MI is a very skilled defensive outside hitter. The Mustangs will still have some length at the net as well for blocking in 6’2” middle McKenzie Swanson and sophomore 6-footer Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI , not to mention 6-foot setter Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI .
Mercy: The Marlins bring back senior libero Ella Shields Ella Shields 5'5" | DS/L Mercy | 2023 State MI to lead the defense, while setter/OH Campbell Flynn Campbell Flynn 6'2" | S Mercy | 2025 State #4 Nation MI has proven to be a solid all-around player. Erin Kline Erin Kline 6'2" | S Mercy | 2023 State #123 Nation MI also provides a lot of length and poise at the net defensively as a setter, while Keira McNutt Keira McNutt 5'9" | DS/L Mercy | 2025 State MI returns as a sophomore DS. Senior middle Lauren Mullan is also a strong block to aid in the defense.
Northville: Defense has been a strength of the Northville program for years and 2022 will be no different. Senior Taryn Rice Taryn Rice 5'7" | DS/L Northville | 2023 State MI is one of the top liberos in Division 1. Juniors Greta McKee Greta McKee 5'5" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI and Ashlee Gnau Ashlee Gnau 5'8" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI are also strong DS options to compliment Rice. At the net Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI is a block machine, as is junior Avry Nelson Avry Nelson 6'3" | MB Northville | 2024 State MI .
Novi: The Wildcats have two of the best defensive players in the state in Sarah Vellucci Sarah Vellucci 6'0" | OH Novi | 2023 State #97 Nation MI and Kaitlyn Hoffman Kaitlyn Hoffman 5'8" | DS/L Novi | 2023 State #81 Nation MI . While both play an offensive role for Novi as well, their defensive play is still a huge asset for the squad. Reganne Bennett Reganne Bennett 5'11" | MB Novi | 2023 State MI is also a nice piece in the middle that can get her hands on a lot of opposing attacks.
Saline: The Hornets are going to present a real defensive challenge. At the net, junior Mallory Bohl Mallory Bohl 6'3" | MB Saline | 2024 State #102 Nation MI is one of the top blockers in the state. Senior Beth Ann Ford is also difficult to deal with. Senior libero Cazzi Smith returns in the back row, while junior Olivia Behen Olivia Behen 5'5" | DS/L Saline | 2024 State MI , senior Laney Burns Laney Burns 5'10" | S Saline | 2023 State MI and senior Anna Hesse Anna Hesse 5'11" | OH Saline | 2023 State MI are consistent defensive performers.
St. Johns: The Redwings have a lot of returning defensive assets. Leading the way is senior libero Kendall White Kendall White 5'6" | DS/L St. Johns | 2023 State MI , one of the most experienced and talented defenders in the state. Karsyn Near, Kennedy Sturgis, Jessi Burgess and Payton Hutchinson are all back as well and regular parts of the defensive effort. Senior middle Reese Michalski also has been a key blocker for St. Johns.