2024 D1 Semifinals: Key Players & Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thursday night, Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek plays host to the Division 1 state semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It will be some of the best volleyball action you can find and it features four hungry teams that have had to get through the best of the best to arrive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at both matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 2 Northville vs. No. 4 Marian – 4:30 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a great matchup of two programs that go into most seasons with realistic state championship aspirations. Northville defeated the previous state champ, Mercy, in an incredible five-set battle during the regional semifinal. Marian, the champs from 2020-22, have gotten past ranked opponents like Clarkston and Eisenhower in the last two weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs haven't slowed down since beating Mercy, sweeping both Stevenson and Bedford in their last two matches. The team lost key hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261208' first='Skylar' last='Marteen'] </strong>to an injury against the Marlins, but others have been picking up the slack. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156326' first='Mallory' last='Reck'] </strong>was unstoppable in the quarterfinal sweep of Bedford, as she had 18 kills while hitting .429. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156325' first='Molly' last='Reck'] </strong>can get just as hot, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537079' first='Kaylyn' last='Tuck'] </strong>is a real force in the middle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'] </strong>runs a smooth offense and she's got plenty of composure to rely on for this weekend. Defensively, Northville is always among the best in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'] </strong>has lived up to the big expectations that wearing the Mustang libero jersey has. On top of all that, Northville also serves incredibly well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marian is dealing with a key injury as well, as sophomore hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454352' first='Calli' last='LeFevre'] </strong>has been out the last month, but there is still a window for her to possibly play this weekend. In the meantime, Marian has been riding <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156287' first='Isabelle' last='Busignani']</strong> on the outside, as the Mustangs have done the last three years. The senior has taken her intensity up a notch in recent weeks, aiding Marian to its stronger play. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='436889' first='Sophia' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Chloe' last='Giehtbrock'] </strong>have stepped up their games to make up for the loss of LeFevre, with the Arizona-bound Giehtbrock moving back to an old hitting position after dedicating herself to setting the past few years. In the middle, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226945' first='Jayla' last='Zayti'] </strong>has been an imposing force that can be a difference-maker in this match. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226885' first='Allie' last='Davison'] </strong>is a junior setter that looks in complete control on the floor and is finding the hot hitter. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553151' first='Ashlyn' last='Pelon'] </strong>is one of the state's freshman standouts as a libero, while <strong>Maria Odeesh </strong>is a senior presence in the back row to complete a balanced lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This match could be about the role players, as the heavy hitters are going to find their points. The supporting cast that is able to come through during long rallies will likely decide who wins. Given how deep Northville had to go to prevail against Mercy, I see the Mustangs having the advantage. Marian has the talent to win it all, but Northville has been more consistent</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Northville over Marian in 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 6 Rockford vs. HM Fenton – 6:30 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams have always been one of the top programs in the Grand Rapids area and are looking for their first title since 2011. Fenton is making its first Battle Creek appearance since 2016, but has been one of the top teams in the Flint Metro area for many, many years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockford comes at opponents with a lot of firepower. The Rams can hit you with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226900' first='Liv' last='Hosford']</strong> or sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467901' first='Mallory' last='Wandel'] </strong>on the outside. Both can get on a hot streak. Tuesday night, it was Wandel that took off with 27 kills while hitting .468 in a sweep of Traverse City Central. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156337' first='Layla' last='Visser'] </strong>has brought the team an explosive option in the middle alongside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226883' first='Grace' last='Crelly']</strong>. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226887' first='Izzie' last='Delacher'] </strong>has been racking up the assists this season by spreading the ball out to all these powerful arms. Defensively, senior <strong>Eleanor Goad </strong>is the player to keep this squad altogether. Her leadership and play in the back row is often overlooked due to the potency of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fenton grinded out the final two sets of its sweep of Lakeview on Tuesday. Junior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226907' first='Eva' last='Long'] </strong>continued to work the ball around to a lot of options, while knowing when to take a shot herself. She's got the skillset to match anyone at her position in this weekend's finals. The middles for Fenton were difference-makers on Tuesday and could be what helps the Tigers try and pull off an upset. <strong>Megan Gornick </strong>and <strong>Marley Pihlstrom</strong> both can put the ball down with a lot of velocity, but also are active on the block. <strong>Anna Logan </strong>is a steady outside that Long is able to get a lot of good swings out of as well. <strong>Lexi Maynor</strong> does a good job of staying light on her feet and directing the defensive traffic. Fenton will need her to continue to play well to keep Rockford from getting on the fast track offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockford needs to do its best to keep Fenton from gaining confidence. The longer the Tigers can make this a match, the more dangerous they can become. If Rockford starts fast, it will be tough for Fenton to answer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Rockford over Fenton in 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->