2025 D3 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 semifinal action will close out on Friday with two outstanding Division 3 matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each of the remaining teams is ranked and looks like it has the ability to win the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a breakdown of Friday's two semifinal contests.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 5 SMCC vs. No. 3 Kingsley, 4:30 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending champs are coming off a big 4-set quarterfinal win over No. 2 Plymouth Christian, while Kingsley has dethroned top-ranked Roscommon and the D3 runner-up the last two years, St. Francis, on their way to Friday's semifinal matchup. Kingsley has a great connection between setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='803492' first='Sarah' last='Wooer'] </strong>and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833201' first='Jenna' last='Middleton']</strong>, which will be a handful for the Kestrels. But, Wooer has done a good job of getting other hitters in the mix as well, as she's approaching 1,500 assists. SMCC is always one of the top programs in D3, so success is nothing new, but the Kestrels are working with a different roster than what won the title a year ago. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='456251' first='Alexa' last='Turner'] </strong>has key experience for SMCC and is a combo player that the team can rely on in all phases of the game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226889' first='Madeline' last='Dettling'] </strong>provides good length at the net as well to combat Kingsley's powerful attack. A key to this match will be how Kingsley settles into this big environment. SMCC should be calm, having a lot of experience in Battle Creek. If Kingsley can get into its groove early, it has a great chance to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Kingsley over SMCC in 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>No. 6 Kalamazoo Christian vs. No. 9 Valley Lutheran, 6:30</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The semifinal action closes out with a great matchup between Kalamazoo Christian and Saginaw Valley Lutheran. The Comets had an interesting quarterfinal with Pewamo-Westphalia that featured a lot of surprising runs, but Kalamazoo Christian came out on top for another trip to Battle Creek. <strong>Reagan Zuiderveen </strong>is a great senior leader for the Comets as a setter, but also a big serving threat. The serving of the Comets played a key role on Tuesday and could be a difference this weekend. <strong>Elli VanDusen </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='805267' first='Eliana' last='Keller']</strong> are also a dangerous pair at the net when the serving isn't finishing points. Valley Lutheran looks polished all around despite not having a veteran roster. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523865' first='Kate' last='Belt'] </strong>has proven she's one of the top players in D3 this fall and her setting and leadership has been what's led the Chargers all season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442983' first='Hayden' last='Sherman'] </strong>is also a great libero that keeps the ball off the floor and forces opponents to make multiple attempts at finishing points. This should be a great match with a lot of long rallies, and plenty of momentum swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Kalamazoo Christian over Valley Lutheran in 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->