Grand Rapids Christian – Only blemish on the season is a loss to D1 #1 Mercy. With solid ball control, passionate youth, and a setter who can set dimes on the court, they will be tough to beat Saturday.
Mattawan – Some think #3 is too high for Mattawan this early. I guess we will find out soon enough.
Rockford – Look for Rockford to have an added boost of energy as they get back captain, Lindsay Taylor. The Miami-Ohio recruit will need to step up if they want to get past the two above mentioned.
Predictions
Round 1
Pool A – (Rockford, Portage Central, and Allendale) – Look for Rockford to roll through the pool with PC taking 2nd
Pool B – (Grand Rapids Christian, East Kentwood, and South Christian) – GRC easily gets by EK and South Christian. South Christian upsets EK and grabs the 2nd place spot.
Pool C – (Mattawan, Byron Center, and Plainwell) – Mattawan and Plainwell advanced in that order.
Round 2
Power Pool 1 – (Rockford, Grand Rapids Christian, and Byron Center) – Although Rockford is seeded higher, the host has a tough time with GRC and loses a close match in 3. Both teams handle Byron Center easily.
Power Pool 2 – (Mattawan, East Kentwood, and Portage Central) – Mattawan gets a little test from Portage Central but pulls out the pool undefeated. In a back and forth battle for 2nd, PC edges EK in 3.
Playoff Bracket
Semi Final 1 – Grand Rapids Christian vs. Portage Central – GRC is just too much for a Portage Central team that is tenacious on defense. GRC wins in 2.
Semi Final 2 – Mattawan vs. Rockford – Maybe the longest match of the day. Rockford edges Mattawan in set 3 going to overtime 19-17.
Finals – Grand Rapids Christian vs. Rockford – Rockford just does not have the answer for dynamic sophomore Addie Vanderweide. Jordy and Addie lead GRC past Rockford in 3.