Division 4 quarterfinal breakdowns & predictions
Of the four divisions in the MHSAA postseason, only Division 4 could produce a repeat of the 2018 semifinals. All four of last year’s Battle Creek squads remain, but this time they face new challengers as they look to make…
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Continue ReadingOf the four divisions in the MHSAA postseason, only Division 4 could produce a repeat of the 2018 semifinals.
All four of last year’s Battle Creek squads remain, but this time they face new challengers as they look to make a return trip to the semifinals.
Here’s a closer look at the four matchups this year and our predictions for the winners.
Mendon vs. Camden-Frontier – At Climax-Scotts
Anna SmithThe 2018 state champion is still standing after sweeping Battle Creek St. Philip in the regional final last week. The Hornets draw Camden-Frontier, who is coming off a five-set thriller with Lenawee Christian in their regional final. The Redskins were bested in the regional final a year ago by Lenawee Christian, so getting to the next step is a big deal. Camden-Frontier has a lot of hitting options as Jocelyn Nicholls has been able to take over games while Jordan Stump and Heather Shaw mix in time on the outside and at setter. Frances Churchwell will be a focal point at libero, as she is going to have her hands full against Mendon. The Hornets are led by junior Anna Smith, who took over the state finals a year ago to lead Mendon to the title. Senior middle Taylor Heitkamp has developed into a nice compliment to Smith to give Mendon that crucial 1-2 punch at the net for this time of year. Gracie Russell is a senior setter that has the experience and leadership to help Mendon through the tough sets and I think her ability to give Smith high-percentage swings will be the difference. The Hornets have the experience and the game-changing player to get the job done.
Prediction: Mendon over Camden-Frontier in four
Southfield Christian vs. Ubly – At Mayville
Emily Van DykeSouthfield Christian Mike Van Dyke proclaimed that his team was preparing for a run in 2019 when the Eagles reached Battle Creek a season ago with just one senior. They now find themselves a game away from a return to the semifinals. There may not be a better 1-2 punch on the outside in Division 4 than Emily Van Dyke and Caitlin Warnshuis. The Eagles keep one in the back row and one in the front at all times, leaving a powerful arm on the outside and a steady passer in the back. Rachel Stiteler has been able to feed them both very well throughout the year while Hayley Ellington is a strong libero that leaves it all on the floor each match. Ubly will look to stop the momentum of Southfield Christian. The Bearcats had a hard-fought, five-set win over Dryden in a regional semifinal and then swept Genesee Christian for the title. Ubly is in a similar position to Southfield Christian last year. The Bearcats have just one senior on the roster and are likely to be a contender next year as well. Allison Lautner has been their top attacker as a junior while sophomore Lindsey Guza is a very capable middle. Their ability to block will be key in this match, as will the play of junior libero Josie Guza. SC can really bring the power, which isn’t seen often in D4. The Eagles make some mistakes that will open the door for Ubly, but I think their power will just be too much for the Bearcats.
Prediction: Southfield Christian over Ubly in four
Carney-Nadeau vs. Rudyard – At Manistique
Sandra BoultonThe Wolves got a taste of the state semifinals in 2018 and are hungry for more. Carney-Nadeau has had tough postseason battles with Stephenson and Painesdale Jeffers to get to this point. The Wolves have a balanced and experienced squad with plenty of hitting options. Juniors Taylor Kedsch and Liana Blahnik are leading the team in kills while Sandra Boulton is also a consistent option in the middle. Junior Hailey Ernest runs the offense and has great composure as the setter. The Wolves will look to use their serving to win on Tuesday. Everyone who takes the service line for the Wolves can really challenge Rudyard passers. Rudyard has a lot of balance throughout their team as well. Nina Alpers, Sara Beelen and Brooklyn Bestemen each had double-digit kills and digs in the regional championship win over Onaway. Chesley Molina has been able to spread the ball around and keep opponents guessing this year. The Bulldogs will have to mix it up on Tuesday night. Rudyard can also serve the ball well. Beelen has had over 100 aces the last two years and broke the school record for aces in a season. This should be a great match featuring a lot of momentum swings. There’s something about this Rudyard team you have to like. They have a lot of depth and seem ready to take that big step to Battle Creek. I think they find a way to get it done on Tuesday, but it won’t come easy.
Prediction: Rudyard over Carney-Nadeau in five
Leland vs. Merrill – At Chippewa Hills
Mia OsorioThe Merrill Vandals won their first regional championship in over 40 years last week and now they are hoping to make some more history when they take on Leland Tuesday night for a chance at Battle Creek. Merrill has a veteran squad, led by six seniors. Libby Fischer and Ashtyn Hescott are two of those seniors and have been top hitting options for the Vandals alongside junior Laney Wiley. Merrill mixes in those arms through the play of senior setter Zoe Fleming. The Vandals also have a lot of consistent passers, including sophomore Ruby Schwalm. Unlike Merrill, Leland has plenty of experience at this stage of the postseason. The Comets are the 2018 D4 runner-up and the 2015 Class D state champs. One of the reasons for Leland’s success in recent years has been libero Mia Osorio. The junior is the only one of four All-State players to return to this year’s squad. Leland has had to find some new go-to hitters this year and it has been Tatum Kareck to step up alongside Sarah Elwell and Olivia Lowe. Jana Molby has also filled in nicely as the new starting setter. Osorio was able to carry the team in the early stages while the new hitters developed, but this is a complete team now. Program standards are high at Leland and the Comets pride themselves at winning this time of year. Merrill has a great team, but this is new territory for them against a program that won’t play with nerves on Tuesday.
Prediction: Leland over Merrill in five