2020 MHSAA Postseason: Division 3 Quarterfinals Predictions
It’s been two months since I wrote my Division 2 quarterfinals predictions. After a lengthy and challenging layoff for volleyball teams around the state, it appears as if the postseason will finally resume this Tuesday. You can get a look…
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Continue ReadingIt’s been two months since I wrote my Division 2 quarterfinals predictions.
After a lengthy and challenging layoff for volleyball teams around the state, it appears as if the postseason will finally resume this Tuesday.
You can get a look at the Division 1 predictions here, and the D2 predictions here. Granted, those were written based on how the teams looked two months ago.
Going into the Division 3 quarterfinals, I can’t say I feel as good about my knowledge of these teams. I am hoping all have managed to remain safe and healthy.
Still, predictions are what I do, so here we go:
Royal Oak Shrine vs. Saginaw Valley Lutheran at Fenton
Valley Lutheran knows what it takes to get to Battle Creek, as it did so last season with a relatively young roster. The Chargers bring a powerful offense to the table behind All-State setter Sydney Krause and outside hitter Peyton Bartnikowski. Middle Ashlyn Martin was HM All-State as well. Shrine is a team led by its defense and libero Mya Minjares Mya Minjares 5'2" | DS/L Royal Oak Shrine | 2021 State MI . The Knights pass the ball well and will fight hard against the strong attack of Valley Lutheran. If the Shrine hitters like Mary Mulcahy and Margaret Jones can raise their game on Tuesday, and gel with setter Ellie Plunkey, the Knights could pull off the upset. However, Valley Lutheran has been driven by a return trip to Battle Creek. The Chargers appear to be stronger than they were a year ago and are my pick to advance in this contest.
Prediction: Valley Lutheran over Shrine in four
Grandville Calvin Christian vs. Schoolcraft at Kalamazoo
Schoolcraft has been driven by the disappointment of how the 2019 D3 final finished. The Eagles have returned in 2020 with a balanced team effort. It’s a senior-heavy squad led by First Team All-State setter Kayla Onken and middle Maggie Morris. Schoolcraft also has All-State middle Anna Schuppel and libero Kelby Goldschmeding. Add in junior OPP Allie Goldschmeding, and the Eagles don’t really show a weakness. Calvin Christian grinded out some tough 4-set wins during the regional tournament and had a 5-set win in the district final. There’s nothing that will get the Squires to believe they can’t rally back. Calvin Christian should be able to compete with Schoolcraft at the middle position as the Squires have Anika Verbeek Anika Verbeek Calvin Christian | 2020 State MI , a talented 6’1” middle. Morgan Velting is also an explosive outside that has a strong defensive game as well. The Squires have beat a number of top-10 teams this postseason. They will be motivated to do it again on Tuesday. However, I think Schoolcraft is just to experienced and balanced to get past.
Prediction: Schoolcraft over Calvin Christian in four
Calumet vs. Beaverton at Houghton Lake
Like Valley Lutheran, Beaverton reached Kellogg Arena in 2019 with a largely young squad. The 2020 Beavers have a lot of offensive firepower behind All-State outside Molly Gerow and setter Mady Pahl. Beaverton had to work in a new back row this year, which will be its challenge to advance throughout finals week. Calumet has navigated the Upper Peninsula and finds itself a win away from Battle Creek. The Copper Kings are quite balanced and bring some power hitters to the net in Ellie Djerf, MaryBeth Halonen and Helen Beiring. Setter Kristi Keranen is also an experienced leader on the floor. Calumet has a lot of momentum, but running into a Beaverton squad that has looked nearly flawless this postseason. I like the Beavers to continue to overwhelm their opponent and return to Battle Creek.
Prediction: Beaverton over Calumet in three
Bronson vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central at Whitmore Lake
This is a matchup featuring the last six Division 3/Class C state champions. Two tremendous programs that will look at this match as a springboard to another potential state championship. SMCC is the defending champ and has a very veteran squad this year. Led by Miss Volleyball finalist Mikayla Haut Mikayla Haut 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2021 State MI , the Kestrels have three First Team All-State hitters, including Abbie Costlow and Anna Dean. Kate Collingsworth Kate Collingsworth 5'10" | S Monroe | 2022 State MI and Grace Lipford run the offense while Jaydin Nowak is solid in the back row. SMCC really doesn’t look to have a weakness, but Bronson will be sure to try and find it. The Vikings are also very well-coached and have great senior leadership in setter Meagan Lasky. She has brought out the best in middle Skye Woodman and outside Karissa Gest. Defensively, Jaydn Cary can hold her own with anyone. Bronson certainly is capable of being a Battle Creek team, but it’s tough to pick against the Kestrels. They are the defending state champs for a reason, with a wealth of talent to work with again this time around. Until someone beats SMCC, I can’t pick against them.
Prediction: SMCC over Bronson in four