Five teams that should again be D1 contenders in 2022
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With the 2021 season now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start thinking about 2022. Division 1 could see a new champion, as Marian graduates a lot of All-State hitting talent. Here’s a look at five teams that should…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2021 season now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start thinking about 2022.
Division 1 could see a new champion, as Marian graduates a lot of All-State hitting talent.
Here’s a look at five teams that should remain among the top contenders again next fall.
Marian
While the two-time defending state champs have some big losses coming in graduation, the Mustangs still have a strong base of talent to work with heading into 2022. Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI (Kentucky) is an elite setter that will be able to help develop new starting hitters. Ella Schomer Ella Schomer 6'0" | RS Marian | 2023 State #142 Nation MI has been a great OPP that looks ready to take on a bigger role as a senior, while McKenzie Swanson is a promising 6’2” middle that will be a junior in 2022. Reagan Sass Reagan Sass 5'10" | OH Marian | 2023 State MI is another capable hitter that was a regular part of the rotation. Defensively, Lauren Heming Lauren Heming 5'6" | DS/L Marian | 2023 State MI will be a fourth-year starter at libero and Evey Oegema is a strong server that is capable of helping in the back row as well. Don’t uncrown the champs too quickly next fall.
Skyline
The runner-up should still be a force in 2022. The biggest reason is outside hitter Harper Murray Harper Murray 6'2" | OH Skyline | 2023 State #2 Nation MI (Nebraska). She’s proven to be one of the best in the country at what she does and her play will always have the Eagles as a contender. The big question will be if Skyline can find enough help around her. Kate Maley and Ayla Dunbar will likely be the top compliments at the net. Maley can play in the middle or outside, while Dunbar has a solid all-around skill set. Setting and defense will be the biggest concerns, as Skyline graduates a great setter and libero.
Dakota
A semifinalist in 2021, the Cougars are primed to be even stronger in 2022. Dakota is going to have a lot of great senior leadership, led by setter Erin Madigan Erin Madigan 6'2" | S Dakota | 2023 State MI , a 6’2” athletic player that impacts the game in many ways. Dakota returns a lot of hitting, with Emma Thamarus Emma Thamarus 5'11" | OH Dakota | 2023 State MI , Olivia Gardner Olivia Gardner 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2023 State MI and Bella Austin Bella Austin 6'0" | OH Dakota | 2023 State MI returning after being the top three kill leaders in 2021. Johanna Tillman Johanna Tillman 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2024 State MI will also return as a junior, providing another 6’2” body in the middle that can hit and block. Dakota will have to replace a lot of back-row play, but if the Cougars can play well on defense, it will certainly be a title contender.
Mercy
The great rival to Marian, Mercy, played a pretty young roster this past season. That could end up playing dividends in 2022. The Marlins had two of the most productive freshmen in the state in 2021 in setters/hitters Campbell Flynn Campbell Flynn 6'2" | S Mercy | 2025 State #4 Nation MI and Ella Craggs Ella Craggs 5'9" | S Northville | 2025 State #127 Nation MI . Both set the ball and were the two kill leaders for the Marlins. Flynn was the lone freshman to earn any kind of MIVCA All-State honors in Division 1. Erin Kline Erin Kline 6'2" | S Mercy | 2023 State #123 Nation MI is also a standout setting option that the Marlins moved around as a junior. She contributes a lot defensively as well alongside junior libero Ella Shields Ella Shields 5'5" | DS/L Mercy | 2023 State MI . This team has a lot of experience coming back and a lot of multi-position options to work with for 2022.
Northville
A quarterfinalist in 2021, the Mustangs got stronger as the season went on with a new head coach. Now, with a full offseason to build on that momentum, Northville should be ready to make a deep postseason run against next year. While Northville will have a big hole to fill at setter, Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI is definitely a gamechanger at outside hitter. She’s a strong finisher and a great blocker, while developing her passing game as well. Reck has a lot of hitting help as well. Avry Nelson Avry Nelson 6'3" | MB Northville | 2024 State MI , Ava Thomas Ava Thomas 5'10" | OH Northville | 2024 MI and Lauren Mackellar each had over 145 kills in 2021. Northville will continue to be a deep defensive team in 2022 as well. Taryn Rice Taryn Rice 5'7" | DS/L Northville | 2023 State MI will be back at libero while Greta McKee Greta McKee 5'5" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI and Ashlee Gnau Ashlee Gnau 5'8" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI each saw a lot of court time in the back row this year.