Five teams that should again be D3 contenders in 2022
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Division 3 saw a surprise winner in the 2021 season, as Reese danced its way to the championship. It was a great story for the Rockets, but as we look ahead to 2022, it seems it will be hard for…
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Continue ReadingDivision 3 saw a surprise winner in the 2021 season, as Reese danced its way to the championship.
It was a great story for the Rockets, but as we look ahead to 2022, it seems it will be hard for Reese to repeat.
The Rockets graduate eight seniors this spring, leaving the door wide open for a new champion next fall.
Here’s a look at five teams that were in the mix in 2021 that should again be in the mix next November.
SMCC
Not many knew what to expect from the Kestrels in 2021. Fielding a very inexperienced squad, SMCC still managed to reach the Division 3 final for a third straight season and nearly won its third straight title. In 2022, the Kestrels should definitely be the team to beat. Leading the way will be a pair of sophomore hitters in Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI and McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI , both of which were among the top freshmen performers in the state this fall. While still losing a key senior setter, middle and defender, the Kestrels will bring back 11 from their 2021 roster.
McBain
The Ramblers reached their second-ever semifinal this past fall and should definitely be in the mix to make a third trip in 2022. McBain loses a class of six seniors, but still returns a lot of big contributors from its semifinal squad. Middles Gabrielle VerBerkmoes and Linde VnderVlucht will give the Ramblers a lot of height at the net. Analiese Fredin also returns at setter for her senior season to be a leader on the floor.
Pewamo-Westphalia
The Pirates of P-W gave SMCC a four-set battle in the quarterfinals this fall and will come into 2022 with a lot of their top players back. Leading the way will be outside hitter Dani Pohl and setter Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI . After leading the Pirates to 34 wins in 2021, the group should be hungry in the offseason. Playing in a strong league in the CMAC should also help keep the team on top of its game as it seeks to reach Battle Creek next fall.
Watervliet
Another team that made a surprising postseason run in 2021, Watervliet should be primed to build off that for 2022. The Panthers reached the quarterfinals before falling to WMC a match shy of Kellogg Arena. The Watervliet offense will be very strong next fall as Grace Chisek returns at setter as a junior and will have RS Natalie Hart and OH Samantha Dietz to feed. If the Panthers can be consistent on defense, it should be a great 2022 season.
Bronson
The Vikings had an unfortunate ending to their 2021 season in the regional semifinal, but Bronson is a program you can never count out in the Division 3 race. The Vikings lose some big leadership, but also will have a lot of promising talent returning on offense. Brealyn Lasky will lead the way at setter as a junior, doing the Lasky name proud for her vocal leadership and on-court performance. She will continue to develop hitters Aubree Calloway Aubree Calloway 5'9" | OH Bronson | 2025 State MI and Payton Springstead, who showed a high ceiling as freshmen.