Top D2 defenses for 2022
In 2021, dominant offenses were the big story in Division 2. For 2022, it looks like that could get flipped. The defensive talent in this division is vast as we head into a new season, and likely going to be…
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Continue ReadingIn 2021, dominant offenses were the big story in Division 2.
For 2022, it looks like that could get flipped.
The defensive talent in this division is vast as we head into a new season, and likely going to be the story throughout the fall.
Here’s a look at 9 teams in Division 2 expected to lead the way in defense to start the 2022 season. (in alphabetical order)
Birch Run: The Panthers have been one of the top defensive teams in Division 2 for years and that will certainly be the case again in 2022. Kalliann Cook Kalliann Cook 5'5" | DS/L Birch Run | 2023 State MI has been one of the program’s greatest talents and she is back for her senior year in the libero jersey. Taylor Schram Taylor Schram 5'5" | OH Birch Run | 2023 State MI is a complimentary DS in the back row for Cook. Schram is also back for her senior year to give Birch Run a lot of leadership and composure.
Detroit Country Day: The Yellowjackets may need a slight boost from its defense this year, which shouldn’t be a problem. Riley Lockhart played very well at libero as a sophomore in 2021 and has upped her game since. Paige Elliott Paige Elliott 5'6" | S Country Day | 2023 State MI is a setter that also has played libero in the past. In the middle, senior Laurece Abraham Laurece Abraham 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2023 State #111 Nation MI is as dominant as they come offensively and defensively. Sophomore Olivia Grenadier Olivia Grenadier 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2025 State #91 Nation MI is a handful at the net as well, and due for a breakout year.
Garber: The Dukes have a lot to be excited about offensively and defensively. Defensively, Laney Kokaly Laney Kokaly 5'6" | DS/L Essexville-Garber | 2023 MI is a talented senior libero that plays very determined. Emma Dufresne Emma Dufresne 5'8" | OH Essexville-Garber | 2023 State MI is a great defensive outside as well, while middle Ashley Lenhard gets her hands on a lot of balls. All three are seniors, which means the Dukes will have a very composed defense.
Grand Rapids Christian: The Eagles have a lot of rebuilding to do on offense, but its defense should still be a pretty solid unit. Grace Spoelma Grace Spoelma 5'8" | S Grand Rapids Christian | 2024 State MI returns at libero for her junior season to lead the defense. She has a great blocker to help her in senior middle Makenzie Ritsema Makenzie Ritsema 6'0" | MB Grand Rapids Christian | 2023 State MI as well. Hanna Bredeweg is a junior DS/S that is sound with her defensive play as well, while Rowan Cebulski is a senior outside eager to show what she can do defensively.
Lakewood: The Vikings are going to need their defense to step up in 2022 and its certainly a realistic expectation. Carley Piercefield Carley Piercefield 5'4" | DS/L Lakewood | 2024 State #90 Nation MI is a senior libero with a lot of experience and poise. She’s got fellow DS, senior Alli Pickard Alli Pickard 5'6" | DS/L Lakewood | 2023 State MI returning, as well as senior Skylar Bump Skylar Bump 5'7" | S Lakewood | 2023 MI , who was able to showcase her defensive talents last year while mixing things up as an outside in 2021.
Marshall: The Redhawks have one of the top returning liberos in Division 2 in Ella McAllister Ella McAllister 5'4" | DS/L Marshall | 2023 State MI . She’s a tireless player in the back row and a great on-court leader. Along with DS Ashlynn Giannuzio, Marshall has a great 1-2 punch in the back row. Marla Pratley is also a skilled defensive outside, while Natalie Frever is an imposing middle defensively.
North Branch: North Branch doesn’t seam to have a weak point for 2022. Its offense will be dynamic, but you can’t look past its defense either. Hailey Green Hailey Green 5'1" | DS/L North Branch | 2024 State MI is a junior libero that can hold her own with anyone in the state. Adrienne Greschaw Adrienne Greschaw 5'9" | S North Branch | 2024 State MI and Bailey Gormley are returning outsides that are just as reliable in the back row as they are in the front. In the middle, junior Kaela Chingwa Kaela Chingwa 6'3" | MB North Branch | 2024 State MI is a blocking machine that will slow down a lot of opposing attacks.
Notre Dame Prep: The Irish graduated a heck of a lot, but being strong defensively has been a staple of the program for many years. That will be no different in 2022. Senior Allison Berent Allison Berent 5'7" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State #187 Nation MI will get a chance to really show how talented she is and will be an on-court leader this year. Her defensive skills are hard to match. Grace Wenaas is a force at the net from the middle. The senior will continue to be a big block for NDP. You can also bet that the Irish have some new defensive standouts that will emerge in 2022.
South Christian: The Sailors gave Olivia Inthout Olivia Inthout 5'8" | S South Christian | 2025 State MI a big opportunity as a freshman and she came through with flying colors. She returns to lead the defense as a sophomore. She has the aid of skilled hitters in Ellie Fles Ellie Fles 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2024 State MI and Kennedy Arp Kennedy Arp 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2023 State MI , who are able to deflect a lot of attacks and also have some great defensive skills on their feet.