Regional volleyball preview

No. 1 Marian looks to continue roll versus Clarkston

David Goricki / The Detroit News

Birmingham Marian plans to take the next step Tuesday night at Birmingham Seaholm toward what it hopes ends with a state volleyball championship.

Marian, 73-2 and ranked No. 1 in Class A, faces Clarkston in a regional semifinal match at 7 p.m., or following the completion of the Southfield-Troy match. The winners advance to Thursday night's regional title match at 7.

Marian lost its two matches in a tournament in August, to No. 3 Portage Central (Class A) and No. 4 Plainwell (Class B). Marian has been playing at the top of its game ever since. It wouldn't meet perennial powerhouse Portage Central until the state championship match.

Marian has advanced to the state championship the previous two years, losing to Jenison both times. Jenison was eliminated in district play this season.

"We're playing well and we've played consistently better all year," Marian coach Irick Gardner said. "We have so many girls playing well and that's one of the differences than in past years.

"I feel comfortable that we can beat any team we play. That doesn't mean we can't be beat. I'm just saying, I'm comfortable with how we're playing. One of the reasons for that is they've been there (postseason pressure) so often and I don't have to say as much. There's a self-motivation factor where they want it more than even I do."

Marian is led by senior outside hitter Alex Cocklin, a Miss Volleyball finalist who will play next year at Akron. Gardner said sophomore setter Mary Henry and junior outside hitter Alex Lovell also have played well.

"I have to give Alex Lovell and Mary Henry a lot of credit to adjusting to their new roles and playing well," Gardner said. "Alex Cocklin has always played left (side hitter) and Rachel (Charles) has always played libero. Alex Lovell moved from middle to outside and Mary Henry has started at setter for the first time this year. They have really adjusted well to their roles."

Marian defeated Clarkston in the quarterfinals of a tournament last month in two games. Marian also has defeated Troy twice this season, but has yet to play Southfield.

The state quarterfinals are slated for Nov. 17 with the semifinals and finals held at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Nov. 19-21.

Class B at Livonia Clarenceville

Dearborn Divine Child and No. 8 Livonia Ladywood will play in a Class B regional semifinal at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, following the Monroe Jefferson-Riverview semifinal. The winners will play for the title Thursday.

Divine Child and Ladywood already have played twice this season with Ladywood coming out on top both times, including the Catholic League quarterfinals.

"We were hit by the flu bug in the Catholic League tournament," said coach Mike Vakerics of Divine Child (26-19-3), which is led by junior setter Allison Vakerics, his daughter. "I'm looking for a real good match with both teams now healthy. They'll have the edge on the front line with their four 6-footers, but I expect our defense to really step up."

Divine Child advanced to the regional finals last season, losing to Ida.

david.goricki@detnews.com