Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools

https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/09/17/battle-creek-area-volleyball-teams-in-the-state-rankings/91806848007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6aac0080d3c42f00010f5017&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawUY_SNwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUJYanluSkVpU2RWOGlQdHdzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeyWYRDHadJ1zTQLcy84xJMy4zua1ambR9Wg3dm4LWQOW-e4yBkVlWWUHAj8s_aem_-y5ZxXNkSgBFU2ZVvu2eCQ BATTLE CREEK - St. Philip coach Vicky Groat was as surprised as anyone. Sure, the Tigers were ranked in the preseason state volleyball poll - so they are a good team. But, No. 1? "Not sure how it happened, but it's great for the kids," Groat said. St. Philip is the new No. 1-ranked team in Division 4 in high school volleyball as the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association rankings came out this week. The Tigers were No. 3 last week and climbed to the top spot this week after a win over Bellevue in conference play and some competitive matches against Division 1 competition at the Lakeview Invitational over the weekend. "I am struggling to see how we go from No. 3 to No. 1 after what we did, but it's a great honor for our team," Groat said. "I look at how we are improving each week and I like what we are doing. I don't look at the rankings." Lakeview, which won its own invitational on Saturday, is in the poll as an honorable mention selection in Division I, as is Gull Lake. Marshall is ranked No. 7 in Division 2. St. Philip, a perennial power in Division 4 and the state-record holder for state championships won, haven't been ranked this high for several years as the Tigers have had a young roster. Now, the team is made up of some experienced players and could be ready for a run. "It's been awhile since we've been No. 1. But we have been working hard. It's good for the kids," Groat said. "Not sure I like it. It puts a target on your back. But, we'll take it."