This is the third year of the court-mandated switch in the Michigan High School Athletic Association's seasons, which moved volleyball from winter to fall. Judging by what's taken place, it seems like the season switch has been the cure for what previously ailed Oakland County volleyball teams.
Before the switch, there had never been an area team win a state volleyball title and only four that had ever played for a state championship.
Also, there never seemed to be many teams that would head to the state's final four.
How things have changed.
In 2007, the first year of the switch, three area teams played for a state title, with Pontiac Notre Dame Prep winning it all in Class B.
Birmingham Marian advanced to its second straight Class A final last year (where it lost to Jenison), while there are three teams headed to the state semifinals on Thursday.
Birmingham Marian and Farmington Hills Mercy will meet in a Class A semifinal, meaning an area team will advance to a state final for the third straight year. Also going to Battle Creek is Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, which will play Pellston in a Class D semifinal.