Christine Phillips

Mother McAuley IL defended its home court at the 2023 Asics Challenge and was crowned CHAMPIONS after taking down Notre Dame Academy KY in the final! The second day of the tournament hosted by the Macs showcased an electric display of talent and tenacity on the volleyball court. From the very start, it was apparent that this would be a day with tons of incredible plays and exceptional effort. The stage was set for an exhilarating clash of skills, as the athletes on the floor left no room for disappointment. The adrenaline was palpable as the gold bracket kicked off with a thrilling showdown between Mother McAuley and Marist IL. The history between these two teams added an extra layer of intensity to the competition, with Marist having recently claimed victory over Mother McAuley the week prior. Nestled just blocks away from each other, the fierce rivalry was on full display, with club teammates now transformed into fierce opponents. This time it was Mother McAuley who emerged with the win over Marist in three exhilarating sets (25-27, 25-2, 25-14). And on a side note the pins on both sides of the net were bringing the heat every single point, which made the liberos and defensive specialists have to ball out the entire match. The gold bracket semifinals match up between Notre Dame Academy and Assumption KY also was electric. These teams — having faced each other already this season when Assumption outlasted Notre Dame to claim the LIVT title — showcased a lot of fire at the net and defensively in the back court. Notre Dame emerged triumphant, securing a gripping victory over Assumption in three (24-26, 25-15, 29-27). And like the Mother McAuley/Marist match above it was full of aggressive swings and scrappy defensive plays. In the finals Mother McAuley squared off against Notre Dame Academy, which was a repeat from the 2022 finals match. Mother McAuley ended up winning in two 25-20, 25-17. Asics Challenge All Tournament Team (named by tourney officials)   DAY 2 SHOW STOPPERS Bella Bullington JR OH Marist IL: Bullington, a 4-star recruit committed to Northwestern, has a hammer for an arm. Not only can she swing anywhere on the court, but she gets great air which makes her a very lethal attacker. Maddie Berry JR S Marist IL: At first glance Berry isn’t your typical 5-1 setter, BUT let me tell you, she holds her own there in the front row. She also dishes well to her hitters everywhere on the court. Jessica Kurpeikis SR RS Marist IL: Kurpeikis, a Wisconsin Green Bay commit, is a lefty who Marist uses a ton of in the front row. She has a no fear attitude when swinging and loves to tool the block. Elayna Davidson SO L Marist IL: Davidson was smooth out of serve receive. She is incredibly nimble on her feet and can run balls down anywhere she needs to. Morgan Jones SR OH Huntley IL: Jones, a 3-star recruit committed to Missouri, can get up quickly and can generate pace on her attacks. Georgia Watson JR MB Huntley IL: Watson, a 4-star recruit committed to Kentucky, is a six-rotation right side. She is not only a wall at the net but swings well anywhere they need her to. Samantha Falk SR L Mother McAuley IL: Falk, a 3-star recruit committed to Loyola Chicago, was showcasing her skills by making some big-time digs on the court time after time. Olivia Urbon SR DS Mother McAuley IL: Urbon is the queen of aces. Her serving is a key component for her squad. And defensively she is sound in the back court. Ellery Rees SR MB Mother McAuley IL: Rees, a 3-star recruit committed to Alabama, made up one half of the defensive wall for her squad. She’s a physical middle who hits with power and puts up a strong block. Mary Claire Deacy JR RS Mother McAuley IL: Deacy another other part of that wall for her squad. She was huge defensively at the net. *** Gwen Adler SR S Barrington IL: Adler, a Seton Hall commit, is a smooth disher and runs a nice offense. She has soft hands, locates well and doesn’t give her sets away. Whitney Mall JR OH Barrington IL: Mall has potential written all over her. She seems even longer than her height of 6-2 and carries a smooth yet powerful arm. Berkeley Ploder SR MB Barrington IL: Ploder, who is committed to Georgetown, has a huge upside. She puts up a solid block as well as presenting a great scoring option. Jenna Meitzler SR S Barrington IL: Meitzler, a 3-star recruit committed to Iowa, is a fluid and reliable setter with strong hands. She also can get up and hit with authority on the right side. Molly Fox SR MB Sandburg IL: Fox might not be as tall as the other middle blockers but she literally has a knack for blocking. She has an incredible read on the ball defensively. Elise Sterling SR MB Sandburg IL: Sterling adds physicality to her squad. She’s strong and has a powerful arm when swinging quicks or the slide. Aubree Deshetsky SO OH North Branch MI: Deshetsky, a 3-star recruit, can pack a punch anywhere on the court. She has a smooth swing and generates pace consistently. Alana Deshetsky SR OH North Branch MI: Deshetsky, a Ferris State commit, is a steadying six-rotation player who does just about everything for her squad. She is also a smart hitter who finds a way to get the point. Adrienne Greschaw SR S North Branch MI: Greschaw directs the offense well. She sets a great ball with very consistent location Eva Finnessy JR OH Hamilton WI: Finnessy has a heavy hand and takes aggressive swings and goes right at and/or through the blockers. *** Brooke Aslakson JR MB Hamilton WI: Aslakson has lots of upside to her. She sees the court well. She has a strong feel for blocking and gets in the way

I am so thrilled to be back in Chicago for the Asics Challenge Tournament at Mother McAuley. Last year’s tournament was an absolute blast, but now it’s time to dive into the action of Day 1. A side note, Friday evening’s matches featured pools of three teams, and while I couldn’t catch every game at both sites, I did my best to watch as many as I could. Let’s get started on this exciting opening day of the tournament! Mother McAuley, the host team, is a powerhouse led by senior 4-star recruit and Michigan commit Ellie White, last year’s vballrecruiter.com Junior of the Year. White’s smooth and high-flying skills as an outside hitter are fun to watch. Her teammates, senior middle blocker Ellery Rees, who is a 3-star recruit committed to Alabama, and senior libero Samantha Falk, who is a 3-star recruit committed to Loyola-Chicago, along with junior Sydney Buchanan‘s explosive swings, have a squad that is a force to be reckoned with. Freshman Peyton Heatherly takes charge as the team’s quarterback in the 5-1 setting position, showcasing remarkable leadership.  Watch out because Divine Savior is another team which is a ton of fun to watch ball out together. With powerhouses like Wisconsin commit and 5-star recruit junior Madison Quest and Creighton commit senior Sophia Wendlick on the outside, expect nothing less than an explosive display of talent. Michigan State commit and 4-star recruit junior Olivia Durst is a dynamic libero who fearlessly scoops up everything thrown her way. Belmont commit senior setter Jordan Czajkowski runs a 5-1 offense with an aggressive edge, And let’s not forget about the sophomore middle blocker, Maddie Brown, who may be technically undersized but boasts a lightning-fast arm where she swings around the block with ease. Divine Savior is a team which guarantees an exhilarating and entertaining performance on the court. And then there is the Assumption squad. This historically strong squad never fails to captivate with their exceptional talent. Senior outside hitters Charlotte Moriarty, a 4-star recruit committed to Xavier and Chloe Smith, a 3-star recruit committed to Wofford, dominate. But the action doesn’t stop there because junior 3-star recruit Bailey Blair in the middle is a force to be reckoned with. And then there is 5-star recruit and Wisconsin commit libero Kristen Simon who owns the backcourt for her team.   Day 2 starts bright and early! So let’s get to who I thought shined in pool play on Day 1. PS, who’s ready for Bracket action on Saturday?  DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS Brooke Baldwin SO S/RS Hamilton WI: Baldwin, a 3-star recruit, was doing double duty of dishing her hitters and powering through blocks on the reg.  Emily Zgonc SO L Hamilton WI: Zgonc held her own in the back row as she passed well out of serve receive and made hustle plays to keep her team in the rally. Francesca Lorenzo SO OH Montini IL: Lorenzo, a 3-star recruit, was shutting down outsides with ease. And she brings a wallop on the right side attacking wise.  Addison West SO OH Skutt Catholic NE: West, a 3-star recruit, easily goes over blocks and finds open spots on the floor to exploit. She also packs a punch when she swings. Sarah Musial S St. Charles East IL: Musial, a Wichita State commit, dished the ball effectively. She has a great touch on the ball.  Reilly Chausse L Sandburg IL: Chausse, an Akron commit, was incredibly scrappy and fast in the backcourt. She read the ball really well and consistently got touches.   Jessica Horn SR S Joliet Catholic IL: Horn was very quick on her feet and had no problems getting her feet to the ball and her hands on impossible balls. She made setting from her knees look easy.  Ellie White SR OH Mother McAuley IL: White. a 4-star Michigan commit, is just so smooth on the court. She can swing anywhere, plays scrappy defense, passes dimes, and bring energy to her squad.  Peyton Heatherly FR S Mother McAuley IL: Heatherly, a 3-star commit, might be a freshman, but she is playing like an upperclassman. She has a really nice touch and spreads the ball around to her hitters well.  Sydney Buchanan JR OH Mother McAuley IL: Buchanan, a 3-star recruit, explodes off the ground and gets in the air quickly. She has a fluid swing and can rip the ball.  Lauren Salata SR OH Nazareth Academy IL: Salata, a 3-star Illinois State commit, is springy with a whip of an arm. She can tool with ease to boot.  Madison Quest JR OH DSHA WI: Quest, a 5-star Wisconsin commit, is a hard-working outside who plays with lots of energy. She carries a powerful arm and can crack on the ball when the opportunity presents itself. Olivia Durst JR L DSHA WI: Durst, a 4-star Michigan State commit, racks balls down with ease along with bringing great energy to the court.  Sophia Wendlick SR OH DSHA WI: Wendlick, a Creighton commit, has a whip of an arm that I was seriously impressed to watch. She has a knack for not only swinging fast but swinging around blocks with ease. Kristen SimonJR L Assumption KY: Simon, a 5-star Wisconsin commit, is a fireball in the back court. She is nails in the back row and makes wow saves regularly.  Charlotte Moriarty SR OH Assumption KY: Moriarty, a 3-star Xavier commit, can literally bounce balls when needed. She hits with a heavy hand consistently.  Bailey Blair JR MB Assumption KY: Blair, a 3-star recruit, is a firecracker in the middle. And when you give her an open net in the middle, watch out. She can hammer it.  Brooklynne Brass SO OH Minooka IL: Brass, a 3-star recruit, was swinging well on the court today. When she connected SHE CONNECTED.  Eleanor Dorritie SR RS Penfield NY: Dorritie, a Binghamton commit, was a force to be reckoned with on the right side. She was swinging with fury everywhere on the court. Addy Horner JR S/RS St. Francis/Wheaton IL: Horner, a 5-star Wisconsin commit, does well dishing to her targets. She’s also an impact scorer as she’s capable of delivering some big kills. Anna Paquette SR OH St. Francis/Wheaton IL: Paquette can fly on the outside. She is undersized to say the least but

Day 2 of Volleypalooza was action-packed as we hit the courts once again. I started off in the morning at Liberty Hill High School, where we witnessed some thrilling matches featuring Cathedral Catholic CA, Mater Dei CA, The Woodlands TX, Bishop Lynch TX, Liberty Hill TX, SA Johnson TX, Highland Park TX, and Austin TX. There were definitely a ton of exciting matches on those courts. I then made our way to Glenn High School to watch the pool with Grand Oaks TX, Keller TX, Brandeis TX and Cinco Ranch TX. Talk about another group of truly remarkable athletes gracing the court. Right next door was the pool that featured host Glenn along with Churchill TX, Plano TX, and Waco Midway TX. And for the end of my day, I headed to Cedar Park to catch the end of the pools. I was able to catch the final moments of the Flower Mound TX match against Cedar Park and Walnut Grove TX versus Lake Travis TX. So much talent in these gyms right now! Odds and Ends There’s nothing quite like the electric energy radiating from exceptional athletes during crucial plays. Grand Oaks middle Jaela Auguste and Sachse middle Favor Anyanwu immediately come to mind. When they dominate the net or their teammates score, they both have a fiery enthusiasm that is palpable. Another athlete who left a lasting impression with her infectious energy was SA Johnson TX right side Anais Velazquez, a true force to be reckoned with on the court. Her vivacity was definitely inspirational. And let’s not forget about Keller’s Carley Wright, the right side who delivered timely blocks and incredible kills while bringing an unparalleled level of passion and energy to her squad. But the energy doesn’t stop there. Danielle Whitmire from Walnut Grove is another true all-around talent. As a right side, she dominates the net with her imposing presence and serves as a skilled quarterback setter for her squad. These athletes embody the indomitable spirit of the game, leaving us in awe of their unwavering passion and unmatched drive. Team Spotlight I love being able to see Cathedral Catholic play in Texas this weekend. They might have lost some serious studs to the 2023 graduating class but don’t be fooled because they have a ton of great talent on the court. Seniors Jenna Hanes, Tiana Owens, Avya Moi, and Amanda Saeger are just a few of the leaders for this well rounded squad. Junior libero Maya Evens does a great job sweeping up the court defensively and watchout, freshman Kale’a Lee is making her presence known. *** DAY 2 SHOW STOPPERS Jenna Hanes, SR MB, Cathedral Catholic- Hanes, a 4-star recruit committed to Michigan, is just huge in the middle. She was literally hitting over people when I was watching. Maya Evens, JR L, Cathedral Catholic- Evens, a 4-star recruit committed to Maryland, owns the back row with lots of range and presence. Tiana Owens, SR RS, Cathedral Catholic- Owens, committed to Colgate, is an offensive weapon who can sky and crush it, making her tough to dig. Ella Lewis, JR OH, The Woodlands- Lewis, a 3-star recruit, passes consistently well and is a fearless attacker who can hit from the back row as well. Mia Zepeda, SR RS, The Woodlands- Zepeda collects timely blocks and brings a lot of energy to the court in the front row. Malyssa Cawa, SR L, Mater Dei- Cawa, a 3-star recruit committed to Stanford, is smooth and steady at the position. She also covers the court well. Layli Ostovar, SO OH, Mater Dei- Ostovar, a 5-star recruit, is a physical presence and a dynamic attacker who also brings a lot of offensive “smarts” to the court. Brooklyn Bailey, SO MB/RS, Highland Park- Bailey, a 3-star recruit, plays a bit in the middle and the right side. And she runs the slide incredibly well. Talia Davison Lardner, JR MB, Highland Park- Lardner was doing a great job at the net defensively. Gigi Mason, SR RS, Liberty Hill- Mason, a committed to Vanderbilt, is a lefty with a big jump and long wingspan which makes her a threat both offensively and defensively. Ava Kostroun, JR MB, Liberty Hill- Kostroun makes an impact on both sides with her scoring and blocking. Annie Witt, JR OH, Liberty Hill- Witt plays with lots of energy and a high spirit. She has a good arm and is fearless, as she keeps coming at defenses time and time again. Aleida Moreno, SR L, Austin- Moreno is sound in serve receive and putting passes and digs right on target. Emmy Swift, JR MB, Austin- Swift is a bit undersized in the middle but she was producing regularly. She was very efficient. Ada Awagu, JR MB, SA Johnson- Awagu, a 3-star recruit, is an athletic gem in the middle. And let’s just say her huge reach is something that propels her on both sides of the ball. Anais Velazquez, SR RS, SA Johnson- Velazquez is a physical presence with a ton of electric energy. Riley Seitz, SR MB, Bishop Lynch- Seitz did a good job controlling the net offensively for her squad. Kassidy O’Brien, JR S, Cinco Ranch- O’Brien, a 5-star recruit committed to Kentucky, sets a clean ball that is rarely off the mark. She sets on the move as well and does a nice job of connecting with all her hitters everywhere on the court. Gabi Martinez, JR OH, Cinco Ranch- Martinez, a Cal Baptist commit, can crush it at times. She’s aggressive and challenges defenses to make plays on her. Jade Washington, JR L, Waco Midway- Washington is extremely fast and has a knack for making incredibly athletic defensive plays. Sophia Kuyn, SR MB, Brandeis- Kuyn, a Fordham commit, did a good job at the net. She’s fearless and doesn’t hold back. Lola Isaeff, JR OH, Brandeis- Isaeff was not holding back. She was attacking with aggression and was a threat to hit from different spots on the court. Anna Boatner, SR

Volleypalooza 2023 has kicked off in spectacular fashion on Day 1. First up for me were the pools at Vandegrift High School. The athletes showcased their unwavering dedication and heart in every aspect of the game. Then I ventured over to Cedar Park High School to capture the play in those two pools. It was fun to watch some of the Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Corpus Christi area schools compete (as I have been watching a ton of the DFW metro teams over the last two weekends). Yet again I have to spotlight the Class of 2027 making its appearance known in the varsity world. Camille Presley, a middle blocker from Austin TX, is emerging as a true force, demonstrating power and finesse in dominating the front row. Also, S/RS hitters Kamryn Mullican (Hebron TX) and Lauren Garcia (SA Reagan TX) are solidifying their pivotal roles on their respective teams. And let’s not overlook the impressive performance of libero Addison Mayo (Flour Bluff TX), who has showcased her defensive prowess with athletic and timely plays. *** DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS Mya Allen, JR OH, SA Reagan- Allen, a 3-star recruit, is explosive to say the least. She commands a presence everywhere on the court. Adyson Perez, SR L, SA Reagan- Perez makes tremendous plays keeping rallies alive and bringing a defensive tenacity to the floor. Thea Carter, SR OH, Alamo Heights- Carter, a 3-star recruit committed to Rice, was playing in a six rotation right side position and is a big plus for the offense. She has a booming arm and was crushing it. Cayley Hanson, SR S/RS, Deer Park- Hanson, a 3-star recruit committed to Mississippi State, does well directing the offense back row with a nice, consistent release. She’s also a solid attacker who helps spread out the offense. Tatum Busch, SR OH, Deer Park- Busch, a Tarleton State commit, is an aggressive swinger and doesn’t back down. Margaret Croft, JR OH, Flour Bluff- Croft, a six-rotation outside, hits with a heavy hand everywhere on the court. Beka Pfefferkorn, JR MB/RS, Bridgeland: Pfefferkorn, a 4-star recruit, can both unleash on the ball offensively and be a constant wall defensively. Alice Volpe, SR L, Bridgeland- Volpe, a 4-star recruit committed to TCU, is an smooth libero who is fun to watch take care of the back row duties. She is steady with her serve receive and does a great job defensively. Alex Beauchamp, SR OH, Vandegrift- Beauchamp takes aggressive swings and showed her ability to tool blocks, as well as pass and defend in the back row. Ava Carrasquillo, SO S/RS, Vandegrift- Carrasquillo does well getting her hitters involved when in system. She’s solid and consistent hitting her spots. Julia Hopkins, SR OH, Westwood- Hopkins, an Angelo State commit, hits a heavy ball and when she fully catches one she crushes it. Callie Krueger, SO L, Cedar Park- Krueger, a 4-star recruit committed to Texas, is smooth in serve receive. Defensively she holds down the back court with athleticism and grace. Muno Mmuo, SR MB, Cedar Park- Mmuo, a 3-star recruit committed to Dartmouth, is explosive in the middle. And when you give her an open net WATCH OUT. Joy Udoye, JR OH, Cedar Park- Udoye, a 3-star recruit, has a great arm that can already generate heat and pressure opponents consistently. Haley Kerstetter, JR MB, Hebron-Kerstetter might not be the tallest or flashiest middle blocker BUT she has a quick arm that beats blocks regularly. Sophie Hoke, SR RS, Hebron- Hoke is playing on the right side and every time I watch her play she comes up with these great plays. She’s a smart hitter who finds the hole. Harper Hall, SR S, Highland Park- Hall, a 3-star recruit committed to UCSB, has nice hands. She does well moving the ball around and keeping defenses on their toes. Alex Richter, JR OH, Highland Park- Richter, a 4-star recruit committed to Georgia, is a six-rotation outside who defenses have to give a lot of attention to because she’s an equal scoring threat whether front or back row. Gigi Whann, SO L, Highland Park- Whann was holding down the back row with her steady play. Her passing out of serve receive was consistent and she was making scrappy hustle plays. Dominique Phills, SR RS, Dawson- Phills, a 3-star recruit committed to Iowa, both swings well and provides a potent defense wall at the net. Kennedy Jones, JR MB/RS, Dawson- Jones can explode up and unload in the middle both offensively and defensively. Anna Flores, SO S, Keller- Flores, a 4-star recruit, has a great touch and consistent delivery. She hits her mark on the regular and has plenty of pieces to work with. Lauren Scheiden, SO L, Keller- Scheiden, a 3-star recruit, was strong in the back court. She has great reactions and does well tracking down balls to keep plays alive. Ayden Ames, SR OH/RS, Prosper- Ames, a 5-star recruit committed to Nebraska, can crush balls down the line or simply go over blockers and attack the deep cross court on corner. Hannah Beauford, JR S/RS, Prosper- Beauford, a 4-star recruit, is a solid setter with really good hands and location. As a hitter, she pounds and gives defenses all they can handle. Riley Malloy, SO OH, Austin- Malloy, a 5-star recruit, is a game-changing outside with her ability to control both sides of the net. She’s a phenomenal attacker with a big arm. And with her size, she can put up a wall of a block. Harper Luthy, JR OH, Austin- Luthy gets up well, swings hard and unloads with a fury. Suli Davis, JR S/RS, Colleyville Heritage- Davis, a 5-star recruit, is a glue piece who can carry the offensive load for stretches. She’s a smart hitter who can menace defenses on the reg. And did I mention yet she sets pretty darn well too? Sarah Mendoza, JR L, Colleyville Heritage- Mendoza, a 4-star recruit, was a back row force. She made a ton of