With the 2022 version of MEQ in the books, we take a look back at some of the talented players who caught our attention during the three days of action in Indy. These are players we noticed and who were playing well while we were observing them. We put a heavy, heavy focus on the younger groups in 15-17 Open, though a few are mentioned from 18 Open. Below is Part 2 of the outside hitters who impressed us.
15 Open
Lauren Lopez, Outside, Dynasty 15 Black – It can be tough for blockers to time Lopez. She gets up quickly and can generate pace on her attacks. When Dynasty needs a point it’ll be looking for Lopez.
Grace Kreutz, Outside, Adversity 15 Purple – A solid all-around outside. She passes sound. She can score. And she serves bullets at times too. Adversity has a good one in her.
Emma Koceja, Outside, MKE Sting 15 Gold – Sting is definitely looking to get this 6-0 outside the ball. She’s springy off the floor and isn’t afraid to let it go. She’d make a few highlight reels!
Addison Tindall, Outside, Team Pineapple 15 Black – At 6-2 you can’t miss Tindall on the outside. She moves well. Has a big arm. And hits up high. She has future star written all over her!
Logan Bell, Outside, Circle City 15 Purple – At 5-11, Bell can’t necessarily go over the top of blockers but she’s a smart hitter with a lively arm.
Isabella Ocampo, Outside, Skyline 15 Royal – Ocampo is a steady six-rotation outside for Skyline. She covers well in the back row and at a 5-10 has a knack for scoring with heady shots.
16 Open
Carlie Cisneros, Outside, Dynasty 16 Black – Cisneros does everything above average. At 6-0, she can get on top of the ball. She’s a smart hitter who seemingly scores every time she swings. She passes well. We could go on but we are trying to keep it short!
Skyler Pierce, Outside, Dynasty 16 Black – Just about everyone already knows about Pierce. She’s a 6-2 future star who punishes defenses in many ways, especially when the block is late to set up and she crushes it straight down. You’ll be hearing a lot about her for years to come!
Taylor Bedinghaus, Outside, OT 16 Jason – A very sound, well-rounded outside is Bedinghaus. She hits out of the back row and is even strong on the attack when she’s up front.
Hannah Hankerson, Outside, OT 16 Jason – Hankerson is a bit undersized but that doesn’t her slow her one bit. She’s explosive when she elevates. She’s fearless with a hard, aggressive swing challenging blockers.
Alaleh Tolliver, Outside, Academy 16 Yeti – Tolliver is the go-to and the one Academy relies on for a point when it needs one. At 5-11, she has a nice jump and can make plays out of the back row as well.
Ava Utterback, Outside, Circle City 16 Purple – When Utterback has it going on she’s as tough to stop as anybody. She’s 6-0 and touches 10-0 and unleashes some big, aggressive swings. It makes her fun to watch!
Alec Rothe, Outside, EliteVBTC 16 Black – There’s no telling how far Rothe could go. She has potential written all over her. She seems even longer than her height of 6-2 and carries a smooth arm. We’ll definitely be following along!
Payton Petersen, Outside, Six Pack 16 – One thing we noticed about this 6-0 outside beyond her strong attack was Petersen was getting lots of touches on balls at the net blocking.
17 Open
Ava Smith, Outside, Circle City 17 Purple – Circle City has tons of firepower on the left with Chloe Chicoine and Smith. At 6-1 and touching 10-1, Smith can tee off and score with authority. She remains uncommitted but we are eagerly awaiting where she eventually lands!
Kyndal Stowers, Outside, TAV 17 Black – Stowers is another one of those players we can go on and on about. The 5-11 outside is committed to Baylor. She’s smooth and effortless and can punish balls to the floor. It’s no wonder why she’s one of the top recruits in the class!
Emily Simmons, Outside, TAV 17 Black – This 5-10 outside was the unsung hero during TAV’s victory over Circle City in the 17 Open final. She took some key swings on the left and had it working down the line to help carry TAV to victory.
Harper Murray, Outside, Legacy 17-1 Adidas – This 6-1 outside deserves paragraphs written about her and her play. In hopes of keeping it brief she’s just a flat-out stud who can take over matches at will. She’ll fit it nicely at Nebraska!
Nina Horning, Outside, Legacy 17-1 Adidas – This 6-4 outside is committed to Cincinnati and brings much balance to the Legacy outside. She’s primarily a three-rotation player and with her size she can help carry the offense when she’s in the front.
18 Open
Sydney Jackwin, Outside, OT 18 Chad – Another undersized player for OT in the world of 18s yet this LA tech commit is a gamer. We love her scrappiness and competitiveness she brings to the lineup.
Laila Ivey, Outside, Metro 18 Travel – You can’t help but notice Ivey on the outside. This Maryland commit is a serious flyer who gets up with the best of them.
