The Molten Varsity Power Classic hosted by Redondo Union is on the schedule Friday and Saturday. The Nike TOC Southwest last weekend marked the last major national tournament this season as teams around the country wrap up their tournament schedule with local events. Outside of Casteel AZ making the trip, the remaining 26 teams in the field are from California, including host Redondo and No. 7 ranked Mira Costa. They are part of a small group of favorites which we highlight below, along with some more players to watch for.
TEAM SPOTLIGHTS
Let’s take a look at the four tournament favorites:
Mira Costa – The Mustangs are coming off a runner-up showing at the Nike TOC Southwest tournament last weekend when they finished second to Cornerstone Christian TX. They picked up a key Bay League victory over ranked Palos Verdes on Tuesday and will look to finish its week with its second tournament title of the year after claiming the Ann Kang Invitational title back in August. Junior setter and Wisconsin commit Charlie Fuerbringer has a trio of hitters who have carried the offense in senior outside Drew Wright, senior right side Tanon Rosenthal and junior outside Chloe Hynes. Meanwhile, sophomore Taylor Deckert continues to shine at libero.
Redondo Union – The Sea Hawks are among the handful of teams capable of winning the title. They’ve faced a difficult schedule all season and will look to gear up for the end of league and the start of the playoffs with a strong showing. The team has been paced by senior outside and Oklahoma commit Mele Corral-Blagojevich as Redondo has utilized a variety of lineups throughout the year.
Lakewood – The Lancers are a feisty group who can give anyone fits with their athletic lineup. San Diego State commit and senior setter Fatimah Hall does an excellent job guiding the offense and setting her hitters up for success. It includes senior outside Samarah DaCoud and junior outside Jade Epps, as well as junior middle Zaria Thornton.
Torrey Pines – There are a couple of key matches remaining for the Falcons against Cathedral Catholic and a league rematch with La Costa Canyon. But first up is this weekend where they could face a pair of familiar opponents in Mira Costa and Redondo. Torrey Pines defeated Redondo earlier this year and more recently lost to Mira Costa. Freshman outside hitter Finley Krystkowiak continues to be the main target of senior setter Nikki Quinn. Senior middle Grace Flanagan scores at a high percentage and is another weapon while senior Katerina Lutz leads the defensive effort at libero.
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MORE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Anabel Kotzakov SR OH Newport Harbor
Madyson Smith SR MB Aliso Niguel
Nicole Feliciano SR S/RS Aliso Niguel
Danet Whiting SR L Aliso Niguel
Grace Witcher SR OH Liberty Bakersfield
Emma Fredrick SR OH Liberty Bakersfield
Jordan Taulua SR OH Bishop Montgomery
Zoe Morales SR L Bishop Montgomery
Jada Stone SR S Oxnard
Anika Huelskamp SR OH Oxnard
Kalyssa Blackshear SO MB Torrance
M’kera Drake SR MB Summit
Aidan Goodrich SR MB Clovis West
Kayleigh May SR S Thousand Oaks
Nina Hemsley FR MB Rancho Cucamonga
Joyce Shih JR OH Rancho Cucamonga
Tori Davis SR MB West Ranch
Kennedy Osunsanmi JR RS West Ranch
Sophia Lynch SR OH West Ranch
Hailie McGinest JR OH LB Poly
