As the first round of pool play came to a conclusion, the top seeds held it down in 15 Open at USAV nationals in Las Vegas. The No. 1 teams in their respective pools combined to go 28-2 through the first two days of competition. Skyline 15 Royal – the No. 3 overall seed – was the only one of the group of six to lose. Skyline finished 3-2 and took third place playing without regular starter and outside Ryan Spencer, which has left Skyline with a different lineup.
While the top seeds have managed to take care of business, it’s been all over the place after that. OT 15 Randy – which came in as the No. 11 overall seed and ranked No. 5 in Vballrecruiter’s Top 50 National Rankings – went 1-4 and finished in fifth place in Pool 1. Meanwhile, KC Power 15 Black, the No. 5 team and ranked No. 26 nationally advanced in fourth place after going 2-3.
In Pool 2, Excel 15 National Red, the No. 2 team and ranked No. 14 nationally, barely held on. Excel finished 2-3, tied with both Forza1 North 15 One and Madfrog 15 Black. Forza North took third based on tiebreakers, with Excel in fourth and Madfrog eliminated in fifth.
With Skyline not in top form in Pool 3, it was Forza1 15 One taking advantage. The No. 4 team and No. 25 squad nationally, went 4-1 to take first. AZ Sky 15G followed in second at 3-2, as the No. 5 team. Premier Nebraska 15 Gold tied at 2-3 with Paramount 15 Nick but grabbed fourth based on their head-to-head result.
Behind 5-0 Tstreet 15 Asics in Pool 4 was Vision 15 Gold at 4-1. However, AZ Rev 15 Premier, PVA 15 Elite and 1United 15 Bill all went 2-3. 1United – an at-large recipient – ended in third. AZ Rev advanced in fourth after beating PVA in three sets on Day 2.
Pool 5 played out mostly to seed, with Wave 15 Brennan going 5-0, followed by the No. 3 team in Hou Skyline 15 Royal going 4-1. VCNebraska 15 Elite, the No. 2 team, went 3-2 for third. Madfrog 15 Green, the No. 4 team, wrapped up at 2-3 and in fourth.
In Pool 6, Mizuno Long Beach 15 Rockstar went 4-1 to take second behind 5-0 Legacy 15-1 Adidas. The No. 5 team – Dynasty 15 Black – went 3-2 for third. Dynasty was one of the five at-large entries. It was A5 15-1 Kelly, the No. 7 overall seed, taking fourth at 2-1.
Looking ahead to the three-team pools on Day 3, nothing too crazy standouts. One of the things that I noticed was Skyline ending up in Pool 1 along with top-seeded TAV 15 Black. Also in that pool is Dynasty.
Pool 5 – featuring Wave, Club V 15 Ren Kalee and AZ Rev – stands out. I would have guessed all three would have reached the challenge rounds, but one of the three won’t make it that far now.
After that, there looks to be good opportunities to capitalize on and advance to the challenge round where teams can move within one victory of the gold bracket.
Switching gears to 14 Open, just two of the six respective No. 1 teams finished first in their pool. One was top-seeded and national No. 1 Madfrog 14 Green. The other was No. 4 overall seed and national No. 4 A5 14-1 Helen was the other as both went 5-0.
HPSTL 14 Royal – the No. 2 overall seed and national No. 2 – finished 4-1 and in second place after being upset by national No. 28 SG Elite 14 Rosh in its last outing of pool play.
Dynasty 14 Black – the No. 3 overall and national No. 8 which captured the AAU 14 Open – went 4-1 as well. Dynasty fell to national No. 3 Hou Skyline 14 Royal, which went 5-0.
Circle City 14 Purple, the top team in Pool 5 and ranked No. 10 nationally, was another one to go 4-1. Tribe 14 Elite Cardinal, seeded No. 8 overall and ranked No. 7 nationally beat Circle City in the last outing to also finish 4-1 and grab first based on the head-to-head result.
Alamo 14 Premier, the No. 6 overall seed and ranked No. 5 nationally, fell to No. 7 overall seed and No. 6 national TAV 14 Black. TAV went 5-0, Alamo 4-1.
There were some big-time results to go against the seeding. One was PVA 14 Elite going 2-3 and taking fourth as the No. 6 team in Pool 2. PVA was seeded last at No. 36. Also, Metro 14 Travel, the No. 33 overall seed, went 2-3 as well and took third in Pool 5 as the No. 6 team.
Tstreet 14 Tara, the No. 27 overall seed and No. 5 team in Pool 3, took a dramatic three-set victory over Absolute 14 Black in the final match of pool play to finish 2-3 and take fourth place.
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DAY 2 SHOW STOPPERS
With the second day of competition bringing the end to the first round of pool play and with it the first elimination process, the action definitely stepped up a notch. Below, we highlight those individuals who stood out the most to us while watching them play with our Day 2 Show Stoppers.
Marissa Jones A5 15-1 Kelly: A 5-star setter and one of the top recruits in the class, Jones is a phenomenal talent. She has all the tools of a high-level setter. She has incredible hands. She locates consistently. And she can turn off balls into workable sets to keep the offense flowing.
Lauren Forelli OH AZ Rev 15 Premier: Forelli – a 4-star outside – has a big-time arm. She can load up and crush it down. She’s a key piece of the attack and shoulders a large load.
Molly Bokenkroger L/DS PVA 15 Elite: Bokenkroger – a 3-star defender – goes all out in pursuit of the ball. She never gives up on any play. She’s a spot on passer with consistent first-ball touches.
Olivia Carter RS OK Charge 15 UA: Carter is a physical presence on the right side. She hits a heavy, heavy ball. She was thundering kills cross court and scoring with regularity.
Hanna McGinest OH Mizuno Long Beach 15 Rockstar: McGinest – a 4-star outside – was having a day the times we saw her doing her thing. She was taking aggressive swings both front and back row and bringing the wow factor at times.
Peyton Heatherly S/RS 1st Alliance 16 Gold: A 4-star recruit, Heatherly has shifted roles from earlier in the season when she was running a 5-1. She’s now part of 6-2, setting across the back and hitting in the front. She’s a smart setter with nice hands. She’s also a heady attacker who finds holes and gaps to exploit.
Keegan Flowers MB Peak 15 Black: Flowers – a 3-star middle – brings a different dimension to the front row. She’s a legit scoring threat who defenses need to be ready for when in system. She has a quick arm and can deliver in a hurry.
Lucy Moriarty L/DS HPSTL 15 Royal: A 3-star recruit, Moriarty is quick around the court. She’s a skillful passer out of serve receive and has the ability to pick off hard-hit shots in her vicinity.
Peyton Kubik OH Dynasty 15 Black: Kubik – a 5-star standout – is such a force offensively. She has such length and extension. She really gets on top of the ball and hits down from a high angle and it makes her a nightmare to slow down.
Olivia Greenwood RS Wave 15 Brennan: Greenwood – a 3-star right side – was bringing it time and time again. She was take strong swings and powering shots both down and off the block consistently.
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Aubrey Burns L/DS AZ Sky 15G: Burns is money in the back row. It’s a rare occasion when she doesn’t put the ball on target. She reads and anticipates well too, giving AZ Sky a defensive edge against most teams.
Kiersten Moore S Forza1 15 One: Moore – a 4-star setter – did well guiding the attack. She not only has good hands, she can distribute the ball from pin to pin with both precision and ease.
Isabella Howard MB Madfrog 15 Green: Howard stood out with her play in the middle. The 3-star recruit is lanky and moves very well too. She was swinging over the block and providing an offensive punch.
Gloria Peters S/RS 1United 15 Blue: Peters plays a pivotal role and was part of the reason why 1United advanced from pool play as an at-large entry. She’s a steady setter who doesn’t try to overdo it. On the attack, she does well exploiting holes in the back row.
Ella Garner L/DS City 15 Gold: Garner held it down in her role. She was keeping balls in play to extend rallies and give her team more chances.
Malia Gibbs OH AJV 14 Adidas: Gibbs was providing a real boost offensively. She was scoring with consistency. She did well hitting through or around blocks and sending balls down to the floor.
Chloe Frizzell MB AJV 14 Adidas: Frizzell’s length in the middle is was advantage. She had a few big blocks. She also came through with a couple of big kills swinging right over the block.
Marley Rogers MB Skyline 14 Royal: Part of the Class of 2027, Rogers was coming up large when her number was called. The 6-2 middle has a whippy arm and was sending balls off or around blocks for points on the regular.
Nayeli Dragoo-Crawford RS OP2 14-1 Elite: Crawford is a dynamic right side who can impact both sides of the ball. She gets up well and puts up a solid block. She can also connect and send balls down with authority.
Charlie George MB Alamo 14 Premier: A 6-0, 3-star recruit, George was showing she knows how to finish points. She swings all across the front row and was powering balls off blocks to give her team a lift.
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Ariana Hueter MB Boss Cle 14-1: A 3-star middle, Hueter changes the dynamic of the front row when she checks in. She’s a legit weapon across the front and someone Boss will get involved and go to as much as possible.
Kiara Brown MB ARVC 14 Adidas: Brown – a 3-star recruit – moves well side to side. She’s a threat offensively too.
Kelsey Green S Elevation 14 Molly: A 3-star setter, Green helped Elevation remain in contention after narrowly escaping the first round of pool play. She works hard to get to the ball and use her hands. She has a consistently clean release and can move the ball around to all her hitters.
Piper Coady OH Tstreet 14 Tara: Coady – a 4-star outside – is lanky and can really extend up and connect from a high contact point. She was clutch down the stretch as Tstreet pulled out a must-win match over Absolute to advance from pool play. She scored from the front and back row, as well as the service line.
Peyton Barnes OH Hou Skyline 14 Royal: Barnes and company finished 5-0. The 3-star recruit has a solid arm and isn’t afraid to go right at defenses and keep the pressure on.
Chika Onukwugha OH Metro 14 Travel: Onukwugha is an explosive outside. She gets up in the air in a hurry and can unleash equally quick in ripping shots down.
Nicole Jacobson MB TAV 14 Black: A 3-star middle from the Class of 2027, at 6-2 Jacobsen causes match-up problems. She can hit over the top of the block. It’s part of the reason TAV was going to her when in system.
Kenadi Sieg L/DS NKYVC 14-1 Tsunami: Sieg – 3-star defender – moves well in the back row. She covers the net and was putting the ball on target as well.
Payton Woodruff S Legacy 14-1 Adidas: Woodruff – a 3-star recruit – was among the standout setters. She does a nice job of mixing up her sets and spreading the ball around. She also locates well.
Lucy Stillwell OH SG Elite 14 Rosh: Stillwell and company produced a big upset in taking down No. 2 seed HPSTL 14 Royal to win the pool. She’s showed a nice variety of shots and gave her side a reliabel option.
Caycee Chhum S Metro 15 Travel 15: Chhum, an extreme hustler, kicked off the match by immediately switching up the offense to see what worked. She accurately judges passes, positioning herself well to set the ball. Her fluid hands and rapid release are significant assets to her performance, allowing her to control the momentum throughout the match against Ozark Juniors 15 Elite.
Averi Hanna MB Metro Travel 15: Hanna exhibits outstanding lateral movement and consistently anticipates the game, skillfully closing her blocks with perfect timing. This effectively shuts down hitters and restricts their options, greatly boosting her team’s defensive prowess in their match against Ozark Juniors 15 Elite. She excels at hitting both angles on the court, which played a crucial role in leading her team to triumph against Ozark Juniors 15 Elite.
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Eva McPike L Ozark Juniors 15 Elite: McPike opened the game against Metro Travel 15 with a tough float serve that immediately threw the opposing team off balance and transitioned into a point for her team. She also kicked off the match with an impressive dig in position 5 against the outside hitter, saving the play. She jumps right in to support her team with excellent coverage when her hitters are attacking, saving any blocked balls against Metro Travel 15.
Reese Davis S Ozark Juniors 15 Elite: Davis is a resilient setter, pushing as much as she could the entire match. She disguises her dumps exceptionally well, squaring up to her outside hitter as if she’s setting the ball, then quickly dumping it over her right shoulder to the center of the court, catching the defense off guard. Her high energy and strategic play were evident throughout the match against Metro Trave 15l.
Coco Lewis OH VA Juniors U15: Lewis tracks the set and the attacker’s arm very well, starting the first set against Dallas Skyline 15 Black with a block. She has the ability to strategically swing a powerful hit high off the blockers’ hands and also force it into their hands on a tight ball, tooling them for points. She displayed a variety of strategic thinking on the outside, showcasing her versatility and intelligence on the court.
Megan Phan VA Juniors U15: Phan possesses very clean, smooth hands and actively communicates with her attackers. Always uplifting her teammates in end-of-point huddles, her great footwork enables her to make quick releases, further contributing to her team’s success.
Hayle Claypoole OH Excel 15 White: Claypoole has the ability to use off-speed shots when necessary, finding openings on the court and challenging the defenders. She can also elevate with her fast approach, hitting deep angle swings. Additionally, she transitions off the net very quickly, always making herself available for her setter and creating scoring opportunities against ECJVC National White.
Clair Bundy S Excel 15 White: Bundy shows her passion for the game in the energy she leaves on the court. She excels in coverage behind her blockers, diving out for one-arm digs in the first set against ECJVC 15 National and immediately getting back up to ensure she sets her teammates up for success. No matter where she is on the court, she establishes authority by creating opportunities and mixing things up.
Ella Hasner L/DS A5 14-2 Earl: Hasner hustles to every ball, ensuring no ball hits the floor without her diving for it. She maintains an athletic stance throughout the match, intently reading TIV 14 Black’s offense and staying extremely focused in game mode. Her footwork on serve receive is exceptional, consistently demonstrating precise ball control and covering short serves well, which played a crucial role in leading her team to victory against TIV 14 Black.
Mali Nyankori MB A5 14-2 Earl: Nyankori kicked off the match with a powerful kill from the middle, timing the set perfectly and getting right on top of the ball. TIV 14 Black’s middle and right side players were unable to line up their block against her, and the defender in position 6 couldn’t make the dig. Her exceptional reach on the block and superb setter-hitter connection made her a dominant force on the court.
Sydney Rincon S/RS City VBC: Rincon showcases her fearlessness and confidence all in one on the right side. She started the match with a beautiful topspin serve, acing The Edge 14 Elite and going on a 3-0 streak, with two of those serves being aces. Additionally, she puts up a solid block that effectively slows down many of the outside attacks, making it easier for her team’s defenders to pass and set up in-system balls.
Kate Williams OH City VBC: Williams, playing against The Edge 14 Elite, executed her plays with precision and assurance. She delivered remarkable hard-driven sharp angle swings on the pin during the 1st set, showcasing her skill and determination. Her performance motivated her teammates to elevate their game.
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Sienna Weiler OH Katy United 14s Adidas: Weller was setting the block effectively across the net, while also accelerating the team’s offense from the middle with quick transitions off the net. Her dynamic play added a new level to her team’s offensive strategy, and she capitalized aggressively on any overpasses at the net against Hana Hou 14u Black.
Megan Tran L Katy United 14s Adidas: Playing against Hana Hou 14u, Tran shows exceptional court awareness. This was highlighted during float serves, where she adeptly adjusts her positioning to optimize efficiency. Tran creates space between her platform and body for precise passing, to consistently contribute effectively.
Zoe Brown S/OPP Zona VBC 15-Black: Brown is a reliable right-side player, known for hitting deep in the court and high off the blockers’ hands. Additionally, her effective jump float serve posed challenges for SF Tremors 15 Palkons, limiting their strongest hitters’ effectiveness. When setting, Brown squares up to her target and adeptly exploits their defensive weaknesses, utilizing her attackers to her advantage showcasing her versatility.
Aspen Bray OH Zona VBC 15-Black: Bray effectively uses her height to her advantage, consistently following SF Tremors 15 Palkons attackers. Teams must avoid overpassing on her side of the net, as she capitalizes on any mistakes. Additionally, Bray showcased strong coverage skills within the 10-foot line. She demonstrates versatility on the pin, constantly varying her shots to keep opponents guessing. She also provides a reliable option for her setter from the back middle position.
Charlotte Hall OPP Seal Beach 15 Black: Hall plays with high energy and possesses a powerful snap in her hits, making her a dynamic force on the court against 208 15 Elite. She played an active role in the game, constantly moving around to contribute on both pins. With her high reach, she skillfully finds openings in the blocks and effectively scores with precise hits down the line.
Gianna DeSisto L Seal Beach 15 Black: DeSisto asserts herself on the court with confident defensive tactics and accurate passing skills. She maintains a consistently low, athletic stance throughout the entire match, proving her commitment and preparedness. She displayed a beautiful platform on serve receive. DeSisto’s influential presence and exceptional abilities markedly enhanced her team’s overall performance against 208 15 Elite.
Anna Burke MB AVA 15-Diamond: Burke runs a rapid offense and exhibits an exceptional hitter-setter connection. Her arm whip is quick and she snaps the ball effectively. She adeptly reads the block and finds openings in the defense. Burke started the match aggressively, asserting dominance at the net to intimidate A5 15-3. She brought an intense fire to the court.
Ava Schwartz MB AVA 15-Diamond: Schwartz brought a strong offensive strategy to the game against A5 15-3, effectively challenging their defense with tactics that exploited their weaknesses. Her off-speed roll shot over the blocker into the middle of the court proved difficult for them to handle. Her approach of sticking with what was working demonstrated her court IQ.
Addison Williams A5 15-3: Williams exhibits incredible persistence throughout the game against 501 Volley 15.1 National, consistently delivering accurate passes even under pressure. She effortlessly fills in for the setter when required, showcasing her adaptability and unwavering commitment on the court. She excelled within the 10-foot line, effectively covering short balls.
Camryn Keckler S AVA 15-Diamond: Keckler consistently sets the left side with precise footwork and steady hands, showcasing stability and balance even on out-of-system plays. She adeptly positions herself to get to the ball and squares up to her target, effectively utilizing her attackers’ strengths throughout the match against 5A5 15-3.
Grace Morgan OH PSVBA 15 Legacy: Morgan consistently powers through the blockers of 1st Alliance 15 Onyx when attacking from the left side, competing with high energy throughout the game and serves as a constant, dependable attacker, contributing significantly to her team’s victory in this match.
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Peyton Frederick OPP PSVBA 15 Legacy: Frederick is an absolute standout on the court. She jumps high and utilizes her core strength effectively to generate power on her attacks. Peyton brings a unique offensive dimension to the game against 1st Alliance 15 Onyx, consistently finding ways to hit over, through and around blockers.
Flavia Sportelli BEV 15 Empire: Sportelli excels in covering position 1 and defending against Impact 15U Red Lacy’s outside hitter. She effectively blocks on the right side and showcases dynamic movement both on and off the net, highlighting her exceptional agility and versatility as a player.
Grace Montague MB BEV 15 Empire: Montague delivers powerful attacks with a heavy arm from the middle, capable of executing deep and forceful hits. She demonstrates quick elevation and uses an aggressive tip over the block effectively. Montague’s passionate play was evident in the match against Impact 15U Red Lacy.
