It was a whirlwind of a day, as the 14 Open division at the USAV Girls Junior Championships crowned anointed a new gold medalist in TAV 14 Black. We wrote about TAV’s dominant performance, including sweeping Arizona Storm 14 Thunder in the final, here. Below, we highlight our Show Stoppers from the final day of action in the division.
DAY 4 SHOW STOPPERS
Naomi Livings OH TAV 14 Black: Livings and her huge arm was delivering booming kills. She’s a walking highlight reel.
Mariah Akinsola MB TAV 14 Black: Akinsola was performing at a high level and giving TAV much needed presence in that spot with Nyla Livings sidelined with an injury. She’s a physical hitter and blocker who uses her strength to her advantage.
Gentry Barker OH TAV 14 Black: Barker is a six-rotation contributor who plays a key role in the team’s success. She’s a bit undersized but is a fearless outside who can bring the heat.
Tessa Larkin OH Arizona Storm 14 Thunder: Larkin was shining in her role as a six-rotation outside. She shoulders a lot of the offense. She’s a strong attacker with a whippy arm.
Nylah Bibby OH Arizona Storm 14 Thunder: Bibby also did well in her role as a six-rotation outside. She’s a solid passer and knows how to score against bigger blockers.
Pulelehua Laikona L Arizona Storm 14 Thunder: Laikona was among the standout liberos. She’s in command of the back row and hustles around the court making plays.
London Merchant OH Madfrog 14 Green: Merchant is an athletic outside with lots of upside and potential. She has a nice arm and was helping power the attack along.
Mackenzie Ratcliff MB Madfrog 14 Green: Ratcliff brings a certain dynamic to the front row when she checks in. Defenses must keep track of her as Madfrog will go to her. She gets up well and has a fluid swing.
Vanessa Glenn OH Madfrog 14 Green: Glenn is also a six-rotation outside who does a solid job passing and hitting. She’s a bit undersized but can jump and swing well enough to score consistently.
Ryan Spencer OH Skyline 14 Royal: Spencer was once more shouldering a load and taking care of business as a six-rotation outside. She’s a strong attacker who hits with pace from corner to corner.
Lexi Martin OH Drive Nation 14 Red: Martin is another outside with plenty of upside. She has good size and length and extends well to hit at a high contact point.
Hanna McGinest OH Mizuno Long Beach 14 Rockstar: McGinest was a bright spot all tournament for Long Beach and her talents were on display again too. She’s an athletic outside who jumps and swings with ease.
Cedra Talaga L Mizuno Long Beach 14 Rockstar: Talaga is that defender who know is going to leave everything she has on the court. That’s exactly what you want from a libero and she also brings a lot of energy and passion.
Emma Kingston MB Tstreet 14 Carson: Kingston made herself known in the middle with her blocking and scoring. She’s a strong blocker who forces hitters to change their shots up. She also provides reliable offense.
Ally Fausett S Tstreet 14 Carson: Fausett – part of the Class of 2026 – does well directing the attack and moving the ball around. She’s also has height to be an impact at the net with her blocking.
