There was no room for teams to let up as Day 4 represented gold bracket time in 15 Open at the USAV Girls Junior National Championships in Chicago. With the top teams in the nation going toe-to-toe for a spot on the medal stand there was no way the action could disappoint. However, there was only room for one on top and that honor went to Skyline 15 Royal, which defeated Mintonette Sports m.51 in the final in a clash between our top two ranked teams in the nation. Below, we highlight our Day 4 Show Stoppers.
DAY 4 SHOW STOPPERS
Finley Krystkowiak OH Wave 15 Brennan: Wave had a great run to the quarterfinals, in part fueled by Krystkowiak’s play on the outside. The 6-2 attacker helped Wave almost complete an upset of Mintonette in the quarterfinals with the way she was blasting balls from sideline to sideline.
Sara Snowbarger OH Mintonette Sports m.51: Snowbarger is a key ingredient in Mintonette’s success with her six-rotation contributions. She can swing front and back row and hits at a high contact point with a lively arm.
Mallory Matheny S Mintonette Sports m.51: Matheny was a standout running the offense. She does a great job of connecting well with all her hitters and spreading the ball around.
Alia Schoonover MB Mintonette Sports m.51: Schoonover brings an offensive identity to the middle. She can get up on the quick or out on the slide and connect well.
Lily Rolfes S Arizona Storm 15 Thunder: Rolfes was playing on a bum foot but still had enough grit and determination to help guide her team to a bronze medal. She did well running the offense and getting all her hitters involved.
Brooke Harwood MB Arizona Storm 15 Thunder: Harwood brings a punch to the middle. She’s long and runs the slide effectively.
Kalli Lipo L Arizona Storm 15 Thunder: Lipo took care of the defensive end. She’s an upbeat, energetic libero who passing well out of serve receive and making a few highlight digs.
Madisyn Crnjac OH Arizona Storm 15 Thunder: Crnjac has a heavy arm and can go through blocks. She’s a key part of the attack and a reliable option.
Blair Thiebaud S Hou Skyline 15 Royal: Thiebaud is fun to watch direct the attack, especially because of all the weapons around her. She’s a smooth disher with great hands and seldom misses her spots.
Jayden Robinson OH Hou Skyline 15 Royal: Robinson is one of those weapons Thiebaud gets to utilize. Robinson jumps out of the gym and has a big arm. Her future is very, very bright.
Gabi Divita OH Legacy 15-1 Adidas: Divita is among the standout outsides in the division. She’s lanky and has a whippy arm. She gets up well too and can hit with ease from sideline to sideline.
Meredith Martin L Legacy 15-1 Adidas: Martin always brings the defensive intensity and tenacity to the back row. She’s tough to get a ball down on and doesn’t miss her target too often when passing.
Layla Austin OH Skyline 15 Royal: Austin has a lively arm and watch out when she connects. The balls shoots off her arm like being launched out of a cannon.
Skylar Jackson OH Skyline 15 Royal: Jackson does well on the attack too. She also has the ability to catch one and send it hurtling down to the floor in a hurry.
