One thing about USAV nationals is you can take the national rankings and the tournament seedings and ignore them all. Everything is going to be settled on the court and if one thing was for certain on the opening day in Las Vegas was no one was safe. It’s not often the No. 1 seeds – which also happen to be the top-ranked clubs in Vballrecruiter’s Top 50 national rankings – in 16 and 17 Open both lose on Day 1.
However, that’s the type of competition teams are dealing with. Hou Skyline 17 Royal – winner of three national qualifiers – was taken down in three sets by Club V 17 Ren Reed. Club V ended the day 3-0, opening with another upset over TAV 17 Black and closing by sweeping Triangle. Club V benefitted from the addition of Taylor Harvey, a 6-4 Texas commit who spent the year playing up on the 18s. Though she was a middle blocker for the 18s, her presence as a six-rotation outside could make Club V a legit contender.
While the other top seeds fared well, No. 6 overall seed Skyline 17 Royal was uprooted by Northern Lights 17-1. Co Jrs 17 Kevin, the No. 4 overall seed, went 0-3.
In 16 Open, Mintonette Sports m.61, winner of two national qualifiers as well as taking home the gold medal at AAUs two weeks ago, was stunned by Mizuno Long Beach 16 Rockstar in its opener. Austin Skyline 16 Royal, the No. 4 overall seed, was surprised by Coast 16-1 in three sets. Skyline 16 Royal, the No. 5 overall seed and runner-up to Mintonette at AAUs, fell to Elevation 16 Goller, which was an at-large recipient. It didn’t stop there, as No. 6 overall seed Arizona Storm 16 Thunder lost to both Vision 16 Gold and WPVC 16 Armour Black and sits at 1-2.
As crazy of a day as it was for a few of the higher-seeded clubs, not all was lost. All have a chance to still break pool and advance, even Co Jrs. Co Jrs will need help, but first has to beat both AJV 17 Adidas and Circle City 17 Purple. Co Jrs also needs Long Beach to lose both of its contests.
Hou Skyline is guaranteed of advancing by winning its first match of Day 2 against GP 17 Rox. Similarly, Skyline just needs to win one of its two matches Thursday to break pool.
In 16 Open, Mintonette controls its fate. If Mintonette wins both matches, it’ll advance for sure. There’s also a chance Mintonette can advance by winning one of two, but that could get dicey with the potential tiebreak scenarios. Austin Skyline and Skyline will also advance by taking both matches on Day 2. As for Arizona Storm, it just needs to beat HJV 16 Elite in its opening match to be able to break pool.
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DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS
There was so much talent in the gym that it’s extremely difficult to narrow down the selection of our Day 1 Show Stoppers. The list could be 3-4 times as long but as it stands we went with those players we felt were playing at an exceptional level during the time we were watching them perform.
Kassidy O’Brien S Hou Skyline 17 Royal: A 5-star Kentucky recruit, O’Brien runs a smooth offense. She connects with all her hitters and is tough to read. She helps makes Hou Skyline really dangerous in transition with her ability to get to the ball and dish it anywhere.
Bailey Warren OH Hou Skyline 17 Royal: Warren – a 5-star Wake Forest recruit – was having a huge match against Club V. She had a sensational kill one more than one occasion. She is a high-flyer and was getting up and hammering down.
Taylor Harvey OH Club V 17 Ren Reed: Harvey – a 5-star Texas recruit – spent the season playing up on the 18s in the middle. She was used a six-rotation pin here and it lead to Club upsetting both TAV and Hou Skyline in going 3-0. She’s tall and jumps out of the gym. With it, she extends way up and blasts swings over blocks with incredible ease.
Taray Tela MB Club V 17 Ren Reed: Tela touches well over 10-feet and was a menace in the middle. She was nearly impossible to stop when Club V was in system. She also works hard to make herself available in transition and was hurting Hou Skyline repeatedly.
Campbell Flynn S Legacy 17-1 Adidas: Flynn – a 5-star Nebraska recruit – is an incredible player. She’s not only a high IQ setter who spreads the ball around effortlessly, her size at the net makes her a real impact both blocking and being able to attack on two.
Karli Molnau MB MKE Sting 17 Gold: A Loyola-Chicago recruit, Molnau is an undersized middle but she makes big contributions. She’s a heady attacker who finds ways to score and help give MKE Sting an offensive option across the front row.
Lily Hayes L/DS OT 17 Aaron: A 3-star Florida recruit, Hayes was among an impressive defensive group we witnessed. She’s consistent in serve receive. She also reads and reacts well and did a great job picking off shots.
Rya Borer L/DS VCNebraska 17 Elite: Borer – a 3-star North Dakota State recruit – was another back row player who caught our attention. She flies around the court and is a defensive sparkplug with her hustle and energy.
Kalyssa Blackshear MB Surfside 17 Legends: A 4-star Louisville recruit, Blackshear was a standout in the middle. At 6-4, her length and reach gives her a real presence. She can see the court well attacking and finds gaps in the defense. She also puts up a solid block in helping slow down opposing hitters.
Kaelynn Sims MB Skyline 17 Royal: Sims had her moments to be sure. She was an unsung hero as we watched her in action against Nebraska One. She did a great job coming through when set. Even when the timing was off some she still managed to make something of it and score points.
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Macie Potter RS Drive Nation 17 Red: Potter gave Drive Nation an option on the right. She’s a smart hitter who showed she can score against bigger blocks. She was taking aggressive swings when the opportunity was there or going off-speed when it wasn’t.
Gabi Martinez OH HJV 17 Elite: It was a tough day as HJV went 0-3, but Martinez was playing really well when we came back her court. A 3-star Cal Baptist commit, she was playing strong defense and controlling the ball well. She’s also a springy attacker with a quick jump and solid arm.
Taryn Morris RS TAV 17 Black: Morris – 4-star Texas AM – has a big-time arm. She has the size and length to cause anyone problems. She’s also a legit threat front and back row as she can crush with equal effectiveness.
Anna Blamires RS Co Jrs 17 Kevin: A 4-star BYU recruit, Blamires is another right side who is a serious problem whether front or back row. She gets off the ground well and can extend way up as she lets it fly and rips it down.
Mesaiya Bettis OH Northern Lights 17-1: Bettis – a 4-star Iowa State recruit – helped Northern Lights spring a big upset over Skyline. She’s an athletic, wirey pin. She has a lively arm and can whip it in a hurry.
Nevaeh Tien S Club V 16 Red Matt: Tien showed nice hands and a clean, consistent release. She also demonstrated she can locate and put her hitters in good spots.
Avery Poulton OH Club V 16 Ren Matt: Poulton – a 4-star outside and recent Oregon commit – is an athletic outside who touches well over 10 feet. She can sky and hit from high angles and it puts a lot of pressure on defenses as a result.
Reese Stringer S Mizuno Long Beach 16 Rockstar: Stringer guided Long Beach to a massive upset of top-seeded Mintonette. She has a good touch on the ball and locates consistently. She also plays above-average defense.
Elle Vandeweghe MB Mizuno Long Beach 16 Rockstar: A 6-5, 4-star middle, Vandeweghe is a handful in the middle She makes a massive impact at the net on both sides of the ball and completely changes the dynamic of the front row.
Presley Thompson L/DS Wave 16 Scott: Thompson – a 4-star UCLA commit – is a lights-out defender. She makes the position look effortless. She’s a spot-on passer out of serve receive and rarely misses a play in front of her.
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Soraya Dennis S Wave 16 Scott: Dennis has soft hands. She also locates consistently in addition to being able to move the ball around.
Westley Matavao OH Forza1 North 16 One: A 4-star outside from the Class of 2027, Matavao is a physical outside with a heavy arm. She does a lot to power the attack and shoulders a big load.
Mya Capistrano L/DS Forza1 North 16 One: Capistrano – a 3-star defender – provides a big defensive boost for her side. She has a sound platform and plays under control.
Nadiya Johnson RS Metro 16 Travel: A 5-star Baylor commit, Johnson is the definition of a high-flyer. She soars in the air as she explodes up and unleashes with a fury.
Leyna Nguyen OH Vision 16 Gold: Vision recorded a big-time upset in downing Arizona Storm. Nguyen is an undersized pin who plays with no fear. She is a feisty and relentless attacker.
Ella Grimes L/DS Elevation 16 Goller: A 5-star defender, Grimes covers the court very well. She is rarely out of position and is consistent on the first touch.
Riley Malloy OH Austin Skyline 16 Royal: Malloy – a 5-star USC commit – was having a big day. The 6-4 outside was close to unstoppable as we watched her compete against OP2 and Academy Diamond. Her length was giving her opponents fits, as she loaded up and powered balls for winners.
Danielle Whitmire S/RS TAV 16 Black: A 5-star Penn State commit, Whitmire is a key cog in the lineup. She provides a legit scoring threat on the right side. She has a big arm and can hit with plenty of power. She’s also a smooth disher who puts up a nice ball.
Bella Lopez RS Madfrog 16 Green: Lopez – a 4-star right side – was getting up and sending balls down in style. She’s an athletic right side with a wire frame and tons of potential. She gets off the ground with ease.
Skylar Brady OH OP2 16 Elite: A 3-star outside, Brady does a lot for her squad. She’s a six-rotation mainstay and the go-to hitter. She’s a physical hitter and can score sideline to sideline.
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Molly Robertson S/RS Revolution Pgh 16 White: Robertson excels with her clean and fast jump sets, effectively utilizing all her players’ offensive capabilities, including back-row sets. Additionally, she showcases her versatility by hitting sharp angles from the right side, creating scoring opportunities for her team against 1United 16N Blue.
Sarah McShane L Revolution Pgh 16 White: McShane made some incredible digs against 1United 16N Blue’s pin hitter. She is a dependable defensive player, willing to go to great lengths to save her team and set them up for success. Sarah is constantly moving on the court, showcasing her agility and commitment to each play.
Emiko Stolzberg S/L ASEVC 16 Premier: Stolzberg has a powerful jump float serve and demonstrated excellent court awareness in the match against HPSTL 16 Royal. She played with a calm demeanor, leading her team on the court, which helped them fight back and secure the win.
Olivia Henry OH ASEVC 16 Premier: Henry – a 5-star recruit from the Class of 2027 – is a huge asset to her team on the pin. She is a powerhouse at the net, putting up a strong block and pressing over the net, constantly shutting down HPSTL 16 Royal’s offense. With her high reach and great snap, she gets on top of the ball and attacks the open spots on the court, especially hitting deep angles effectively.
Addison Burks L MIDTN 16 Black National: Burks is an incredibly athletic player, demonstrating her skills on the court with finesse. In a match against Circle City 16 Black, she passed with pinpoint accuracy, setting up her team for success with her precise passes. Burk’s athleticism goes beyond her technical abilities; she also excels in court coverage and energizes her teammates, greatly contributing to the team’s cohesion and success.
Sadie Kroeger OH MIDTN 16 Black National: Kroeger’s powerful approach enables her to elevate and generate a good amount of power in her attacks against Circle City 16 Black. She is incredibly agile, transitioning on and off the net with speed and efficiency. Her block solidifies her impact on both offense and defense throughout the match.
Preslee Campbell S MIDTN 16 Black National: As a setter with strong leadership, Campbell unites her team and skillfully utilizes all her players at the net. Her exceptional ball control shines through as she sets up plays and maintains the team’s rhythm throughout the match. Her reliable hands and ability to switch up the offense were crucial in leading her team to victory against Circle City 16 Black.
Quinn Hickman OPP Houston Skyline 16 Black: Hickman displays her strength on the outside by consistently overpowering blocks with her powerful swings. She attacks with confidence, showcasing her offensive skills. Additionally, Hickman excels at putting up a solid block on A4 Volley 16 Cassie pin hitters. Her performance makes her an intimidating presence at the net.
Ziya Sista MB Houston Skyline 16 Black: Sista exhibits exceptional balance and stability in the middle, allowing her to load quickly. In her match against A4 Volley 16-Cassie, she consistently reads the setter well and positions herself effectively, serving as a formidable first line of defense for her team. Her blocking not only made it difficult for A4 Volley 16-Cassie to get the ball past her but also effectively slowed down the ball, aiding her teammates in their defensive efforts.
Ady Bollinger L Ozark Juniors 16 Elite: At the start of the game against 540 VB 16 Elite, Bollinger made a remarkable saving dive in the middle of the court to counter their pin hitter’s roll shot. This play ignited a scoring streak as Bollinger continued to dig that pin hitter, creating numerous scoring opportunities. It’s clear that Bollinger brought fire and hustle on day one at USAV Nationals.
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Piper Batie OPP Ozark Juniors 16 Elite: Batie’s powerful down-the-line attacks on the right side make her an imposing presence on the court. Her adaptable approach allows her to work effectively with any set, turning it to her advantage. She played a crucial role in her team’s victory over 540 VB 16 Elite with her offensive prowess.
Alyssa Kato Roots OH 16-1 Green: Kato showcases not only a high volleyball IQ but also a positive demeanor on the court. Her agility and quick footwork allow her to fluidly shift between offensive and defensive roles, maintaining a strong presence throughout the match. Kato’s dynamic play was instrumental in securing crucial points for her team, highlighting her all-around impact on the game.
Heidi Bergfeld OH/ L Roots 16-1 Green: Bergfeld is a highly strategic player. In the first set against Pursuit 16 National, she adeptly identified numerous openings on the court, demonstrating that scoring points doesn’t always require sheer power. Bergfeld capitalized with shots down the line, sharp angles, and over the block, constantly varying her offensive tactics at the net to keep her opponents guessing.
Alta Wilson OPP 16-1 Green: Wilson’s left-handed hitting provides her with a distinct edge on the court, frequently surprising Pursuit 16 National and securing numerous points. She exhibits smooth, well-rounded skills, excelling in defense and passing, which make her pivotal in both offensive and defensive strategies.
Madison Pridon S Mizuno M1 16-1: Pridon was the pivotal force that unified the team, showing relentless determination and leadership on the court. Her skill in transforming every play into a scoring chance, whether with precise sets or strategic decisions, played a crucial role in the team’s victory over Athena VB 16-1 Gold.
Camryn Taczyk MB Mizuno M1 16-1: Taczyk maintains a determined demeanor throughout the match, consistently delivering with precision. She demonstrates a strong connection with her setter and boasts a quick arm swing, contributing steadily.
Kamree Orizotti S Athena VB 16-1 Gold: Orizotti is a skilled setter who brings a positive attitude to the court and communicates exceptionally well with her hitters. She kicked off the second set with a strategic dump over the middle block. Her positive attitude and clear guidance enhance team cohesion and effectiveness on the court.
Gabriella Thompson OH Athena VB 16-1 Gold: Thompson is a dynamic attacker, combining speed, explosive power, and exceptional arm reach. Her athleticism shines brightly in the match against Mizuno M1 161, allowing her to execute each play with remarkable force and precision. Additionally, she made some crucial digs in the middle back in the second set. She demonstrates exemplary sportsmanship throughout the entire match, contributing significantly to her team’s success on the court.
Abigail Watts DS Sandhills Volleyball Club: Watts consistently maintains an athletic stance, always poised to make plays and adept at reading the game. She excels at covering the court and possesses a solid foundation for her platform on serve receive. She played a pivotal role in leading her team to victory over CVC 16 Black.
Kailah Harris OPP Sandhills Volleyball Club: Harris exhibits her strength on the right side by consistently overpowering blocks with her powerful swings. She attacks with confidence, showcasing her offensive prowess. In addition to her attacking abilities, Harris establishes a solid block against CVC 16 Black. Her performance makes her a formidable presence at the net.
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Kennedy Cummins L MVSA 16 Sparks: Cummins demonstrated exceptional service reception, passing with precision in the first set against SoCal VBC 16-Beacons. Her relentless hustle was evident as she refused to let any ball drop without making a determined effort to dig it. Cummins made numerous hard-driven digs in the match verse MVSA 16 Sparks against the pin hitter. She embodies the type of Libero you want on your team.
Sara Foster OH MVSA 16 Sparks: Foster is a savvy volleyball player, adept at exploiting defensive gaps and using the block strategically. Her agility and quick footwork enable seamless transitions between offense and defense, maintaining a dominant presence throughout the match and consistently earning points for her team.
Blair Gardiner S SoCal 16 Beacons: Gardiner is a strong leader on the court, effectively managing momentum and uplifting her teammates. She keeps opponents guessing by showcasing great control and frequently changing up the offense in the game against MVSA 16 Sparks. Gardiner is quick to react, and not to mention, she made a pancake in the opening of the second set. She excels in court coverage during defensive plays.
Mia Fornasiero MB SoCal 16 Beacons: Fornasiero demonstrates exceptional lateral movement and stays a step ahead of the game, effectively closing her blocks with impeccable timing. This ensures she shuts down hitters and limits their options, significantly enhancing your team’s defensive strength in their match against MVSA 16 Sparks. Her skill in disrupting plays also contributes to smoother transitions throughout the game.
Mia Crowley OH TAV Houston 16 Adidas: Crowley demonstrates a dynamic approach, playing a fast-paced offense and effectively maneuvering past blocks during her attacks. She executes a powerful angled shot against 1st Alliance 16 Silver, showcasing her ability to make quick decisions, utilize a rapid arm swing, and deliver a strong snap to score points decisively. Her impactful performance makes her a key player on the court.
Cali Reece L TAV Houston 16 Adidas: Reece impressively covers her hitters, executing exceptional ups and demonstrating remarkable ability and balance to dig low on the ground during defensive plays. Her solid platform on serve receive stands out and she is able to keep her team running in-system plays. She has the ability to make incredible one-arm digs, showcasing her all-around defensive skills in the match against 1st Alliance 16 Silver.
Arianna Muoneke MB TAV Houston 16 Adidas: Muoneke brings intense energy and fire to the court against 1st Alliance 16 Silver. She serves as an offensive powerhouse for her team in the middle, getting on top of the ball and delivering crushing hits with her powerful arm swing.
