The results were all over the place as the 16 Open competition began four days of play at the USAV Girls Junior National Championships in Chicago. That’s not unusual given the high-caliber clubs in attendance, all of which are vying for a gold medal. The only way to make that happen is to break the first round of pool play.
While not all of the top teams made it through the opening day unscathed, none appear in trouble barring the unexpected on Day 2. At the same time, a couple of lower-seeded teams made noise and are in position to advance.
One of which is Madfrog 16 Green, which went 3-0 as the No. 25 overall seed. Madfrog, which is ranked No. 27 in our Top 50 National Rankings, not only went undefeated on the first day, it didn’t even drop a set in sweeping Legacy 16-1 Adidas, Wave 16 Kevin and OT 16 JP. All three opponents are higher up in our national rankings, so it was truly an impressive effort. Madfrog didn’t earn its bid until late, picking it up at the Far Western national qualifier and avoiding the stress of the at-large process.
Another team coming out of the gates strong was AVC Cle 16 Red, which is the No. 28 overall seed and also ranked No. 28 in the nation. AVC opened up with a sweep over AAU 16 Open silver medalist and an at-large recipient here in Mich Elite 16 Mizuno. AVC then outlasted OT 16 Roberto in three before falling to Nebraska One 16 Synergy and ending up 2-1.
Two of the pools were more topsy-turvy than the rest. One was Pool 2, where Surfside 16 PV Legends, the No. 2 overall seed, lost to Tribe 16 Elite Cardinal and is 2-1. Tribe, meanwhile, had a great start in going 3-0. Not only did Tribe upend Surfside, Tribe also took down AAU 16 Open gold medalist Adidas KiVA 16 Red, as well as MAVS KC 16-1. KiVA, Surfside and Austin Skyline 16 Royal are all tied at 2-1 heading into the second day of play. MAVS and Triangle 16 Black are both 0-3 and have lots of work to do to make it out ahead of any of those four.
Pool 4, which featured AVC, was wild as well, where No. 4 overall Hou Skyline 16 Royal lost to Mich Elite and is in a four-way tie at 2-1 with Nebraska One, Mich Elite and AVC. After falling to AVC, Mich Elite responded emphatically with huge victories over Nebraska One and Hou Skyline. It figured the one match Mich Elite needed to win on Day 1 was against AVC and after falling to AVC was in serious trouble. Yet, Mich Elite came alive to help create the havoc.
Teams yet to lose include 1st Alliance 16 Gold, Madfrog, Tribe, Drive Nation 16 Red, Circle City 16 Purple, HJV 16 Elite, A5 16 Gabe and Arizona Storm 16 Thunder.
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By Christine Phillips
The air in the gym was palpable with anticipation as the last wave of the USAV National Championships kicked off Monday. It was a day brimming with electric energy and anticipation, as athletes from across the nation gathered to battle it out on the court. From the very first serve the competition was fierce. And true to the nature of any sports event, the day was not without its fair share of unexpected upsets.
It was an absolute delight to witness standout performances from athletes like Sydni Vice from MJVA 16 Elite and Marin Collins, a recently committed athlete to Penn State, from Niagara Frontier 17 Navy. These formidable outside hitters displayed an incredible level of skill, power and finesse as they unleashed thunderous attacks and sent balls soaring across the court. Their relentless determination and unwavering focus captivated spectators, making for an exhilarating viewing experience. Additionally, Payton Petersen, a Louisville commit, showcased her exceptional talent on the outside with her powerful hits everywhere on the court. Another standout athlete was Elizabeth Andrew from ATHENA VB 17-1 Gold, whose undeniable prowess and command of the game made her an absolute force to be reckoned with. Her ability to dominate the court with her exceptional skills and unwavering confidence was fun to watch. The convention center was filled with a multitude of talented athletes who contributed to the electrifying atmosphere, making it an unforgettable and thrilling experience for all who had the pleasure of watching.
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By Chris Tobolski and Christine Phillips
16s DAY 1 SHOW STOPPERS
Zoey Matias L Tribe 16 Elite Cardinal: Matias – a 4-star recruit – is a thrill to watch. She’s totally under control and seemingly always positioned in the right spot. She’s a lights-out passer and plays all-out in her defensive efforts.
Olivia Moffett S CoJrs 16Kaleena: Moffett is a hard working and intense setter with a clean release and soft touch. She also adds a sizable wall at the net defensively.
Karsyn Fetzer OH NORCO 16 Black: Fetzer, an undersized outside, jumps well and has a quick arm that helps her beat the block.
Sydni Vice OH MJVA 16 Elite: A 4-star recruit, Vice takes huge swings everywhere on the court. She has a high contact which makes it hard for defenses to control.
Amanda Naipo OH Hawaiian Style 16-Black: Naipo is smart, scrappy and has a wicked snap when she is attacking.
Cali Eastling OH Wisconsin Ice 16 National: Eastling is an undersized six-rotation outside who is incredibly smart. She knows how to collect points with shots or swings.
Ava Dickerson MB Blue Ridge 16 Blue: Dickerson, an undersized middle, was active in her role and was working hard to make herself available. She is also a defensive weapon at the net.
Ada McCoy OH Blue Ridge 16 Blue: McCoy is a hard-swinging outside who jumps well and can bring the heat.
Kaytlin Johnson OH TK 16 Soar: Johnson can swing with authority on the pins and brings incredible fire to the court.
Camille Schiralli OH SOSVBC 16 National: Schiralli brings an energy and competitiveness to the court along with being a consistent six-rotation player.
Naya Salfiti RS Madfrog 16 Green: As we mentioned, Madfrog had a great day with a 3-0 showing. Salfiti is a big-time threat on the right side. She’s a tall lefty who extends and can rip it with plenty of pace.
Maddie Smotherman Madfrog 16 Green: Smotherman was playing her role in helping Madfrog go 3-0. She was a defensive stalwart who didn’t blink or back down against the big hitters coming her way.
Kristen Simon L Adidas KiVA 16 Red: Simon – a 4-star recruit – is a terrific libero. She’s capable of passing half the court in serve receive plus she’s vocal and defends with a passion.
Kayla Channell MB AVC Cle 16 Red: Channell was strong on the middle attack. She’s lanky with a really good arm and helps open the attack. In a pinch, she’s also able to shift to the outside, as we’ve seen earlier this season.
