Must Watch Team: VCN 17 Elite

One of the front runners in the 17 open division of the President’s Day Classic in Omaha is VCN 17 Elite. Stacked with 2019 and 2020 recruits and just all-around volleyball players, this team is exciting to watch. If you are in the CenturyLink Center tomorrow morning, head on over to court 29 to see some of the elite volleyball players Nebraska has to offer.

#79 – Kyla Swanson (MH): The #1 recruit in the class of 2019 and Illinois commit is establishing her presence at the net more and more aggressively as the season gets rolling. Swanson had 3 kills in their second pool play game today, and was a solid presence at the net. This middle hitter may have the most potential of any hitter in the state, she will only continue to get better.

#44 – Kalynn Meyer (MH): Meyer, a Nebraska commit and 2020 #1 recruit, has recently joined this team of talented players, and didn’t skip a beat when establishing her own identity. It looked today as if she had been swinging off of these setters for well longer than a month and a half. Meyer had 4 blocks and 4 kills in the match against Junior Bison Volleyball Club 17U Gold. A definite “must-see” at this tournament.

#46 – Kelsie Cada (OH): Another top recruit in the 2019 class, Cada looked solid on the first day of the tournament. The outside hitter possessed skills of an elite all-around volleyball player by swinging efficiently in the front row and playing consistent defense in the back. No matter the score, this outside hitter’s aggressive attitude on offense makes her extremely fun to watch. She makes good things happen and led the team in kills with 7 against Junior Bison Volleyball Club 17U Gold. 

#68 – Delaney Humm (OH): Opposite Cada, Delaney Humm is under-ranked at #38 in her class as she possess the same type of all around skills as Cada. In the second pool play game, Humm led the team in aces with 2, had 5 kills and 4 digs. Talk about a player that does it all. 

#78 – Alexandra Lemke (RS/S): One of three setters on the team, Lemke, a Drake commit, runs an efficient offense. Usually setting from the back row and hitting in the front, she led the team in assists with 13 in the second round pool play game and had 6 digs. This lefty can crush from the right side and set a consistent ball to any of the offensive weapons this team has to offer.

#43 – Alyssa Rezac (RS/S): Perhaps undersized for a setter/RS, Rezac plays big. Her grit on defense and hustle to get to balls passed off the net with her hands is impressive and boasts her experience at her position. The recent Northwest Missouri State commit had 4 assists and 4 digs in set one against Junior Bison Volleyball Club 17U Gold. 

#42 – Rhianna Wilhelm (RS/S): Another 2020 recruit, Wilhelm adds yet another dimension to the offense of this team. The sophomore fits in with the upperclassman that make up the majority of her team by distributing the ball with purpose and strong hands. Wilhelm had 3 assists in the second set of the match against Junior Bison Volleyball Club 17U Gold.

#45 – Emma Gabel (L): Gabel looked impressive in the team’s second match of the day. There is no doubt that she is one of the best liberos in the tournament with consistent serve receive and a defensive range that is impressive, and still increasing. Gabel also adds another dimension to the team in that her out-of-system setting to either pin was spot on in the team’s second match today. The out-of-system setting responsibilities a libero has is often underrated, but can make a team’s offense absolutely lethal. Gabel had 6 digs in the two-set match. 

#77 – Elly Larson (OH) is currently out due to an injury, but when/if she is able to return this season, she will be yet another offensive threat for this top-tier team. For now, she is the team’s #1 fan on the sidelines!