Badger Qualifier Recap
Teams in the 15’s through 18’s age groups took to the court at the Milwaukee Sting Center this past weekend to battle for a bid to the USAV Girls Junior National Championship being held later this year. Girl’s 12’s-17’s groups…
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Continue ReadingTeams in the 15’s through 18’s age groups took to the court at the Milwaukee Sting Center this past weekend to battle for a bid to the USAV Girls Junior National Championship being held later this year. Girl’s 12’s-17’s groups and will descend upon Indianapolis in late June and July, while the 18’s divisions will compete in Dallas, Texas in late April.
Three bids were handed out at the 18’s level, one National and two American bids; while two bids (one National and one American bid) were earned at each the 15’s, 16’s, and 17’s levels. Sting 18 Gold also earned an Open Bid at the Beast of the Southeast Tournament held this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.
Let’s recap the Badger Qualifier this past weekend:
18’s Division
National Bid: Capital 18 Adidas
This Capital team has a lot of grit. I had the opportunity to see them play for the first time at the Nike President’s Day Classic in Saint Louis a few weekends ago. The offensive and defensive power on this team are amazing. On their road to winning the Badger Qualifier, they took out 1W 18 National and Elite, Southwest 18-1, Sting 18-Black and ultimately Motion 18 Blue in the championships.
Libero, Sarah Malone (Prep Dig Rank #52, Uncommitted) is an all-around great passer but excels on serve receive. She also has a wicked serve and is a great leader on the court. Sopheea Mink (Prep Dig Rank #14, Committed to High Point University) is a powerful 6-rotation outside who has a huge impact on the court. Ashley East (Prep Dig Rank #50, Uncommitted) is extremely smart in scramble plays and knows how to put a ball down. Powerhouse middle Kiana Schmitt (Prep Dig Rank #1, Committed to Creighton) is nearly unstoppable on offense and puts up a solid block. Matison Jakscht (Prep Dig Rank #90, Committed to UW-Milwaukee) is a DS/Libero who rounds out this extremely talented team. Bailey Neuberger (Prep Dig Rank #27, Committed to Southern Illinois) is an overall talented athlete and a powerhouse on the pins.
American Bid: Motion Volleyball Program 18 Blue
This Motion team is dynamic. Athletes take on several different roles on the team as needed. Their hard work and resiliency played off this weekend at the qualifier where they beat Wisconsin Premier, Southwest, 1W 18-1 and 1W 18 National before taking their only loss to Capital.
With athletes like Anna Nerad (Prep Dig Rank #25, Committed to South Dakota State), Abbie Becker (Committed to Concordia), Hannah Brown (Prep Dig Rank #38, Committed to Bellarmine), and Rachel Roberts (Uncommitted) on offense and providing a stellar block, there isn’t much room for doubt on how talented this team is. Grace Sullivan (Committed to Aurora University) and Kierra Koepke (Committed to Trinity College) defend the backcourt and do a great job picking up tips and consistently putting up good passes on serve receive.
American Bid: One Wisconsin 18-1
This team is talented on all fronts. They have a powerful offense, stellar defense, and talented setters orchestrating the speed of the game. On day one of the qualifier, they beat Sting 18-Black, Sporting MKE, and EC Slam. On day two, they lost to Motion 18 Blue in the semi-final match but then went on to beat Southwest and 1W 18 National to earn their American Bid.
Outside Hitters Lily Welti (Prep Dig Rank #35, Committed to St. Louis University), Madie Crowley (Prep Dig Rank #57, Uncommitted) and Rachel Aasby (Prep Dig Rank #58, Committed to UW-Oshkosh) were instrumental in their teams success with smart plays, big hits, and overall consistency on the court. Middle hitters Cece Huhn (Prep Dig Rank #12, Committed to Northern Colorado) and Gabby Murray (Prep Dig Rank #34, Committed to Marist) put up strong blocks and sped up the offense with fast, powerful swings. Libero Makenna Krause (Prep Dig Rank #40, Committed to Creighton) had huge digs and stellar serve receive. This well-rounded team will be fun to watch as the season goes on.
17’s Division
National Bid: FC Elite 17 Navy
FC Elite did not drop a single set throughout their qualifier. They kept Wisconsin Premier under 10 points in the championship who in itself is a very talented team. The athletes on this FC Elite team are truly amazing. I am continually impressed by setters Rachael Bohlman (Prep Dig Rank #52, Uncommitted) and Kalli Mau (Prep Dig Rank #37, Uncommitted) who move the ball pin to pin from anywhere on the court. They also are overall great athletes and leaders. Libero Katharine Walch (Prep Dig Rank #24, Uncommitted) is a steady force in the back row. Outside hitters Katie DiRaimondo (Prep Dig Rank #26, Uncommitted) and Emma Oelhafen (Prep Dig Rank #41, Uncommitted) were key to their success this weekend, as were middle blockers Emma Wollert and Carlee Doering (Prep Dig Rank #57, Uncommitted). This was an amazing day of volleyball and this team should have massive success throughout their season.
American Bid: Wisconsin Premier 17 Teal
16’s Division
National Bid: FC Elite 16 Navy
I have given quite a bit of coverage to the FC Elite 16 Navy team this season. They have an energy about them that keeps me coming back. This team is as talented in the back row as it is in the back. Cora Behnke (Prep Dig Rank #5) is a fierce competitor with a fast and powerful swing. She also is exceptional on both defense and serve receive. Kiersten Kraus (Prep Dig Rank #27) and Brooke Bolwerk (Prep Dig Rank #15) are quick and run a fast offense. Emma Mans (Prep Dig Rank #20) has more power than most athletes her age, and those older than her as well. Libero Saige Damrow (Class of 2023) is a phenomenal libero who is nearly unstoppable and has a huge future in the sport of volleyball.
American Bid: Wisconsin Premier 16 Teal
Wisconsin Premier 16 Teal had to work hard for this bid, and they proved themselves at the qualifier this weekend. They beat Southport, 360 Southwest, and Fond Du Lac Fusion to earn their bid. The only loss was to FC Elite. Libero Kady Stigler (Prep Dig Rank #43) was instrumental in the teams wins throughout the day as were setters Brielle Lynde (Prep Dig Rank #132) and Lilly Behrendt (Prep Dig Rank #35).
15’s Division
National Bid: FC Elite 15 Navy
The offense and defense on this team are amazing. They have had an amazing run so far this season. Setter Emma Baierl (Prep Dig Rank #17) is a dedicated leader and is constantly learning and improving her team. Michaela Riege (Prep Dig Rank #36) crosses well in the back and gets a touch on every ball. Isabella Van Lannen is an outside hitter with a lot of firepower. Berkley Mischler (Prep Dig #15), Hannah Moe, and Natalie Johnston are powerful middles who are fast to the pins to block. Outside hitter Brianna Cantrell (Prep Dig Rank #6) is also extremely talented and has a vast array of shots.
American Bid: Wisconsin Premier 15 Teal
This is a team I cannot wait to watch develop throughout the season. Taylor Larson and Alyssa Gaeth are both on our Top 50 list for the Class of 2022. They have quite a talented roster of athletes and should have a great season! I cannot wait to catch their matches as the season continues.
It was a great weekend of volleyball and the Badger Region will be sending very talented teams to the Girls Junior National Championships this spring and summer.