Stand Out Teams and Players at the Juniors Grand Slam
The Juniors Grand Slam tournament is a great local tournament that is perfect for teams wrapping up their seasons or wanting to play a tournament before nationals. The tournament was held at the Wisconsin Center. Not only did players and…
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Continue ReadingThe Juniors Grand Slam tournament is a great local tournament that is perfect for teams wrapping up their seasons or wanting to play a tournament before nationals. The tournament was held at the Wisconsin Center. Not only did players and spectators experience great volleyball, but they also had to navigate three university graduations occurring at the same time as the tournament. It was a fun and lively weekend in downtown Milwaukee and a great weekend to watch volleyball!
Wisconsin Juniors 17-1
This is a dynamic team that won the 17/18 open division. They did not drop a single set and won several of their games quite handily. Emily Alan (Prep Dig Rank #22) is an impactful middle who has speed and is strong on both offense and defense. Fellow middle blocker Karina Leber (Prep Dig Rank #7, Committed to Colorado State) is extremely talented as well. Couple either of those middles with outside hitter Olivia Dir (Prep Dig Rank #13) and you have a nearly unstoppable front row.
Midwest Penguins 16 Black
Similar to the Juniors, Penguins did not drop a single set the entire tournament and kept several teams under 15 points. The team played as a cohesive unit and did not let up throughout the entire tournament. With Jordan Berglin’s (Prep Dig Rank #29) power and Abby Fregien’s (Prep Dig Rank #44) control, they dominated on the outside. Libero Abby Gardner (Prep Dig Rank #28) was assisted by outside hitter and defensive specialist Erica Canitz in the back row where they dominated throughout the tournament.
414 15 Elite
414 took the 15 Open division having only dropped one set. This team thrives on their speed and it shows when they play. They are a high energy team that never lets up. They are talented across the board and truly complement each other well. Outside hitter Ashley Habermehl has a great vertical and sees the court well. Fellow outside Grace Martens adjusts very well to off sets and puts a powerful hit into the court no matter where she is.
Midwest Penguins 14 Black
Now that we are nearing the end of the season, we are starting to look to the incoming freshman class! Penguins 14 Black competed at a high level and took first in the 14 Open division without dropping a set. Their middles provided big blocks and powerful hits. The team excelled on defense and moved the ball around well.
The Juniors Grand Slam was a fun event where a lot of athletes knew each other. You could see athletes of different clubs talking with each other which always makes a tournament have a fun vibe. Athletes and coaches seemed to enjoy the tournament and playing at a competitive level against mostly local teams.