ASICS Challenge: Skutt Catholic Represents Nebraska Far Beyond Volleyball Skill
I have seen Nebraska club volleyball at the highest level. No matter what event it may be, there are some commonalities between all of the clubs with their style of play, how they conduct themselves from their body language to how they play the game. There is a special sense of speed, intensity, and an overall high IQ of the game. I was so excited to see Skutt Catholic compete against some of the best in the country. I went in with high expectations for Skutt, but left the Asics Challenge for a whole new appreciation for what Skutt Catholic was able to do and what they represent with what I know is “Nebraska High School Volleyball”.
The Balance
Skutt has Lindsay Krause who just finished with the US Youth National Team and Allie Gray, a do it all type setter who is committed to Arizona State. They are so fun to watch from their athleticism to the passion they play with every single point. However, to be at this high of a level as a team, it takes everyone. Outside hitter, Megan Skovsende, was on fire Friday night scoring points in big moments. Middle blockers Cameron Cartwright and Ava Heyne play with such a high motor and do whatever the team needs at the time if its a timely block or a quick swing in the middle. Abby Schomers on the right side is such a spark plug with her block and just as high on her celebration as she does when she blocks. The defensive play of Bre Skala and other defensive specialists throughout the weekend was a gamechanger, they just find a way to get it done.
@SkuttCatholicVB defeats Assumption (KY) to advance to the 🏆🏆🏆 of the #ASICSChallenge – this is a HUGE win! Assumption is ranked in the top 20 nationally. pic.twitter.com/y9ZTWZKNqx
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) October 5, 2019
The Positive Body Language
From the warmups, timeouts, and everything in between – everyone is engaged. They smile on the court, they high five whether it’s after a mistake or a score, and the key to being able to consistently produce and play efficiently is they never get too high or low emotionally, they play the plateau. The same goes for head coach, Renee Saunders, and her staff. Coach Saunders is always composed, no matter what the score is, she and her staff have the same demeanor where they are teaching, instructing, and encouraging. All teams have positive body language when they are winning, but to have the same type of body language through all any situation is so tough, but the teams who can do it are usually the ones who are in a league of their own.
The Tempo
Everything is done with speed. From their substitutions running up to enter the game to the quick sets in the middle. There is just a certain tempo all around they play with where they are comfortable and it’s easy for the other side of the net to feel like they are in a whirlwind. A saying that I probably overuse is, “Speed doesn’t slump”. There may be times where the execution just might not be on point, or the swings are missing just out – thats volleyball. But one variable that can be controlled is the speed at which everything is done. Over time this will wear an opponent out and when teams make this a habit….watch out!
The Passion
I’ve seen this at the club level from Nebraska teams competing in events all over the Midwest. They celebrate, they smile, and they love to play the game. This is what’s special, this is what makes it fun to watch, that’s what makes “Nebraska Volleyball”. I have covered volleyball pretty heavily in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa – I see a lot of variety across these states, but something that doesn’t change is how much fun it is to watch athletes who genuinely love playing together and playing the game the right way. Skutt Catholic did everything they could and more at the Asics Challenge. Of course, they have the skills, but their intangibles are what sets them apart from some of the other top teams in the country and are one piece of what is something special in “Nebraska Volleyball”.
Lot of great celebrations from @SkuttCatholicVB at the ASICS Challenge this weekend. More action and celebration shots on our new Prep Dig Illinois Facebook Page! https://t.co/3APJaNFRy9 pic.twitter.com/iRCgD0xUcZ
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) October 7, 2019