Standout Performances from an Instant Classic Rivalry Match

Norris versus Waverly. It’s a volleyball rivalry synonymous with close battles and thrilling finishes. Tuesday’s match was no different. The two teams exchanged huge swings throughout the five-set gauntlet. Each side produced clutch scoring runs when the stakes were highest. And, in the end, the home-standing Titans were victorious, 3-2. Amid the roaring crowd and infectious energy, I saw some outstanding performances across these two talented rosters. Few words can do justice to this incredible match, but I can at least give you some names that stood out! Here’s a look at some notable efforts from a Tuesday night to remember!   [player_tooltip player_id="82269" first="Sydney" last="Jelinek"] - 5’10 OH/MB - Norris - Class of 2022 Jelinek is one of several Titan hitters who can swing from anywhere along the net. I saw this junior hitter terminate on the slide and from either pin on the outside. This Norris roster is defined by players who can do anything to help their team succeed. In Jelinek’s case, I liked her swings on the left pin most of all. She took some seriously assertive swings late in the match that gave the Titans a huge boost. Her impact is undeniable. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> [player_tooltip player_id="82269" first="Sydney" last="Jelinek"] with another hammer on the outside!<a href="https://x.com/NorrisTitanVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NorrisTitanVB</a> closing in on a set 3 victory! <a href="https://t.co/v9g3lE3yx9">pic.x.com/v9g3lE3yx9</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1306039810621087744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="37542" first="Ella" last="Waters"] - 6’2 RS/OH - Norris - Class of 2022 What a breakout performance from the junior opposite. Waters was the unquestioned leader of the Norris attack on Tuesday night. She can hit over, through, and around tough blocks from teams like Waverly. This elite prospect looks comfortable on either pin and can also handle quick tempo sets from [player_tooltip player_id="37546" first="Maisie" last="Boesiger"]. Her high ceiling and work ethic will be an irreplaceable asset for the Titans moving forward. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Great rhythm to the right pin. [player_tooltip player_id="37546" first="Maisie" last="Boesiger"] to [player_tooltip player_id="37542" first="Ella" last="Waters"]! <a href="https://t.co/R5Z2Gt4rhm">pic.x.com/R5Z2Gt4rhm</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1306037655449280513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="59203" first="Gracie" last="Kircher"] - 5’11 RS/MB - Norris - Class of 2023 We’re not done talking about breakout performances. Kircher was a stunningly effective do-it-all player for Norris. Like Jelinek, Kircher can play middle or on the pin. She has a great swing from any position, and she will only continue to develop. And, most importantly, Kircher had back-to-back stuff blocks in the decisive fifth set that had the whole gym rocking. The future is bright for this sophomore. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> [player_tooltip player_id="59203" first="Gracie" last="Kircher"] with some HUGE blocks in the fifth for <a href="https://x.com/NorrisTitanVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NorrisTitanVB</a>! <a href="https://t.co/VBnrnK100V">pic.x.com/VBnrnK100V</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1306050382691536896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="103068" first="Mackenzie" last="Scurto"] - 5’8 RS - Waverly - Class of 2021 Scurto was one of many emotional leaders in this match. She put together a reliable, low-error attack on the right pin. You have to take note of players like Scurto, because the effort she displays on the court is incredibly valuable to her team. She works hard in transition, always making herself available to spread the offense around. Her blocks, too, provided a big lift for the Vikings late in the match. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> [player_tooltip player_id="103068" first="Mackenzie" last="Scurto"] with a huge block for <a href="https://x.com/Waverlyvikesvb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Waverlyvikesvb</a>! <a href="https://t.co/RXXc1qblvh">pic.x.com/RXXc1qblvh</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1306038790851563520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="103605" first="Taylor" last="Kudym"] - 5’11 MB - Waverly - Class of 2021 Kudym is another Viking senior who had big moments in the spotlight on Tuesday night. She’s the perfect compliment to Waverly’s other middle, Nebraska commit [player_tooltip player_id="37528" first="Bekka" last="Allick"]. Kudym elevates well when attacking in front of her setter and can rip the ball down. Her length made her a formidable blocker against those strong Norris hitters. This middle’s leadership will be key in helping Waverly get back on track as they hunt for a Class B title. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Senior middle [player_tooltip player_id="103605" first="Taylor" last="Kudym"] finishes a nice rally! <a href="https://t.co/dI7KqvKWSu">pic.x.com/dI7KqvKWSu</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1306037112215687171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>