17U Tri-Match: CORE, Xtreme, EVA
Core Volleyball hosted a tri-match scrimmage this past weekend (January 9th) to shake the rust off after NJ sports were paused for all of December. Xtreme 17 National came out undefeated against Core 17 Platinum and EVA 17-1 thanks to…
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Continue ReadingCore Volleyball hosted a tri-match scrimmage this past weekend (January 9th) to shake the rust off after NJ sports were paused for all of December. Xtreme 17 National came out undefeated against Core 17 Platinum and EVA 17-1 thanks to key players like Victoria Latino 6’ OH/RS, Taylor Grady 5’6” S/DS, and Vendela Moyer 5’7 OH/S/DS.
CORE 17 Platinum vs. Xtreme 17 National
Xtreme cinched this match in the first two sets; they finished 25-16 and 25-14 respectively. The teams played a third set which Xtreme took 15-13.
Core started this match off strong. Right away they show off with a terrific serve receive and they immediately run a nice high right side ball to Mackenzie Brownlie. It is returned with difficulty and Core again runs their offense, this time using middle Devin Roskoph to run a 31 for the kill. When a team is able to use a fast offense right off the bat, it signifies their confidence more than anything. They must get these reps a lot in practice and it shows most with setter Anna Nelson as she commands a strong offense. A sturdy libero such as Rachel Gatto balances this out and keeps them in system.
Core pushed hard against Xtreme, keeping them out of rhythm for the beginning 20 points or so, but eventually, Xtreme found their footing. After tying the first set up at 11-11, Xtreme woke up. Core was controlling the pace of the game with their ball control and scrappy defense, but Xtreme’s advantage is in their height and strength. Once key players found their confidence the team fell into place. Their blockers caught up with Core’s fast attacks and shut them down more and more. Hitters started swinging hard both over and through the block as well, dismantling Core’s defense. Set one ended with a score of 25-16 Xtreme and they brought this momentum into the following two sets for the win.
Core 17 Platinum vs. EVA 17-1
Core went immediately into their second match of the day to face off with EVA. The two teams played a close match with some long, athletic rallies. EVA’s number 1 is tall with long arms and often reached over the block. She had a few killer line shots as well that gave Core some trouble. On the right side was lefty number 5 that also put the pressure on.
Core struggled with some missed serves but kept running their fast offense all the same and it often paid off. Just like with Xtreme, EVA has a tall blocking force, so Core needed to keep beating them with their quick offense. Since EVA ran a rotational defense, Core’s tendency to swing to deep six was an advantage as that spot was often left open. Core took the first set 25-23. They built off of this momentum to take the second set 25-18.
We saw Core make use of more hitting options in the third set, often running their back row and high pin sets. This was likely due to some fatigue since this was their sixth set in a row, but it was executed well nonetheless. After a hard-fought third set, Core finished over EVA 15-11.
Xtreme 17 National vs. EVA 17-1
Xtreme started this match with a solid serve receive and a quick run to the middle in a 31 for the kill. EVA was definitely a little tired after their match with Core, but they were still playing hard. Xtreme definitely made use of the time off to rest because they came back and played tight. Even so, EVA took an early lead in the single digits. They tightened the match up to tie at 15 – 15 and go point for point until Xtreme took over in the early twenties and won the set 25 – 21. They replicated their victory for a second set score of 25-21 as well. After being two sets down, EVA came out hard in the third set. Number five ran a quick ball on the right side and slammed that sucker down hard. With a bunch of quick, fierce attacks, EVA came out to take the final set of the day 15-13.