MEQ Wrap: Top Performing Ohio Teams
As we are in the heart of qualifying season, here is how some of Ohio’s top teams fared at the Mideast Qualifier in the open division. 18 Open Ohio was represnted well in the final standings of 18 Open. Tri-State…
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Continue ReadingAs we are in the heart of qualifying season, here is how some of Ohio’s top teams fared at the Mideast Qualifier in the open division.
18 Open
Ohio was represnted well in the final standings of 18 Open. Tri-State Elite claimed a 3rd place finish earning a bid to the USA Volleyball GJNC. This is a complete team with some of the best competitive talent in Ohio, including Prep Dig’s top prospect in the class of 2021, Emma Grome Emma Grome 5'9" | S St. Ursula | 2021 State OH (Kentucky). AVC CLE Rox 18 Red was to top finishing team in 18 Open with a 5th place showing. This team has great arsenal that includes the likes of Emmy Klika (Pitt), Jen Sivak Jen Sivak 6'0" | MB Riverside | 2021 State OH (Bucknell), Kate Mihacevich Kate Mihacevich 6'0" | OH Padua Fransiscan | 2021 State OH (Nova Southeastern). Elevation 18 Goller was the other Ohio team to finish in the top 10 in 9th place. Megan Wielonski Megan Wielonski 5'10" | S Mount Notre Dame | 2021 State OH (Ball State) and Emory Spitler (Marietta College) are two of the best setters in this class as one is a state champion from Mount Notre Dame and the other is the ECC Player of the Year. They are a complementary pair that can create good balance and tempo in their offense. One of their biggest offensive weapons is Carly Hendrickson Carly Hendrickson 6'2" | OH Mount Notre Dame | 2022 State #25 Nation OH (Florida commit) as the all-everything pin is a big match-up issue for most teams.
17 Open
Mintonette M.71 finished with a 4-4 overall record and a 9th place overall finish to claim the best result among Ohio teams in this division. Jonna Spohn is a libero prospect to keep your eye on as she is dynamic and efficient. Middle Eloise Brandewie is 6’3 and athletic. She has good quickness off the floor and plays aggressively above the net with her arm. Kaleigh Palmer is a 2023 prospect with great length at 6’4 and continues to develop her versatility to score on quick tempo options in the middle as well as utilizing her reach and contact point on the pin. Caroline Speelman Caroline Speelman 6'0" | OH Big Walnut | 2022 State OH is a recent commit for Xaviery University and has good physicality as a pin attacker as she elevates well and has good arm control to score with power or finesse. Brenna Kauffeld Brenna Kauffeld 5'9" | OH Teays Valley | 2022 State OH is another pin attacker with athleticism and scored her share of points from the left side.
16 Open
AVC CLE Rox 16 Red lost a heartbreaker of a match in the Gold pool to advance to the Gold bracket. The eventual champion (KC Power) defeated them 2-1 with a 16-14 third set result. This team finished 5th overall after a very competitive weekend and a 6-2 overall record. To complement their tough serve and pass game, this team has a solid trio of pin attackers in Kira Holland Kira Holland 6'0" | OH Medina | 2023 State OH , Lauren Janosy, and Anna Rarick Anna Rarick 6'1" | RS Gilmour Academy | 2023 State OH . All three can swing for points as well as contribute in other critical areas at the net or with ball control and defense in the back row when needed. Laney Klika Laney Klika 5'7" | DS/L Gilmour Academy | 2023 State #178 Nation OH brings a steady presence at the libero role while Lauren Yacobucci has shown great floor leadership and composure in her ability to direct their offense. Elevation 16 Butcher finished in 9th place and is led by Mya White Mya White 6'1" | OH Lebanon | 2024 State OH , Ninah Miranda, and Audrey Armbruster on the pins, and Ava Wolfer Ava Wolfer 5'7" | DS/L MND | 2023 State OH as the libero.
15 Open
AVC CLE Rox 15 Red finished 5th overall with a 5-3 record, including going 1-1 in the Goold pool play round. Maverick Elite 15-Smack finished 9th overall with a 4-4 record.