Setting the Standard at MEQs: 16 Open
Behind every elite hitter there’s the trailblazer that puts the ball in motion. The caliber of talent at the Mid-East Qualifiers proved just how game-changing a setter can be. The pool of setters in the 16 Open really raised the…
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Continue ReadingBehind every elite hitter there’s the trailblazer that puts the ball in motion. The caliber of talent at the Mid-East Qualifiers proved just how game-changing a setter can be. The pool of setters in the 16 Open really raised the bar of competition and then some.
The 16 Open saw Dynasty 16 Black take the ultimate crown and a bid for July. Somehow going 10-0 on the weekend, Dynasty was on point all weekend especially with such a stacked field of competition.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the setters setting the standard in the 16 Open at MEQs.
Juliana Horta (2024) | 5’10 S | NC Academy
To really make an impact on any team, especially in the position of a setter, you have to be fierce and loud. Juliana Horta was a natural leader on the court this weekend. With a great court presence and vocal leader for NC Academy, Horta was a joy to watch throughout the weekend. She’s fast to the ball and can be quite deceptive when she calls her own number on two.
Abby Yoder (2024) | 5’9 S | NKYVC
NKYVC was a fun team to watch throughout the weekend. A group filled with some dynamic athletes, it is no surprise they finished in the top 5 of the qualifier. It even less shocking when you see Abby Yoder in action. Yoder plays a very smooth and composed game and has great ball placement.
Lilly Wagner (2024) | 6’0 S | MKE Sting
One of my new favorite players to watch in any position, Lilly Wagner had my expectations high coming into the weekend, and she more than delivered. She has a great demeanor on the court and she runs a well oiled machine. Wagner has great timing when feeding the hot hand and came up timely with her dumps on two.
A @lillywagner26 dump >>> anything else 😍 #MEQs @stingvb1988 @sting_gold pic.twitter.com/LVykFQth3u
— Line Shot Volleyball (@LineShotVBall) March 26, 2022
Chloe Hokenson (2024) | 6′ S | VA Elite
Like in the opening every great hitter is a great setter, Chloe Hokenson fits the bill quite well. Hokenson has a great approach to the setter position. She runs a faster offense and maintains a consistent location throughout. Her connection with Zoe Strachan this weekend was quite something to watch, Hokenson’s comfortability going against the grain and Strachan’s strong south paw created a lot of problems for opponents.
Emery Moore (2024) | 5’10 S | Circle City
Finishing within the top ten of this tournament is no easy task, given this stacked field, and Emery Moore was great leading her team there this weekend. Moore is consistent and poised on the court. She runs a very balanced offense that sees the tempo stepping up a notch, but with great delivery throughout.
Reese Messer (2025) | 5’11 S | Dynasty
I refuse to believe this player is only a freshman. Reese Messer is a big time athlete that’s just getting started, but already so good. There’s no wonder how Dynasty won the Mid-East Qualifier when they have this as their setter. Messer runs a very smooth, balanced offense and when you least expect it, she’ll call her own number!
Reese Messer of @dynastyvbc with the dump on two to catch Legacy on their heels!!! #MEQs pic.twitter.com/O4INilPSU1
— Line Shot Volleyball (@LineShotVBall) March 26, 2022
Calli Kenny (2024) | 5’9 S | 1st Alliance
Taking her team to the championship match is a great feat and well expected after watching Calli Kenny in action. A player who moves well around the court, she makes the game look so easy. Kenny likes to run a diverse offense, getting everyone involved. You never know who she’ll call on.
Lea Gage (2024) | 5’10 S | L2
Lea Gage had another good outing this weekend for L2. A consistent hand in the game, she was never too off base with her delivery throughout the weekend. Gage showcased a great connection with her pins this weekend once again, but also saw improvement with her middles.
Lucy Mott (2024) | 6’0 S | Legacy
A name very familiar, but always impresses, nonetheless. Lucy Mott had another solid showing in Indianapolis. She’s a player that can better any ball and had to do a lot of that this weekend. Dealing with some passing woes throughout the weekend, Mott was able to keep up a well oiled machine.
Janelle Green (2024) | 5’10 S | KC Power
A huge driving force to KC Power’s third place finish came from the hands of Janelle Green. An outstanding setter, what caught my eye even further was her defense. I would argue Green was one of the best defensive setters on the weekend. Green made some great plays on the ball whether it was in her first contact or second.
Mya Ball (2024) | 6’1 S/OPP | Team Pineapple
Mya Ball was a fun player to watch throughout the weekend. Doubling as an opposite in the front row, to a setter in the back, Ball was solid throughout. As a setter, Ball was having great success with her hitters all weekend. Ball runs her game very steady with consistent delivery.