Defensive Stalwarts at MEQs: 15/16 Open
It was the weekend to go bid hunting! Some of the biggest names from across the country were balling out at the Indiana Convention Center in the hopes of snagging a ticket to the 2022 national tournament. These players went…
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Continue ReadingIt was the weekend to go bid hunting! Some of the biggest names from across the country were balling out at the Indiana Convention Center in the hopes of snagging a ticket to the 2022 national tournament. These players went all out!
The 15 and 16 Open was on fire all weekend with relentless attackers, fierce blockers and defensive stalwarts. Dynasty dominated in both divisions going on a 19-1 record. But they had to go through the gauntlet to get to the championship. With some of these liberos, it’s quite a feat either team took the crown.
Here are some of the biggest defensive stalwarts in the 15 and 16 Open divisions.
Claire Luoma (2024) | 5’8 L | MKE Sting
There’s not enough good things you can say about this player. One of the top liberos on the weekend, Claire Luoma is huge for MKE Sting. The amount of ground she can reach is impressive with the way she reads the game. Luoma was constantly making huge plays that left your jaw on the floor.
How bout some ‘bro love!! @ClaireLuoma makes it look easy setting up Johnson 👌🏽 @stingvb1988 @sting_gold #MEQs pic.twitter.com/WgD7AC2pwi
— Line Shot Volleyball (@LineShotVBall) March 26, 2022
Keelea Alexander (2025) | 5’6 L | Dallas Skyline
Dallas Skyline’s Keelea Alexander was a great find from this weekend’s qualifier. As Texas has great reputation for producing powerhouse attackers, you should know they got some elite defenders. Alexander was making great defensive plays throughout the weekend and I was thoroughly impressed with her out of system ball.
Mckenna Payne (2025) | 5’7 L | Michigan Elite
She’s been making some noise for a while now and she’s just getting better and better with each viewing. Mckenna Payne had yet another great weekend in the off-color jersey. With a great eye for defense, Payne sees the game at a different level than most of her counterparts.
Kennedy Cherry (2025) | 5’6 L | Boiler Jrs
Kennedy Cherry was a lot of fun to watch at the libero position. She plays a very composed, solid game. Her platform is solid and can withstand the toughest of serves. Cherry’s overall reception movement was very clean, a receiver to avoid at all costs.
Bailey Sinish (2025) | 5’8 L | Team Pineapple
These Team Pineapple squads throughout the divisions were a blast to watch. The 15s squad was especially in large part to the play of Bailey Sinish. Sinish proved to be a worthy player to mention based on skill alone, she’s impressive. But what strikes you most is her leadership on the court. Sinish was quite vocal and making an impact in all aspects.
Callie Krueger (2025) | 5’5 L | Austin Skyline
Austin Skyline has a lot of fire power to their bench as they do a defensive dandy like Callie Krueger. Krueger was a key player for Skyline in their quest for a bid. She’s one of those ‘bros reliable for great court coverage and she delivers with her scrappiness.
Camryn Shelton (2024) | 5’7 L | CUVC
I didn’t get to watch much of Carolina Union, but what I did saw impressed me a lot. Camryn Shelton is a great defender for this east coast squad. Shelton had some great saves throughout the weekend and showed to take some heat. Her second ball setting was superb as well.
Catherine Hubiak (2024) | 5’7 L | Tribe
This Tribe squad is pretty stacked with some elite level athletes, Catherine Hubiak is one of those athletes. Just off the eye test, I can tell Hubiak is a highly efficient passer. She sees the trajectory of the incoming serve so well, there weren’t many serves throwing her off throughout the qualifier.
Bella Lee (2024) | 5’4 L | OTVA
Just as advertised, Bella Lee is that player. She can take the most powerful of swings, Lee can absorb the ball so well. If she isn’t already in the balls line of sight, she can get there quick. Lee just betters the ball. Whether it her first contact or an impressive out of system ball, it’s all good.
Alice Volpe (2024) | 5’4 L | Houston Juniors
The Texas girls did not disappoint this weekend. Alice Volpe is yet another big time libero from the Lone Star state to take on MEQs and impress. Volpe is a scrappy defender with some great saves throughout the weekend.