Show Me Qualifier Must-See Matchups: 17 Open
Let’s keep setting you up for this huge qualifier. In case you missed it, we’ve already covered so intriguing opening pool matchups in the 16 Open division of the Show Me Qualifier. Of course, we’re not about to stop there.…
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Continue ReadingLet’s keep setting you up for this huge qualifier.
In case you missed it, we’ve already covered so intriguing opening pool matchups in the 16 Open division of the Show Me Qualifier. Of course, we’re not about to stop there.
So, the previews are pushing ahead with Saturday pool action in 17 Open!
KC Power 17-1 vs. Illini Elite 17 Cardinal
The 17 Open division will feature plenty of matchups between big-time D1 talents. This is just one example.
KC Power is probably one of the favorites to snag an elusive Nationals bid in home territory this weekend. Texas-bound setter Ella Swindle still has a superior command of the offense, and having talented attacking options like Reagan Fox and Ava TeStrake doesn’t hurt, either.
Meanwhile, Illini Elite 17 Cardinal is fittingly led by a future Fighting Illini in Lily Barry, a six-rotation outside hitter whose backcourt skills garnered a lot of recruiting interest. Mallory Monahan will be another player to watch in the frontcourt.
MAVS KC 17-1 vs. Madfrog 17’s N Black
This will be an interesting early match to set the tone for both of these teams.
MAVS KC 17-1 doesn’t have the kind of pressure that some teams will be facing at Show Me. This talented group swiped an early Open bid at NLQ in Omaha, but don’t think I won’t enjoy watching this team compete once again. The combination of Logan Jones at setter, Reagan Barth and Betsy Goodenow on the pins, and Reagan Anderson at libero is just spectacular.
Show Me will provide my first extended look at Madfrog 17’s N Black in live competition. The middle blocker position is a big strength of this team with Madison Dyer and Trinity Blackwood holding things down at the net. Samantha Glenn is also the kind of springy outside hitter we’ve come to expect from a Madfrog team.
HPSTL 17 Royal vs. CoJrs 17Kevin
For some of the best uncommitted 2023s in Kansas City, keep an eye on these two teams.
HPSTL 17 Royal has a great chance to put its high-flying attack on display when it treks across the Show Me State for this qualifier. Emma Blaine brings some serious heat on the right pin, and Kylie Stehlin is quickly developing into a dominant force in the middle. Don’t overlook the backcourt, either, as Ella Gaona will keep things locked down back there.
Northern Lights 17-1 vs. Nebraska Elite 17 Vici
If you want a couple of teams that will surely be motivated this weekend, these two are a safe bet. Both are hungry for a bid.
Show Me might be the venue for Northern Lights 17-1 to find its stride. Ava Blascziek runs a quick offense that allows the Lights hitters to attack against some open nets. Tennessee commit Sydney Jaynes has repeatedly taken advantage of those opportunities out on the pin.
I’ve seen a lot from Nebraska Elite 17 Vici over the years, and this team has the talent to make a run at any time. You can add Morgan Burke to the list of setters to watch in this matchup. Samantha Laird leads the way on the left side and in serve receive, while a wealth of other attacking options will get a chance in the spotlight this weekend.
Mintonette m.71 vs. PVA 17 Elite
Fun positional matchups are everywhere here.
Mintonette m.71 boasts the lethal blocking and terminal arm of Eloise Brandewie at the middle blocker position. She has consistently been one of the best talents that the Class of 2023 has to offer. We’ll also see an attacking onslaught on the outside from players like Kaleigh Palmer and Surabhi Srinivasan.
PVA 17 Elite has its own middle blocker firepower in the form of Creighton commit Jaya Johnson. 17 Elite can’t be overlooked among the wide field of strong Kansas City teams, and we’ll likely feature a few more players from this lineup over the weekend.
Premier Nebraska 17 Gold vs. NKYVC 17-1 Tsunami
A couple of deep, talented clubs are battling early in this pool. What’s new?
Premier Nebraska 17 Gold is another one of those NLQ bid holders that will likely use Show Me as a barometer of team cohesion. While the attackers on this team have rightfully gotten a lot of attention, defensive specialists Olivia Mauch and Kenzie Dyrstad have really started to solidify their backcourt presence. Passing will be vital for 17 Gold’s big aspirations.
We’ve had a tidal wave of good Tsunami teams in the Midwest this year, and 17-1 should be no exception. Sydney Nolan and Ava Siefke are a couple of big guns that should have this team’s offense rolling.