California Teams heading to AAU Nationals
There are several teams from California heading across to Orlando, Florida for AAU nationals. From June 15th to June 26th three waves of 10U to 18U will compete in the Orlando convention center. AAU nationals hosted over 3,000 teams last…
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Continue ReadingThere are several teams from California heading across to Orlando, Florida for AAU nationals. From June 15th to June 26th three waves of 10U to 18U will compete in the Orlando convention center. AAU nationals hosted over 3,000 teams last year. Which California teams are potential podium contenders?
18s
Coming off a recent fifth-place finish at the JVA West Coast Cup, Coast 17-1 will be playing up an age division in the 18 open. They’re already off to a hot start on day one of the tournament going 3-0. Leading the charge for Coast is 6’3” outside hitter
Claire Little
Claire
Little
6'2" | OH
Vista Murrieta | 2023
State
#46
Nation
CA
. A good-sized attacker with all the shots and great power, she’s a big reason the team took the gold at the SCVA Red Rock Rave earlier this season. Little was the 2021 IE varsity player of the year and was a CIF champion as a freshman in high school in 2019. She is committed to BYU. In the 18 classic division, which will start in a later wave, Laguna Beach 18 MS could be a contender. A very consistent team with good chemistry, they have been solid all season in the PVL. Laguna outside hitter, Alexa Giacobbe, has a large role on her team, touching a lot of balls whether it is in serve receive, defense, or attack. She is the go-to attacker for her team. She is committed to the University of La Verne.
17s
The 17 open which kicks off next week, will have several California teams in potential contention for the podium. From the southern California region, look for A4 17 Joaco and Mizuno LB 17 Rockstar M to battle for a spot at the top of the division. Both teams competed in the premier division of the PVL all season and have been competitive at several USAV qualifiers at the open level. A4 has a stellar libero in Makena Lim who sets very well out of system and picks up everything in defense. She will keep the ball off the floor and frustrate attackers. Mizuno’s setter/opposite, Fatimah Hall, is also one to watch. The San Diego State commit is quick with great hands, dishing it out to hitters from anywhere on the floor. From the northern California region, look for Encore 17 Kalekonas and Omni 17 Rick to try to make their mark.
16s
In the 16 open division, there are several teams from California to keep your eye on throughout the tournament. Watch for southern California region team Momentous 16 Dan to battle for a place on the podium. Momentous has been very solid all season, finishing second in the overall PVL standings. Opposite/outside hitter, Cymarah Gordon, is 6’ and a high flyer, touching over 10’. She will be a force on the pin. Libero Annah Legaspi and outside hitter
Isabel Clark
Isabel
Clark
6'2" | OH
Mater Dei | 2024
State
#66
Nation
CA
are also players to watch from Momentous. SCVC 16 Roxy, from the southern California region, will also be participating in the 16 open division and will be battling it out for a place at the top. From the northern California region, Omni 16 John has a superlative libero in Jacqueline Smith who will make it tough for attackers to find the floor and middle, Evie Hendrix, will also be patrolling the net to further frustrate opposing attackers. Synergy Force 16 James will also be making an appearance and has outside hitter, Abby Hoybjerg, who was a standout at Far Westerns, and middle, Caroline Foraker, looking to stop opposing hitters. The northern region will also have Rage Westside 16 Kimmy in the open trying to earn a spot at the top.