JVA West Coast Cup Day 1 Standouts

<p>Long Beach, CA - The convention center set the stage for some final battles of the season for some teams while also serving as the last tune-up for teams gearing up to leave for USAV GJNC in Indianapolis, IN or AAU Nationals in Orlando, FL. Who were the standouts on the first day of the tournament?</p> <p>In the 18s division, 951 Elite who finished 5th in the American division at 18s GJNC, easily won their pool. They even managed to win a set 25-0 in their pool. It’s been pretty smooth sailing all season for this team as they have great chemistry (many played together last club season) and the first day of the tournament was no different. Steady ball control and defense from their libero, Brianna Mitchell, a Cal State Northridge commit, that makes it hard for opponents to score. She covers a ton of ground in serve receive and defense and also sets out of system very well. Viper 18-Jo also had a strong showing on day one, not dropping a set in pool play. Avery Maddox, 6’ Outside Hitter, Viper 18-Jolynn<br /> A steady outlet for her team, she set up a good block and was very efficient on the right side. She is committed to Dominican University.</p> <p>In the 17 open division, T-Street 17 Naseri went undefeated in pool play, as they appear to really be hitting their stride as they go into the final part of the club season. They have several weapons to use on their team. [player_tooltip player_id="161478" first="Nicole" last="Feliciano"] is a setter/opposite who can pull double duty, setting but also hits a heavy ball. Feliciano is committed to UC Irvine. Lois Hansen 6’2” OH who touches 10’ provides a lot of height putting up big blocks and is a consistent attacker. She has been a force to be reckoned with at the net for T-Street. Hansen is committed to UC Santa Barbara. Mizuno Long Beach 17 Rockstar’s Samarah Dacloud is an outside hitter with great all-around skills and good length. She attacks from all over the floor and has great foot speed. She is committed to the University of New Mexico.</p> <p>In the 16 open division, the Surfside 15 PV Legends team played up an age division. 6’3” outside hitter, [player_tooltip player_id="188236" first="Kaci" last="Demaria"], was a steady force in offense and puts up a huge block. A six rotation player, she will is most definitely a player to watch in the class of 2025. The first day of the tournament put Surfside to the test in a tough pool with Academy 16 Denny, Wave 16 Nick, and Coast 16 Rodrigo. They went 2-1 in pool play, only losing to Coast. Momentous 16 Dan also had a strong first day, going undefeated in pool play and beating Mizuno Long Beach 16 Rockstar T in three sets (20-25, 25-19, 16-14). Momentous is a team that has good chemistry and is very consistent. Opposite, [player_tooltip player_id="159533" first="Isabel" last="Clark"], is a smart and consistent attacker. She can hit when she sees the opportunity and also uses smart placement to score.</p> <p>In the 16 club division, 6’2” outside hitter Chloe Praednekov from Seal Beach 16 Blue has good length and elevates well. A six rotation outside hitter who has a good presence at the net. She was a big factor in her club team going undefeated in pool play on day one and is a player to watch. Seal Beach will be headed to USAV GJNC after earning a bid in the freedom division. San Clemente 16 Riley also looked strong, going undefeated in pool play on the first day.</p> <p>In the 15 open division, Keila Gabriel, from Wave 15 Scott looked solid on the right side. Mizuno Long Beach 15 Rockstar C went undefeated in pool play on day one, with middle blocker, Kalyssa Blackshear, looking solid at the net. Blackshear works hard at the net, moves well laterally, and runs the quick attack very well. Opposite, Sunny Skipps, has a great arm and jumps very well. This Mizuno team has been very consistent all season long, triple qualifying for USAV nationals, and doing very well in the PVL. They are headed to Indianapolis in the open division.</p>