Club Preview: PSVBA 16 Legacy
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Puget Sound Volleyball Academy 16 Legacy will be one of many excellent teams kicking off their 3-day tournament schedule at the Matt Hartner Memorial Classic in Eugene. Held on the campus of the University of Oregon, January 14th-16th, 264 teams…
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Continue ReadingPuget Sound Volleyball Academy 16 Legacy will be one of many excellent teams kicking off their 3-day tournament schedule at the Matt Hartner Memorial Classic in Eugene. Held on the campus of the University of Oregon, January 14th-16th, 264 teams in the 15,16,17, and 18 divisions will face off. This is the first team preview of several that will come out before the MLK weekend, and we will look at teams from across the State that we expect to excel in their respective age groups.
PSVBA 15 Navy competed in the PSR 16 Power League last season, finishing third before claiming the Regional title and USA National Division bid. The team experienced a large turnover, but return some critical players and added several talented newcomers. Coaches Pat Taitano and Jess Hansen will guide the squad this season.
Key Players to Know
Taitano will serve as the extension of the coaching staff on the floor, and as a returning player knows what is expected in the PSVBA gym. She is a coach’s kid and plays with a great feel for the game. She has nice size for the setter position and was an honorable mention all-conference performer this season.
A 6 foot middle blocker, Rohner is a second team all-conference performer and will anchor the spot along with Lauren Hutchinson. A developing talent as an attacker, her strength is her hard work pin to pin putting up a solid block. Rohner has a strong press and does good eye work to anticipate the offensive sets.
The combination of Taitano and Sheppard will be dynamic, whether the team plays in a 6-2 or a 5-1 with either attacking or playing defense. Sheppard is particularly strong defensively and could step in to play the libero or DS. She has set high-level players in tight situations, helping Puyallup to a great season, she will be critical to the team regardless of position.
Highlights
Dent will be the first option for PSVBA on the outside, and she returns for the team after a huge sophomore school season. She is a dynamic enough attacker to find in the pipe, along the right side, and in combination plays down the middle. The ability and precision of the two setters should allow Dent qualify swings in and out of system.
A rising sophomore from Kentwood, Kora posted some monster dig numbers. One of the best was a 25-dig effort versus Bellarmine Prep, she showed off two things that a libero needs. Anticipation and athleticism, reading the setter dump and making saves on swings outside of her body. Defensively she will be a big key for the Legacy team.
PSVBA 16 Legacy has the make-up of a winning team, despite roster turnover from last season. Pat Taitano is a proven coach, who led his Mt. Rainier squad to an excellent finish at the state tournament this year. Other members of the team that will play a big role are Vanessa Caoili Vanessa Caoili 5'6" | DS/L Kentridge | 2025 State WA and Hayden Underwood, Caoili has versatility and athleticism to spare.