Club Team Spotlight: NPJ Salem 18 National
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North Pacific Juniors 18-1 National, not to be confused with Forefront, is the club’s second most competitive 18s team. Though since they are still a National team, they compete at all the big tournaments. This team is mostly comprised of…
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Continue ReadingNorth Pacific Juniors 18-1 National, not to be confused with Forefront, is the club’s second most competitive 18s team. Though since they are still a National team, they compete at all the big tournaments. This team is mostly comprised of veteran NPJ athletes finishing out their final club season, many of whom have played together for seasons. This group had a chance to compete in CEVA’s first-ever Open Tournament and did quite well, taking down Webfoot 18-1, OJVA 16-1, and G3 16-1. They are currently seeded at an impressive #4, proving they are a force to be reckoned with. The team will be led by Dima Ignatovich, current Western Oregon University assistant coach.
Blagg has been rocking an NPJ jersey since 13s, where she started out on their 13-1 team. A natural athlete with some serious hops, she can play anywhere across the front row. Though her definite sweet spots are the middle and right side. During club season, she has primarily played in the middle and it is assumed she will do the same for her final one. She has committed to play college volleyball at George Fox University in Newberg.
After a quick stint in Bend, where Hamilton played for Ridgeview and NPJ Bend, the senior made her way back to Salem to join teammates from years past. Standing at 5’11”, Hamilton can execute a 5-1 with confidence, with no problem playing across the front row. She has a natural hand strength with the ability to push the ball to the pins from great distances. When on the right side, she puts up a massive block.
Hughes is a dynamic setter and well-rounded athlete. Coming off a fantastic season with West Albany where she primarily ran a 5-1 for the team, she had plenty of court time to work on her craft. She does an exceptional job reading the court and throwing opposing blockers and defenders off by setting against the grain. Hughes recently committed to play collegiate volleyball at Linn Benton Community College.
Highlights
Morrissette has rejoined this NPJ group after playing for Athena 17-2 last season. Coming off an impressive high school season with Sprague, she was a major impact in the teams five-set thriller versus Jesuit. Although the team did not manage to pull off a win, it was impressive volleyball all around and a standout performance by Morrissette. She is an athletic six-rotation outside hitter with hops and a powerful swing. Her defensive play is impressive, with a good read on the attack and a quick reaction time.
Highlights
Rodriguez has honed in on her backrow play over the past few seasons, becoming a dynamic defensive specialist. For this group, she will more than likely be sporting the libero jersey. An effective defender, she is quick on her feet and keeps her team in rallies. Also, she showcases steady serve receive across the board.
Smith is a physical middle blocker. Standing at 6’2”, she can rip a ball at the 10-foot line or hit deep court. She does an exceptional job turning the ball to avoid the block. She is fast in transition and makes herself available to her setters consistently. Smith puts up a solid block and moves well laterally to close at the pins.
Valete is a powerhouse right-side attacker. She will bring some serious offensive power to this group. A leftie, she shines on the right pin and is able to obliterate the ball down the line and cross court. Standing at 5’11 with an impressive vertical jump, she is an asset across the front row both as a blocker and attacker.