A5 16-Gabe Edges Past Drive Nation to Reach TC NIT Quarterfinals

Austin Kingsley February 19, 2023 @ 03:20 PM

Triple Crown NIT hosted a battle between two physical titans of club volleyball as A5 16-Gabe faced Drive Nation 16 Red in the Round of 16 of the Elite bracket. The winner would move on to the quarterfinals, which are slated for Monday morning in Kansas City. The stakes couldn't have been higher for this winner-take-all meeting.

And that pressure showed in the way this high-level match unfolded. Major scoring runs were a major theme in what turned out to be a back-and-forth battle. Only one team could prevail, and A5 eventually pulled away to win a three-set thriller.

Here's the rundown.

Serve-Pass Showdown

The first several points of the match were a serve-pass gauntlet in which both teams found a rhythm.

Drive Nation's early catalyst for serving success was setter Hannah Beauford Hannah Beauford 5'11" | S Prosper | 2025 State #113 Nation TX . There are so many strong points to discuss with Beauford's ability to lead a smooth, consistent offense, but her presence on the serving line cannot be overlooked. She dished out with some serious pace that had A5's serve receive on its heels.

But the Georgia squad forged a response from behind the line through middle blocker Ellis Crawford. Serving is not often a strength associated with middle blockers, but Crawford brings velocity and control that you love to see from an M1. 16-Gabe quickly got back into the match with some clutch aces of its own.

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Pins Heating Up

Elite outside hitters were all over the floor for this one, and they sparked highlight moments for both sides.

A5 built a Set 1 lead behind some spectacular plays on the pin. High-flying left-side hitter Asia Harvey was involved in many of these eye-popping moments, as her quick arm is nearly unrivaled in the 2025 class. Whether she's in system or in a scramble situation, Harvey can elevate and dent the floor through well-formed blocks. This is a budding superstar.

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16-Gabe also leaned on pin contributors like Camryn Jeffery and Lauren Marschke en route to a Set 1 victory. Jeffery was particularly valuable as an opposite who could easily transition to the left side in Rotation 1.

In Set 2, however, Drive Nation shifted the narrative and put its perimeter power on display. The big focal point here is left-side hitter Suli Davis Suli Davis 6'1" | OH Colleyville Heritage | 2025 State #5 Nation TX , an elite 2025 prospect who is playing her second consecutive year at the 16s level. Her phenomenal contact point allows her to hit any angle she pleases. Moreover, Davis is developing the necessary ball control skills to be a true six-rotation threat.

Beauford also found her groove at the setter spot as Sophia Thornburg Sophia Thornburg 6'2" | OH Ursuline Academy | 2025 State #81 Nation TX and Taryn Morris Taryn Morris 6'3" | MB Braswell | 2025 State #176 Nation TX also shined on the outside. These frontcourt standouts also got plenty of help from libero Sarah Mendoza Sarah Mendoza 5'7" | DS/L Colleyville Heritage | 2025 State TX , who had an especially impressive save on the final rally of Set 2. Drive Nation came up clutch to force a race to 15 to decide it all.

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One Left Standing

Only one team could win. That was inevitable.

The start of Set 3 is always a crucial turning point in a tiebreaker match, and A5 grabbed early control. Libero Francesca Popescu made some impressive contacts against heavy heat in the crosscourt, allowing setter Abigail Li to run her offense in transition.

Drive Nation clawed back thanks to some dynamic plays from Zoe Gillen-Malveaux Zoe Gillen-Malveaux 6'3" | MB Greenhill | 2025 State #62 Nation TX in the middle. But, even with this final push, A5 responded to win 15-10 and reach Championship Monday.