AVC 18’s National Qualifier – Liberos to Watch
President’s Day weekend is always one to be circled in red in the club volleyball season calendar and, between Saturday and Monday, all eyes will justifiably be turned to the NIT Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious events of…
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Continue ReadingPresident’s Day weekend is always one to be circled in red in the club volleyball season calendar and, between Saturday and Monday, all eyes will justifiably be turned to the NIT Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious events of the year, which will reunite as many as 7,000 prospects from the entire country in Kansas City.
The Dallas Convention Center, however, will also be hosting an important event this weekend with the 2023 AVS 18’s National Qualifier taking place from Friday to Sunday and will serve as a qualifier for the 2023 USAV Girls 18s National Championship, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio, at the end of April.
As many as 136 teams from Texas and other states are entered to compete in the four divisions (18 Open, 18 USA, 18 Liberty and 18 American) and in those teams are some of the most talented class of 2023 prospects in the state of Texas. As we warm up for the event, we’re taking a look at some of the most talented players who will be on the court and now it’s time we indicate the liberos who are prone to stealing the show.
Ava Martindale
Ava Martindale
A libero that masters serve-receive and defense, Martindale will be leading the backcourt efforts of TAV Houston 18 Adidas in the 18 USA division. She’s tremendously technically-gifted, as are several others at this level, but what sets her apart is her commitment to doing her action by the book, with no shortcuts. Martindale won’t ever skip a step in her passing routine and will be exactly where she’s supposed to be when playing defense. She’s extremely strong on both areas and provides a lot of stability to the team.
Kliafas’ presence on the backcourt of her Texas Tornados 18 Adidas team in the 18 USA division will make of them one of the toughest teams to score at in the event. Kliafas, who played as a setter in the last high school season, has tremendous ball control and is a tall libero at 5’10”, which further extends her defensive range. She can also play as a pin hitter and is extremely efficient with her passing too, remaining calm and focused at all times.
Highlights
Houston Stars 18 Adidas is a team that has the potential to catch opponents in the 18 American division off guard because of the arrival of talented players such as Hoss. The Jordan high school libero plays with a lot of heart on the backcourt and is capable of making a difference with her defensive plays. Very solid with her passing too, she’s the kind of player that will hustle with everything she has until the ball touches the floor. Hoss is very vocal too and provides some important leadership from the backcourt.
Highlights
Nicole Ngo
Nicole Ngo
A new addition to NRG VBC 18 AMPD Navy, Ngo will be one of the team’s most important players as they compete in the 18 Liberty division. A libero with impressive quickness and great command of the backcourt, she’s coming from an excellent high school season with Mansfield. Ngo is very technical and clean on the ball and also thrives with her excellent positioning. Besides playing great defense and passing very well, she’s also a dangerous server.
Kiersten Hay
Kiersten Hay
The starting libero of her high school team Klein, Hay will be in action with Woodlands Revolution 18 Premier in the 18 Liberty division in Dallas. She’s one of those liberos who quietly get the job done on the court, checking every box and delivering what the team needs. Hay is very solid with her passing and also frequently makes good plays on defense. She’a solid server too and is always very calm and focused on the court.