Bluegrass Preview: 17 Open Power Pool 1

Kyp Harasymowycz February 26, 2023 @ 07:50 PM

The largest two-day tournament I can consciously think of not named Central Zone will take place in Louisville this Saturday and Sunday at the Kentucky Expo Center. With 128 courts at three facilities, wall-to-wall volleyball will be descending from both the JVA and the USAV ranks. In 17 Open, Power Pool #1 (Court 68) starts at 2pm, with the two teams listed below starting off pool play against each other.   <h2>Academy 17E Tsunami</h2>   Listed as the top seed in the top power pool, the Tsunami have their work cut out for them. Size shouldn't be an issue, as [player_tooltip player_id='112087' first='Madison' last='Evett'] ('24, 6-2 RS/OH) should make opposing pin attackers think twice before hitting into the low seam. [player_tooltip player_id='133763' first='Marlina' last='Anderson'] ('24, 6-0 MB) is a smart and athletic middle that has great court vision and does well in front of the setter. She'll be a solid M2 at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id='171371' first='Meryl' last='Zunk'] ('24, 5-10 OH) can be a six-rotation passer or a three-rotation attacker, depending on college needs. Her arm swing is deceptively high and fast. [player_tooltip player_id='112086' first='Sophie' last='Ledbetter'] ('24, 5-8 DS/L) is already a state champ, and plays as such in the left back with the special jersey on. She should be receiving a ton of offers by now after the first few tournaments of the club season and her successes within them.   <h2>[program_tooltip program_id='430155' first='Team' last='Pineapple'] 17 Black</h2>   Going 5-2 in Kansas City last weekend is no small task. Day one wins over Sunshine (Southern California) and Austin Juniors definitely put everyone on notice, and should make the first match in 17 open this Saturday that much more intriguing. [player_tooltip player_id='110486' first='Morgan' last='Gaerte'] ('24, 6-4 OH, Notre Dame commit) is clearly the stud of this roster, but there are a couple of others that can make their mark at the next level also. [player_tooltip player_id='110499' first='Melaina' last='Hawblitzel'] ('24, 5-10 OH) is a great six-rotation control outside that makes few errors and receives serve well. [player_tooltip player_id='110484' first='Olivia' last='Gisslen'] ('24, 5-9 S) has the tools to run a 5-1 at any level, as her footwork and excellent hands locate in-system and out-of-system balls with ease.

The largest two-day tournament I can consciously think of not named Central Zone will take place in Louisville this Saturday and Sunday at the Kentucky Expo Center. With 128 courts at three facilities, wall-to-wall volleyball will be descending from both the JVA and the USAV ranks. In 17 Open, Power Pool #1 (Court 68) starts at 2pm, with the two teams listed below starting off pool play against each other.