Dynasty 17 Black Wins Physical Battle with TAV at Triple Crown
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If you’re a fan of hard-hitting club volleyball matchups, there was no way you were missing this contest.
As the first day of 17U action neared its conclusion at Triple Crown NIT, Dynasty ‘ last=”] 17 Black and TAV 17 Black took center stage for a thrilling, physical nightcap. This power pool matchup featured several athletes who are already committed to Division 1 colleges–or will be very soon. Dynasty ‘ last=”] was the “home” squad looking to defend last year’s NIT title, and TAV was the reloaded team with a fiery edge. It was the perfect recipe for a classic.
In the end, the steady, even-keeled onslaught from Dynasty ‘ last=”] helped the Kansas City crew win in straight sets. Here’s how it went down.
Exchanging Blows
This match had its share of eye-popping swings. That’s no surprise.
Dynasty ‘ last=”] got their big hits rolling through middle blocker Cy Rae Campbell Cy Rae Campbell 5'11" | MB Heritage Christian | 2024 State #45 Nation KS . The team’s collection of high-flying pins rightfully gets a lot of hype, but it’s important not to overlook Campbell’s vital role in the offense. This Wake Forest commit has been thriving.
TAV responded with some emphatic middle kills of its own. Leading the charge in this regard was Favor Anyanwu, a USC commit who is among the most physical middle blockers in the 2024 class. Aside from her ability to absolutely bounce the ball, Anyanwu has also demonstrated her range by terminating on both sides of the setter.
Pin hitters for both teams eventually started to heat up while the two sides remained deadlocked early in the first set. Arizona commit Carlie Cisneros was a major contributor for Dynasty ‘ last=”] in the opening set, both as an effective terminator and a rock-solid passer.
On the other side of the net, Class of 2025 superstar outside hitter Macaria Spears was taking elite cuts at the ball that few her age can make. The former Metro standout has made a smooth transition to TAV while spending time at both left side and opposite. Spears’s versatility is bested only by her elevation and power.
Finding Separation
After a tightly contested start to the match, Dynasty ‘ last=”] gradually began to assert itself en route to a win.
Nebraska commit Skyler Pierce Skyler Pierce 6'3" | OH Olathe Northwest | 2024 State #4 Nation KS had a fruitful trip across the frontcourt late in Set 1 and put her full range of abilities on display. The left-side hitter produced a wealth of quality block touches that gave Dynasty ‘ last=”]’s offense plenty of transition opportunities. This team is bound to take advantage of those opportunities, and Pierce seized a few of those scoring chances herself.
Dynasty ‘ last=”] claimed firm control of Set 1, and the offensive dominance carried right over into Set 2. Like the opener, Campbell keyed up a heavy swing on a gap play to start things off. From there, the 2025s got going.
The Class of 2025 duo featuring setter Reese Messer Reese Messer 5'11" | S St. James | 2025 State #6 Nation KS and opposite Abigail Mullen was as dominant as ever against TAV. There were some fascinating connections between the 2025s in this match, too, as Mullen and Spears competed together on last year’s USA U19 youth national team at the Pan-American Cup. Bragging rights were at an all-time high.
Messer and Mullen showed an uncanny connection that allowed both to thrive. Mullen’s willingness to swing on a variety of patterns makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses to track.
Still, TAV’s frontcourt found some responses through its own balanced attack. Another USC commit, Jadyn Livings, made some aggressive plays on both pins throughout the second frame. Alabama-bound middle blocker Ashby Daniel was similarly efficient.
But it wasn’t enough to stop the Dynasty ‘ last=”] steamroller. Purdue commit Ryan McAleer Ryan McAleer 5'5" | DS/L Blue Valley | 2024 State #29 Nation KS made some wild defensive plays from the libero spot that ushered in the final moments of the match. The sweep came soon after.
Reset
Time for the challenge round. It’s serious now.
Power pool status has granted both teams passage into the Round of 64 of the Elite bracket. Dynasty ‘ last=”]’s journey starts against Arizona Storm 17 Thunder, while TAV gets a meeting with OJVA 17-1 Gold.