NKYVC Sweeps Pioneer Bid Event

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With bids to represent the Pioneer Region at this coming summer's USA Girls Junior National Championships on the line on Saturday, it was an NKYVC day as the club from northern Kentucky won every age group from 12U to 18U at the single-day event held in Louisville. Here are some of the older team key efforts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>18U</em></strong><br>This NKYVC team finished 2nd in the 17 American division last year at nationals following a runner-up finish in this regional bid event in 2022. North Carolina commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='106678' first='Sydney' last='Nolan']</strong> continues to garner a lot of attention and has been a major factor for this team at the midpoint of the shorter 18U club season. Libero<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='157454' first='Kayla' last='Hostetler']</strong> (Eastern Michigan) provides her efficient ball control and defensive range to create big opportunities and was great on Saturday in these areas. With two more events on tap for this squad, they now are set to compete in the 18U national event to be held in Columbus, OH April 28-30.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>17U</em></strong><br>Coming off their NIT 17 Elite gold medal last weekend, this squad went 4-0 on Saturday without dropping a set, defeating MAVA and Union in the semifinals and finals to claim the region's top bid in this age group. Libero<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='107422' first='Elizabeth' last='Tabeling'] </strong>(Ball State commit), mentioned on multiple post-NIT all-star lists for that event, was great as she is increasing her ability to serve with great pressure to add to her passing and defense prowess. Pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139273' first='Lilly' last='Gillespie']</strong>, committed to Depaul, had a great day as well as one of the most versatile athletes for this squad. She scored points at the net, provided great quality in the serve receive and defensive phases of the game, and earned aces and out-of-system pressure with her improved serving. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Union, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='394148' first='Kaeley' last='Walz'] </strong>carried her team with her ability to set their fast tempo often while also providing offense of her own at the second touch. MAVA 17 Select also had a solid performance from outside hitter <strong>Anna Sewell</strong>. She single handedly kept MAVA close versus NKYVC as she was highly successful with her arm on the left pin challenging the winner's defense well with her high contact point. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>16U</em></strong><br>NKYVC's 16 Tsunami team also won all matches without dropping a set. The only real challenge came in the final set of the day as Union was the only team reach 20 points in a single frame. Following a tough NIT appearance last weekend, this squad looked more intentional and efficient with fewer errors along with great offensive production. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152344' first='Emsley' last='Venard']</strong> continues to learn to adapt her team's offense to have more variety and range in their distribution. In the back row, both <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210634' first='Julia' last='Grace']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='253876' first='Lacey' last='Hostetler']</strong> are the key dictators through their first-contact work and are increasingly getting this team in system in serve receive. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='159378' first='Corrine' last='Blackburn']</strong> has big length and has progressed well the early part of this season to put that length to work on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>15U</em></strong><br>Following a tough three-set win over NKYVC's 15-2 Tide team, the 15-1 Tsunami squad put together a big effort to claim the title. Outside hitter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='507601' first='Grace' last='Portwood'] </strong>gets big lift and with her improved balance in the air she is increasing her effectiveness. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227798' first='Maddie' last='Steele']</strong> was solid in the middle as she is one of the more productive arms for this team when they are able to get her involved. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='204230' first='Emma' last='Frietch']</strong> (*pictured) continued to show her impact as well, especially on the defensive side with her ability to read well and develop good range of pursuit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->