NKYVC Sweeps Pioneer Bid Event
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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…
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Continue ReadingWith 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.
18U
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
Sydney Nolan
Sydney
Nolan
6'2" | MB
Notre Dame | 2023
State
#60
Nation
KY
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
Kayla Hostetler
Kayla
Hostetler
DS/L
Notre Dame | 2023
State
KY
(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.
17U
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
Elizabeth Tabeling
Elizabeth
Tabeling
5'7" | DS/L
St. Henry | 2024
State
#127
Nation
KY
(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
Lilly Gillespie
Lilly
Gillespie
5'8" | OH
Turpin | 2024
State
OH
, 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.
For Union, setter Kaeley Walz Kaeley Walz S Sacred Heart | 2024 State KY 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 Anna Sewell. 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.
16U
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
Emsley Venard
Emsley
Venard
6'0" | S
St. Ursula | 2025
State
OH
continues to learn to adapt her team’s offense to have more variety and range in their distribution. In the back row, both
Julia Grace
Julia
Grace
5'6" | DS/L
Notre Dame Academy | 2025
State
KY
and Lacey Hostetler are the key dictators through their first-contact work and are increasingly getting this team in system in serve receive. Middle
Corrine Blackburn
Corrine
Blackburn
6'3" | MB
Bishop Brossart | 2025
State
KY
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.
15U
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
Grace Portwood
Grace
Portwood
5'9" | OH
Notre Dame Academy | 2026
KY
gets big lift and with her improved balance in the air she is increasing her effectiveness.
Maddie Steele
Maddie
Steele
5'11" | MB
Turpin | 2026
State
OH
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
Emma Frietch
Emma
Frietch
5'6" | DS/L
Saint Ursula Academy | 2026
State
OH
(*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.