Triangle 15 Blue: Players to Watch
A talented 15 Blue team from Triangle Volleyball Club, the squad is competing at Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic right now. They’ve had tons of success already from getting fifth at the City of Oaks Challenge and 10th at JVA Charm…
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Continue ReadingA talented 15 Blue team from Triangle Volleyball Club, the squad is competing at Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic right now. They’ve had tons of success already from getting fifth at the City of Oaks Challenge and 10th at JVA Charm City Challenge. Their strength of schedule is definitely notable, and they will only continue to get better as they face open teams across the country. Here are four players that stand out for Triangle 15 Blue.
Lila McSweeney- A very talented and smart outside hitter, Lila McSweeney, is the go-to attacker with her strategic shot selection, steady passing skills, and spunky attitude. I saw McSweeney get aced one play when she was pulled back in the serve receive pattern, and then next ball, she passes a dime and goes for the big kill. Coming back after an error shows her mental toughness and how hard she’s willing to work on a daily basis. Watching her transition is so beautiful from a coaching standpoint because she’s always giving 110% effort in offense and defense. It’s simple. Lila McSweeney is a gamer.
Francie Taft- Libero for the squad, Francie Taft is a reliable constant from the back row. I love the word “constant” to describe Taft because she’s just always there. In serve receive, she takes up 2/3 of the court and goes through all the right progressions of feet through the ball and angling her platform to target. Defensively, Taft is constantly moving to be in the right position or working hard to cover every hitter. She is constantly making big time plays when the team needs it the most and being a leader.
Haley Holbert- This team runs a 6’2, and Haley Holbert is just half of the setting talent for Triangle 15 Blue. Holbert’s strengths definitely include her speed and quickness to the ball when she’s setting. Running an effective, fast tempo offense is hard to find at 15s, but Holbert does a great job of finding the ball and keeping her hitters in system as much as possible. Plus, she’s a setter that also holds herself to a high standard defensively. Holbert contains the “defense first” mentality by pushing for balls out of her range and never letting a tip fall.
Kaylee O’Brien- The other part of this setting duo for Triangle 15 Blue, Kaylee O’Brien does a great job of going through the basics whether she’s working on her footwork or making the right read in defense. You can see her mind working when she sets the second ball because O’Brien is looking at the other side, scouting their blockers, and even checking out the defense. O’Brien has great vision and always knows the right time to dump on the second contact. I love this kid’s energy and her passion to get better at the game she loves.