Molten Pre-Q 17 Open: Experience & IQ

<p>The athletes in 17 open competed alongside the 18-year-olds this past weekend making for a competitive atmosphere. Looking mainly at the class of 2024, there were numerous standouts that caught my attention. The 15 open division brought excitement; the 16 open division brought athleticism; and finally, the 17 open division brought the experience and IQ we were all waiting to see. Having both the 18 and 17 divisions competing against each other not only gave a different speed to the game but a different level of play altogether. The standouts shown in this piece showed me a high level of experience and IQ that accentuated their natural abilities as a volleyball player. </p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='490481' first='Madison' last='Sofarelli'] - 6'1" M - Florida Elite Volleyball Academy 17 Black - Class of 2024</h2>   <p>Madison is a tall yet agile middle blocker whose specialty is utilizing her size and quickness to her advantage. Being able to close the block with quick feet, she makes sure to utilize them to transition into her offense as well. Her ability to close fast onto the ball with her feet is no different from her swing as she utilizes her quick arm to get around the block and put the ball down. Overall a very solid player who takes control of the net on both sides for her team. </p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='444471' first='Cole' last='Crews'] - 5'7" L/DS - Ocala Power 17 Adidas - Class of 2024</h2>   <p>Watching all the open divisions at the Molten Pre-Q, Cole was the most impressive with her high level of consistency and high IQ plays. Not only was her posture consistent on her serve-receive, but her ability to track the ball along with her posture is what stood out to me the most. On top of all of that, her calm demeanor on the court helps keep her teammates in serve receive and defense in the back-row confident during the game. Cole showed to be one of the most effective yet efficient players I came across this weekend.</p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='444457' first='Kristina' last='Rhoden'] - 5'10" OH - OTVA 17 Randy - Class of 2024</h2>   <p>Not many outside hitters can match Kristina's ability to whip her arm through her swinging motion. Not only is it fast, but deadly accurate whether going between the blockers in the seam or to finding ways to get around the block. She had one of the most impressive swings I found this weekend. However, what helps her dominate on the court outside of her offense is her ability to pass in serve receive and play defense back row at a high level. Kristina's all-around skill and explosive arm swing poses as a huge threat to teams she has to face against. </p>   <h2>Angelina Nabiau - 5'9" RS/M - New Waves 17 Mac - Class of 2024</h2>   <p>Being one of a few dynamic left-handed hitters at this tournament, Angel is elite at being able to adjust to her set and make the correct play on offense. Moving her around the court from pin to pin as well as the typical quick middle sets allows her to utilize different shots whether it be a roll shot to the opposite corner or even a tip over the block. Her versatile offense is enhanced by her bounciness as a jumper as well as an agile mover along the court. Playing middle as a lefty is a challenge for most, but Angel makes it look easy with her aggressive mindset and belief in herself and her skills. </p>   <h2>[player_tooltip player_id='181249' first='Aubrie' last='Arnold'] - 5'5" L/DS - Tallahassee Volleyball Academy - Class of 2024</h2>   <p>Although not intimidated by her size or stature, Aubrie showed why hitters and servers alike were intimidated to test her skills on the court. Her ability to cover large amounts of the court while passing at a high percentage was impressive, to say the least. Her quick twitch movement laterally helps her not only cover court on offense but in serve receive and covering as well. Her elite ball control was apparent throughout the match and helped push their team to a 1st place finish in the tournament.</p>   <p>The Molten Pre-Q was an intriguing tournament to watch such impressive athletes compete at a high level. The turnout from a talent perspective this tournament was not only impressive but vast. Although some won't compete at the top tier D1 level, there are a lot of recruitable athletes that were able to showcase their skills at this tournament. </p>

The athletes in 17 open competed alongside the 18-year-olds this past weekend making for a competitive atmosphere. Looking mainly at the class of 2024, there were numerous standouts that caught my attention. The 15 open division brought excitement; the 16 open division brought athleticism; and finally, the 17 open division brought the experience and IQ we were all waiting to see. Having both the 18 and 17 divisions competing against each other not only gave a different speed to the game but a different level of play altogether. The standouts shown in this piece showed me a high level of experience and IQ that accentuated their natural abilities as a volleyball player.