Ohio/Northern KY Notes Heading Into Chicago

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some interesting story lines for prospects and teams from Ohio and the northern KY area heading into the Windy City Qualifier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='114565' first='Sydney' last='Barrett'] (2024) Reopens Recruiting</em></strong><br>One of the best Ohio prospects in the 2024 class (ranked #3 in 2024), Barrett recently announced that she is reopening her recruiting. The versatile pin hitter has been dynamite all season for NKYVC 17-1 Tsunami, including hitting over .300 on the recent weekend at the Big South Qualifier as she and her team secured their bid to the 17 Open division for this summer's national championships. She is a skilled and athletic attacker with a full range of tools to contribute at a high level in the defensive and service aspects of the game in addition to her offensive prowess. NKYVC 17-1 Tsunami is seeded third overall this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>NKYVC Earns 15U and 17U Bids in Atlanta Heading into Chicago</em></strong><br>NKYVC's 15-1 and 17-1 Tsunami teams (*pictured together) both earned their open-level bids to USAV nationals as each team advanced to the championship match and finished in second place overall. In their second qualifier of the season, the 15s got a lot of contributions around the floor from several prospects including big point scoring from outside hitters <strong>Grace Portwood </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227615' first='Callie' last='Combs']</strong> as well as middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas']</strong>. All are garnering a lot of early recruiting attention. Setter <strong>Addy Bianchini</strong> made a big impact in the setting phase and as an attacker on the right side of the floor as she has a complete skill set and continues to get better in all areas. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='204230' first='Emma' last='Frietch'] </strong>displayed why she is one of the best in Ohio at her position with her range, quickness, and ability to make big plays. This team previously finished 9th overall at Northern Lights and are seeded 5th overall to start Windy City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 17-1 Tsunami squad ran the table in Atlanta all the way to the finals as they finished 9-1 overall and 19-2 in total sets, dropping a tight three-set match to Club V. Another complete team effort for this group with high quality wins over previously qualified teams A5 and Colorado Juniors. In securing their open-level bid, Barrett was one of four attackers that earned between 59-68 total kills individually while each hit over .300 on the weekend. Uncommitted athletes include setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='107418' first='Macy' last='Lentz'] </strong>and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='107434' first='Lilly' last='Hamburg']</strong>. Lentz was great in helping manage the even distribution through three rotations when the ball went through her hands. She also was a game changer at the service line earning several aces or taking opponents out of system. Hamburg, the energy foundation for this team, was efficient with her offensive opportunities while also anchoring the defense at the net with her relentless work to get to both pins and ability to slow down opposing middles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Elevation 15 Tony Seeded #6<br></em></strong>This squad recently earned their open-level bid at MEQ as they finished third overall. They open the Chicago event seeded #6 and look to sustain their success and momentum. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227623' first='Ella' last='Grimes']</strong> is a big factor for this team that can generate some good offense around the floor. She is steady in the serve receive phase while also very skilled to create good opportunities with her defense and get their transition in motion with multiple options available. Pins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227617' first='Cara' last='Richter']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227628' first='Sidney' last='Sprada']</strong> do the bulk of their point scoring as both are very capable of terminating with good authority. Richter can bring big pace while Sprada has high contact and good movement upon contact. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227619' first='Makenna' last='Kirlin']</strong> distributes their offense well. If she can get more people involved and lighten the work load for these two pins that increased balance makes them an even more dangerous team.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->