TSE Competes Well at JVA World Challenge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>15 Blue Dominates 15 Open</em></strong><br>Only two sets throughout the weekend did an opponent score beyond the 20-point threshold as TSE's 15 Blue team went unbeaten in matches and sets to claim the tournament crown. Two names to get on your radar in this 2026 class are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227797' first='Gabby' last='Semona']</strong> and <strong>Kendall Bosse</strong>. Semona is 6'3 with good versatility to swing in the middle or at both pins. She continues to show steady progress in the quality of her movement patterns and approach work to help her maximize her length and develop good force upon contact. Bosse, at 6'1, brings athleticism to her role as a middle as she gets up fast and fires through a quick arm swing to produce effective pace. <strong>Nattie Slusher</strong> provides length at the pins at 6'1 and uses her reach effectively to challenge the top of the block well when swinging. If she can develop her lift and torque she will advance her stock and impact as she has big potential. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212347' first='Morgan' last='Heater']</strong> can contribute in multiple ways but it is her setting that stands out given her size at 6'0 and the quality of her movement, hand position and delivery. The size for this team is a huge asset and combines well with the range of skills throughout the roster that is a big test for their opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>17 Blue Elite Wins 17 Open</em></strong><br>TSE's 17 Blue team had an equally terrific weekend in Louisville as they finished the tournament with a perfect 9-0 record. Dropping just one set the entire tournament, this group was dominant through the first two days. The final day proved to be somewhat of a gauntlet as they pulled out a 16-14 third-set win over Stars 17 HP to advance to the semifinals. With matching 25-15 sets over Leaside 17U Wildfire, TSE advanced to the championship match for a hotly contested title bout in which they prevailed 25-23 and 29-27 to earn the gold medal over MemphisVBAcademy17. This squad has some quality depth throughout their full rotation as the skill and experience these athletes collectively bring is among the best in the Cincy area. Some of their best depth is in the back row as they have a corps of defensive minded prospects that are all capable of wearing the libero jersey and making a big impact.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='114578' first='Dakota' last='Henry'] </strong>can develop great range in her defensive pursuit as she displays good patience leading to her first step reaction. <strong>Alexis Woolf</strong> plays with good connection visually and anticipates opposing offenses to make the right reads and create transition opportunities. On the offensive side, uncommitted middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='114573' first='Molly' last='Dorger']</strong> stays very active in the defense to transition phase to get herself available. She has good movement to pursue attackers when blocking and the ability to land and run to get her space on the offensive side. This group will next be in action at the end of the month in Knoxville, TN as the Showdown in the Smokies tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>16 Blue Claims 9th in 16 Open</em></strong><br>With a 5-2 overall record, TSE finished in the top-10 at 16 Open led by a solid group of offensive threats, all of whom have big potential for the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176097' first='Luci' last='Heid']</strong> is a 10'1" touch pin that can bring it through her contact point and velocity. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176096' first='Molly' last='Creech']</strong> also gets off the floor well and is effective with her arm at the pins and out of the back row. Opposite <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152058' first='Caroline' last='Moore']</strong> can generate good arm speed and range in her shot selection and balances the left side well with her productivity. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152056' first='Ally' last='Hughes']</strong> (*pictured) is the primary setter and among the best in the greater Cincy area. She is smooth and can get the full range of her offense involved from most touch points around the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->