Club Team Spotlight: NPJ Salem 16 Elite

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NPJ Salem's 16-2s team has had a strong season leading up to Regionals. With a 12-10 record in the 16U power league, the 16 Elite team heads into the 16s Regionals Division ranked at a solid 9th out of 120 teams. Outside of CEVA power league, the team has held its own well in other tournaments, finishing 35th of 152 teams at the 2023 Matt Hartner Memorial Classic and 27th out of 87 teams at the recent Salt Lake City Showdown in the 16 American division. The 16 Elite team has a great opportunity to finish the season with a high rank this weekend. The team is coached by Melissa Salness, who played at Pacific University and also coaches at Century High School. Salness is assisted by Gracie Boeder, who currently plays at Linn-Benton CC.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["257588"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":377922,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHitting primarily from the outside, Carr uses a strong, smart, and aggressive attack to contribute to a high number of her team's kills. Usually taking on the role of floor captain, Carr is a trustworthy leader on the court, which is shown not just through her solid play but also by her flexibility and willingness to step into whichever position she is needed, including the occasional rotation as a middle or right side hitter. Not only is Carr a solid front row player, but she also plays great defense in the back row.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["391839"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOrozco is one of the 16 Elite's middle hitters, and from the middle she is an offensive weapon. Orozco runs a fast offense and reads hitters well on defense, leading the team in blocks. Orozco attacks aggressively and makes smart choices on offense to score points. From the service line, Orozco has a tough and consistent serve, and while she doesn't stay in the back row for too long after serving, she often plays solidly there when she does.  u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["161914"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAs the team's primary libero, Ponier is a force in the back row. She is consistent and reliable on serve receive and defense, staying on her toes as she reads the hitters on the other side and moving quickly and effortlessly to pick up balls that many couldn't. From the baseline, Ponier has a wickedly tough serve that has helped the 16 Elite team pick up many wins this season. When the opportunity presents itself, Ponier is not afraid to attack the ball from the back row, often picking up points from her solid ability to hit the ball. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["161944"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":391500,"_player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSchmitz is a versatile player, able to play from anywhere on the court. While she specializes in the back row as a defensive specialist, Schmitz has been setting this season because of her connection with the 16 Elite hitters. A natural leader on the court, Schmitz's presence brings her team offensive success. Not only is her setting solid, but Schmitz is also an excellent back row player, digging tough balls with ease and making impressive plays. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["161915"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe 16 Elite's other outside hitter, Young, is a six-rotation athlete whose defense and serve receive are unmatched. In the back row, Young is steady and consistent, helping kickstart her team's offense. When in the front row, Young is an aggressive and powerful attacker, putting the ball straight down and scoring frequently for her team. Young brings a passionate and positive energy to the court, and she is not afraid to step up in any way to support her team.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6455edea6c540"} /-->