Major Impact Made in 18 USA
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<p>What a year for women's sports in Topeka. It started last fall with Topeka Washburn Rural clinching the state championship in its largest division. In March, their girls' basketball team was state runner-up. Now in April, Topeka Impact 18-1 brings home the national title in the USA division in Columbus, OH. There were players who had the joy of capturing two significant titles and a second-place finish in a 5 1/2-month span. </p>
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<p>All three teams were led by Kentucky-bound and Gatorade Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='120008' first='Brooklyn' last='DeLeye'], who decided to forgo leaving for college early and it paid off in her final season of club ball. The pin then would go on to join the roster for the U19 Pan America team. [player_tooltip player_id='120044' first='Taylor' last='Russell'], who has seen her game evolve year after year also doubled up on titles playing on the right pin for Impact. Setter Lauren Tyler, who will attend Drury University had a strong career from the setter position, and played for this Topeka-based team while hailing from Rogersville, MO!</p>
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<p>Back to some of the local talent, Chole Calgren was a hoopster and volleyballer for Washburn Rural and was a strong presence at the net for Topeka Impact all season. Libero Taylor Rottinghaus, who will play in her hometown at Washburn University paced the defense. MaKinsey Jones, who pledged to Kansas State last fall was also key offensively during the tournament run.</p>
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<p>Speaking of the tournament run! 8-1, three sets dropped over the three days. After sweeping their way through day 1, they were setback by Pursuit 18 National from across the state line in Missouri in three sets. They would recover to win their next two matches before a clutch three-set win in a crossover match versus Skyline 18 Black. </p>
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<p>Playing a heavy open schedule proved to be pivotal as they navigated their way through the gold bracket winning all three matches, including the championship over Vegas Aces -21, -22. Congratulations to Impact! Other players on their roster: [player_tooltip player_id='152175' first='Laynee' last='Brown'], Sophia Cavanaugh, Avianna DeGuzman, and [player_tooltip player_id='214642' first='Emily' last='Loy']. The team was coached by Mark Evans and assisted by Virginia Berg. </p>
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What a year for women's sports in Topeka. It started last fall with Topeka Washburn Rural clinching the state championship in its largest division. In March, their girls' basketball team was state runner-up. Now in April, Topeka Impact 18-1 brings home the national title in the USA division in Columbus, OH. There were players who had the joy of capturing two significant titles and a second-place finish in a 5 1/2-month span.
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