Northern Lights Qualifier Shining Stars: 18 Open
Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball! – The 2024 Northern Lights Qualifier was one for the books. With the first part of the Northern Lights Qualifier taking place this past weekend, we got to see what the 18,…
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The 2024 Northern Lights Qualifier was one for the books.
With the first part of the Northern Lights Qualifier taking place this past weekend, we got to see what the 18, 17 and 15s field were shaping up to this coming club season. KC Power won the 18s division powered behind the play of Rachel Van Gorp. It was a tough division that brought on two teams with open bids and some of the top teams competing in the open division.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the shining stars from the Northern Lights Qualifier in Minneaoplis.
Mia Tvrdy – Premier Nebraska
This player is coming off of a really solid and fun couple of weeks. Last time I saw her was at the UA Next All-America games back during New Years. Now, with her team at Premier Nebraska for one last go-around, I am becoming more and more of Mia Tvrdy (Oregon) fan. A well-rounded middle blocker with tons of leadership on the court, she was a lot of fun to watch lead this group to another top finish.
Hannah Benjamin – A5
Like Tvrdy, last time I saw Hannah Benjamin (Kentucky) was the UA Next All-America games. She was a leader for Team Fire to win that match in five and she was the go-to arm this weekend. Sometimes unstoppable, it was very much on the shoulders of Benjamin that A5 was able to secure their bid for this year’s USA National tournament.
Isa Boyd – A5
One of my favorite things to watch is an undersized stud at the setting position. Isa Boyd (Navy) plays the game with a lot of fire and athleticism, which makes her so much fun to watch. A5 had a tough stretch of matches throughout the weekend and if it wasn’t for Boyd’s composure on the court, A5 could’ve very easily been returning home empty handed.
Rachel Van Gorp – KC Power
As I said in the opener, the way that this player can lead her team in so many aspects of the game is insane. Rachel Van Gorp (Iowa State) is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s soaring through the air or scrapping up ball after ball in the back court, she’s unavoidable. Van Gorp brought the heat this weekend and was huge down the stretch for Power to take home the title.
Cy Rae Campbell – KC Power
This is a familiar face, but a new one for this team. Spending the bulk of her career at Dynasty, Cy Rae Campbell (Wake Forest) proved to be a huge get for KC Power. Fast along the net and fast off the ground, Campbell is relentless at the net. Her net play was just what Power needed to balance the court.
Clare Luoma – MKE Sting
This player has been arguably one of my favorite liberos in this class for years now. Every time I watch Clare Luoma (Clemson) in action, I find myself saying “wow”. It’s honestly a given. Luoma makes the game looks so seamless, and with the hitters this team has, Luoma really ties it all together nicely.
Lilly Wagner – MKE Sting
As much of a fan I am of Luoma, I am just as much as a fan of Lilly Wagner (Maryland). This is a libero-setter combo that I have not gotten enough of over the last few years. Last season, Wagner played up for the bulk of the season with the 18s, so to see the two back together is a real treat. Wagner runs the show so precisely and with such range. It’s quite difficult for opponents to defend against her offense.
Ella Demetrician – FC Elite
Michigan has themselves a really good one of their hands. Ella Demetrician (Michigan) had herself a real big weekend at NLQ. FC Elite was one of the last remaining teams vying for a bid on Sunday, much to the thanks of Demetrician. I’d argue this player had one of the heaviest arms in the gym.
Carly Gilk – MN Select
Just edging out FC Elite in a tight three sets, MN Select took that third and final bid at NLQ. They brought up a standout from last year’s 16-1s team, Carly Gilk (Minnesota). Boy, was that a GREAT call. Gilk is an absolute powerhouse on the right side. A six rotation, lefty opposite, her play is so reminiscent of Annie Drews. Gilk was the muscle that Select needed to win that bid with 11 kills in the final match of the weekend.