Michigan Elite, Legacy Contend In MEQ 17 Open

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pair of top clubs were among the contenders in the 17 Open at the Mideast Qualifier this past weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno and Legacy 17-1 ADIDAS were top-10 finishers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michigan Elite finished fifth, while Legacy landed ninth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michigan Elite went 6-2 on the weekend, with their play ending in a tough three-set loss to Circle City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy won its first seven matches of the weekend, including four three-set battles. However, a loss to eventual champion, OT 17 put and end to its run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156319' first='Addison' last='Newblatt'], OH/DS Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newblatt had a breakout prep season after battling with injuries the previous year. That has continued into club season, where Newblatt has been a valued piece for Michigan Elite with her defensive play, and also her serving ability. This past weekend, Newblatt consistently put together service runs that helped swing the momentum of a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156321' first='McKenna' last='Payne'], L/DS Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A skilled libero that has the ability to play anywhere on the floor, Payne (Utah) really shines in her home in the back row with Michigan Elite. This past weekend her serve receive was above 2.10 and she committed very few errors. Her instincts for the position allow her to keep the ball in play in many instances and proved to be a gamechanger for Michigan Elite against some top opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288945' first='Victoria' last='Gray'], MH Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray (Indiana) remains one of the top middle prospects in the state. The 6'2” Gray is finishing at a tremendous rate. This past weekend she hit .458, as opposing defense struggle to keep with her pacing and power. Gray's instincts at the net get better and better, and her defensive impact is just as great as her offensive impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156287' first='Isabelle' last='Busignani'], OH Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes Busignani's play can go overlooked as she's been so consistent in playing at a high level. Busignani (Cincinnati) has the ability to find another gear, especially in big matches. That was evident in a 14-kill performance against the Milwaukee Sting this weekend. Busignani has a lot of awareness, and her power is tough to stop when she gets clean looks. Add in a defensive game that is always improving, and its easy to see why she's already locked in with a D1 commitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'], OH Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Costlow (Toledo) helps complete the offense for Michigan Elite. As a talented outside with a strong defensive background, Costlow is able to impact the game in all phases. Though she doesn't have the same size as her peers, Costlow has a lot of explosiveness, as well as court savvy. That allows her to finish at a high rate and provide a great 1-2 punch for Michigan Elite on the pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'], S Legacy 17-1 ADIDAS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Legacy is going to get talked about, Flynn (Nebraska) will be included. She's just too impactful to ignore. There may not be a more valuable player in the country to her team. Flynn's at the highest level of setter, but her ability to disguise her swings remains very impressive. She can unload on the ball and have the defenses completely fooled. Flynn also had a great weekend serving the ball. She doesn't appear to have a weakness in her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156326' first='Mallory' last='Reck'], OH Legacy 17-1 ADIDAS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy isn't hurting on hitting talent, so it's easy to get lost in the shuffle at times offensively. However, Reck (Marist) has been a steady contributor all club season and she put together some really strong matches this past weekend. Reck has a balanced game and she was able to turn the tide with her serving and attacks, while making some sharp defensive plays as well. You can definitely count on Reck to be steady and reliable in pressure situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->