Big South Qualifier – Recap 16’s Divisions
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The competition in the Big South Qualifier was intense with several teams from the Sunshine State earning their pass to the USAV Nationals in Las Vegas. The 16’s Division was a displayed of high-quality volleyball and a preamble of what…
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Continue ReadingThe competition in the Big South Qualifier was intense with several teams from the Sunshine State earning their pass to the USAV Nationals in Las Vegas. The 16’s Division was a displayed of high-quality volleyball and a preamble of what we can expect for the future classes. Among the top five teams in the Open division was the Winter Park Volleyball Club 16 Armour Black, this team has numerous players in the class 2026 watchlist including the top-notch 5’10” right side hitter Isabella Umpierre Isabella Umpierre 5'10" | RS Lake Highland Prep | 2026 FL and the versatile 5’10” outside hitter Amelia Mancino Amelia Mancino 5'10" | OH Winter Park | 2026 FL . In the Open division were additional three teams from Florida finishing in the top 10, Game Point 16 ROX assisted by the powerhouse outside hitter Catherine Palmi Catherine Palmi 5'8" | OH Osceola | 2026 FL (5’8″) and middle blocker Jordin Ndiaye (5’10”), Jacksonville Junior 16 Teal counted with the block of middle Molly Fitzpatrick Molly Fitzpatrick 5'11" | MB Bartram Trail | 2026 FL (5’11”) and Jupiter Elite 16E with the outstanding performance of outside hitter Ava Castro Ava Castro 5'8" | OH Cardinal Newman | 2026 FL (5’9″).
The team DME Elite 16-1 found their spot in the top five in the USA Division with noticeable record of 8-2 earning their Bid to Nationals. This team has excellent players including middle Ava Scott, outside hitter Bailey Jones Bailey Jones 5'10" | OH New Smyrna Beach | 2026 FL (5’10”) and setter Victoria Stoltzfus (5’5″). Game Point 16 Premier displayed commitment and hard work as they finished in fifth place in the division, I watched this teams several times and they continue to improve in all aspects of the game. Their 5’10 middle Larissa Gibson is effective on the net establishing a tough block across the net. Finishing in the top 10 in the USA division was the TVA 16 Smack Kaitlin, this team has the tools to compete at a higher-level demonstrating improvement during the season. The 6’4′ right side Class of 2027, Avery Banks Avery Banks 6'4" | RS Lincoln | 2027 FL continues to show her dominance on the pin. The team backrow was well defended by libero Madison Joyner Madison Joyner 5'7" | DS/L Chiles | 2026 FL a 5’7″ with a solid platform and accuracy passing the ball.
The American division has three teams finishing in the top 10 positions. Game Point 16 Elite Black finished in third place with the assistance of the energetic 5’5″ all around offensive player Alanis Hernandez. Miami Hype 16N Carlos has the ideal combination of middle player Jenna Cuadra Jenna Cuadra 5'9" | MB Florida Christian School | 2026 FL and setter Antonella Maldonado Antonella Maldonado 5'2" | S Maters Lake | 2026 FL , their performances on the offense was an important factor for the team success. The WPVC 16 Armour Silver also found their spot among the top teams, they counted with the performance of setter Camila Valenzuela Camila Valenzuela 5'5" Bishop Moore Catholic | 2026 FL .
In addition, the following players’ hard work was evident during the tough competition during the qualifier as teams from several states are searching for their ticket to Las Vegas.
- Gracin Borboroglu, 5’7″ OH – Beach Wave 16 Elite
- Nicole Oswell Nicole Oswell 6'1" | MB Holy Trinity Episcopal | 2026 FL , 6’1″ MB – WPVC 16 Armour Black
- Sarah Niazi Sarah Niazi 5'5" | DS/L Merritt Island | 2026 FL , 5’4″ LIB – WPVC 16 Armour Black
- Adriana Jeanpierre Adriana Jeanpierre 5'9" | S Beacide | 2026 FL , 5’9″ Setter – OT 16 J Will
- Gianna Reamer, 6’2″ OH/RS – IMGA 16