JVA World Challenge Preview: 17 Open

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We might be most of the way through qualifier season, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of great volleyball tournaments still going on nationwide. Here are five teams with two players each that hope to make an impact in 17 Open at the JVA World Challenge in Louisville this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">CVBC 17-1 Ballers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The little club that could from Seymour has plenty to choose from when looking for next-level talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='160069' first='Addison' last='Darlage'] ('25, 5-7 S, Trinity Lutheran)</strong> has all the tools to run a 5-1 on her own in the fall of '25. With her feet constantly going and her hands high and deceptive, her accuracy is almost a foregone conclusion. Her main target might be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157945' first='Carson' last='Bowling'] ('25, 6-0 MB, Trinity Lutheran).</strong> Addison is already familiar with her high school teammate, but Carson brings a little more than a heavy arm to the fray. Her length allows her to defend pin to pin at an above average level, she takes up space in the block, and finds ways to score points even if the set is a little off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Empowered 17 Elite Black</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another pair of Fort-Wayne-based high school teammates dot this roster of high level players. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378034' first='Kate' last='Jacquay'] ('25, 5-10 S, Homestead)</strong> is already familiar with running a faster-than-average offense, and could probably run a 5-1 <em>right now</em> at a mid-major near you. Her primary thumper might be middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332516' first='Alyssa' last='Hall'] ('25, 5-11 MB, Homestead)</strong>, who has M2 written all over her at the next level. I like her arm speed and her length that makes her appear taller than she actually is. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Metro VBC 17 Pink</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving to the other end of the state, Metro has some heavy hitters to be conscious of from the Evansville area. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303593' first='Chloe' last='Edwards'] ('25, 6-0 OH, Jasper)</strong> is a big and physical outside that can receive serve in a pinch if you need it. Her high attack point and heavy ball makes her tougher than most to defend. Fellow "big" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192101' first='Halle' last='McDurmon'] ('25, 6-0 MB/RS, Evansville Mater Dei)</strong> is another tough player to defend, as she can put balls away from multiple positions. I like her as an M2, but watching her turn a few shots down the line from the right side is equally impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Union 17 UA Black</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving east on I-64, we head to Union, where a high volleyball IQ is not only encouraged but expected. My favorite on this roster is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530561' first='Madelyn' last='Dotson'] ('25, 5-10 OH, Providence),</strong> who is a primary passing outside that can terminate from anywhere. She's also got some state championship hardware from this past fall on her mantle, so the pressure of training to win is not lost on her. A surprise for this author on this roster is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530563' first='Sophia' last='Fuquay'] ('25, 5-11 MB, Charlestown).</strong> Big and strong, Miss Fuquay looks like what an M2 should look like at the next level. Strong off of two feet and armed with a high attack point, she can power through blocks as easily as she can hit around them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Munciana 17 Pandas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Munciana's 17-1 has a large and high-level roster filled with talent. A pair of northeastern Indiana prospects come to mind immediately, starting with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192113' first='Ava' last='Tindall'] ('25, 6-0 MB, Homestead).</strong> Solid and dependable, Ava is regularly getting touches defensively and transitions well to prepare for the attack. Her length will serve her well at the next level, and is always making the smart play both offensively and defensively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237882' first='Maya' last='Harris'] ('26, 6-0 Pin, Angola)</strong> has quick feet and an even quicker arm with a high attack point that is hard to defend. She's a primary-passing, six-rotation prospect that is springy and strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->