Michigan Elite Dominates JVA World Challenge 17 Open
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The JVA World Challenge took place this past weekend in Louisville, Ky. and Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno put on a dominant performance to win the 17 Open Division. Michigan Elite went 9-0 for the weekend, dropping just three sets in…
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Continue ReadingThe JVA World Challenge took place this past weekend in Louisville, Ky. and Michigan Elite 17 Mizuno put on a dominant performance to win the 17 Open Division.
Michigan Elite went 9-0 for the weekend, dropping just three sets in the process.
During Gold Bracket play, 17 Mizuno only lost one set, as it cruised to a 25-14, 25-23 in the final against Wildfire 17N Open.
Everyone on the team was able to contribute to the team’s success, but a big key for Michigan Elite this weekend was the connection setter Ella Craggs was able to establish with her middles and the right side.
GabriElla Babinski was a power and locked in this weekend. She was finishing at a high rate and Craggs did a great job of getting her the ball in positions to succeed.
The same can be said for the middles. Victoria Gray Victoria Gray 6'2" | MB Bedford | 2025 State #100 Nation MI and Shelby Ignash Shelby Ignash 6'1" | MB Cass City | 2025 State #124 Nation MI each had their own dominant stretches in Louisville. Gray has proven to be one of the most explosive middles and she can rack up kills in the blink of an eye. Ignash is very athletic and agile, and her blocking can match her hitting ability, which give 17 Mizuno dominant blocking middles at all times.
Katerina Stout Katerina Stout 6'3" | MB Macomb Dakota | 2025 State MI has also been a bit of an unsung hero for this squad. She’s filled out the roster of middles into a trio that can hang with any team in the country. She’s moving well around the net and can play the right side as well. She’s brought depth to the lineup that also allows her fellow middles to play with the pedal to the floor when they get on the floor.
There’s been plenty said about the play of Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI , Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI and Addison Newblatt Addison Newblatt 5'9" | OH Clarkston | 2025 State MI as outsides as well. Their play certainly can’t be underscored, but this past weekend was a chance for the middles to lead the way and shine.
However, without the play of the outsides, as well as libero McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI , as passers and on serve receive, the offense wouldn’t have been as impressive. The defensive play has been very consistent throughout most of the season for this team and that just makes the offense more dangerous.
This weekend was important for Michigan Elite, as they have played at a high level throughout the season, but have been seeking that open championship in an event. 17 Mizuno has been consistently in the top-5 of events and that included a few third-place finishes.
The nice part about this weekend’s performance is that Michigan Elite can still get better. The offense still can iron out a few things and the ball control can still sharpen up a little bit. It should be an exciting few months ahead for the team as they compete for a top spot in the national spotlight.