Names to Know from PSR 16 Regionals
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The Puget Sound Region hosted a spirited 16U Regionals tournament with local bragging rights and bids to USAV Nationals on the line. Familiar faces dotted the top teams, and prospects emerged with stellar performances over the weekend. Here are several…
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Continue ReadingThe Puget Sound Region hosted a spirited 16U Regionals tournament with local bragging rights and bids to USAV Nationals on the line. Familiar faces dotted the top teams, and prospects emerged with stellar performances over the weekend. Here are several who stood out at the NW Hub in Centralia.
Gutke was a force in the middle for SIVBC 16 Thunder, who have had a very successful season thus far. The team has often been playing up in age level, and in the Open Division when playing 16’s. Gutke causes issues with her length, not only as a blocker but as an attacker as well. She is hitting down on the block at times and bangs the ball hard off hands to score. Her fellow middle Lauryn Coleman proved too athletic and dynamic for teams to handle over the weekend, and libero Kaitlyn Nguyen was a “good” trouble maker from the service line.
The middle from SIVBC 16 Tornado was active and aggressive going after 50/50 balls and jousts at the net. She was putting up a solid wall as a blocker and formed a solid duo with fellow middle Eva Freise. The overall energy and scoring output for Tornado was excellent when Zalewska and pin Sawyer Mahler were in a rotation together with setter Niah Pham. The 2026 from Mercer Island has a powerful approach and the arm swing to score when she is comfortable letting it rip.
Highlights
Hugus ripped kills from ether pin in the championship match against SIVBC Thunder, and was a scoring threat all weekend, The whippy 5’9″ outside from Tumwater is a 2026 prospect who has found her groove primarily as a right side for Oly Reign 16 Gold this season. She has great snap on the ball, she drives it down with a heavy top spin that defenders have a hard time catching up to. Hugus is an athletic player with good bounce, she was careening swings off high hands and out to score consistently.
Highlights
A short-handed Dakine 16-1 Surf squad turned to Dumontet to run the show from the setter spot and the Enumclaw standout helped deliver a 3rd place overall finish and a 5-1 record at the Regional tournament. Dumontet found her attackers in excellent match ups and kept working her middles, including a consistent scoring connection with 2027 prospect Sydney Lingenbrink. Dakine had contributions from everyone to finish with a bid down multiple players, Dumontet was critical to the effort.
Highlights
Hudson played with intensity and focus for SIVA 16 South Blue over the weekend. The 2026 libero from Sedro Wooley has strong hands and can play the ball overhand without any issues. She formed a strong libero combination along with Kinsley Neal, and Hudson was dealing a tough float serve from the far left service line. She was able to keep SIVA setter Audrey Marsh in the flow with solid tempo passing, and Marsh had an excellent connection with outside Tatum Swapp.
Stephan played as a full time 6 rotation outside, and was very difficult to stop attacking form the pin. Her height and athleticism allowed her to score over the block, but she also showed skilled angle swings and the ability to adjust and keep the ball in play. At 6’3″, she dominated as a blocker at times, either scoring stuff blocks or creating easy free balls for Apex NW 16 Summit. Stephan will continue to develop as a passer and defender, she has the strength and instincts to make plays and be a strong back row player.
Highlights
Kate Cardinal
Kate Cardinal
Cardinal is a 2026 libero from Peninsula who plays with precision and poise in the back row. Her Puyallup Juniors 16 team finished the Regional tournament with a solid win over SIVBC Tornado after running into eventual champion SIVBC Thunder in the first round of bracket play. Cardinal takes care with her form and technique in serve receive, she has an excellent platform and works hard to take the right angles to serves and swings. She will hold her platform for just a split second on a great pass, and she controls her height and tempo well. Cardinal is a rock solid passer, and that is something every coach wants in their program.