Standouts from Motor City Madness’ 17 Open
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Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball! – Coming off of a huge weekend of volleyball in the Mitten state, Motor City Madness showcased some of the best of what Michigan has to offer. With an exciting 17 Open,…
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Coming off of a huge weekend of volleyball in the Mitten state, Motor City Madness showcased some of the best of what Michigan has to offer.
With an exciting 17 Open, Michigan Elite took home the title. Here are some of the standouts from the 17 Open at Motor City Madness.
Addison Newblatt Addison Newblatt 5'9" | OH Clarkston | 2025 State MI – Michigan Elite
Whether she was in the libero jersey or holding down the play in right back, Addison Newblatt Addison Newblatt 5'9" | OH Clarkston | 2025 State MI was instrumental in 17 Mizuno’s dominating win at home this weekend. Her defense was top notch and she was showcasing that strong arm out on the D ball.
Gabriella Babinski Gabriella Babinski 6'1" | RS South Lyon East | 2025 State MI – Michigan Elite
Gabriella Babinski Gabriella Babinski 6'1" | RS South Lyon East | 2025 State MI has become a focal point for this team’s line of offense. In system or out of system, Babinski is going to bring the heat. She was on top of her game both offensively and defensively at the net.
Malia Romes Malia Romes 6'2" | MB Kalida | 2026 State OH – Athlete HQ
There may not have been a more “in the zone” player at the Motor City Madness than Malia Romes Malia Romes 6'2" | MB Kalida | 2026 State OH . A stout presence at 6’3, Romes brings so much more than her size and that really elevates her and her team’s game. With an excellent block to go along with a booming swing, Romes also brings the heat from the back line with an insane top spin.
Briawna Zimmerman Briawna Zimmerman 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2026 MI – MVBTA
After a stellar outing this fall with Forest Hills Northern, I was curious when the next time I’d see Briawna Zimmerman Briawna Zimmerman 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2026 MI in action. Low and behold, Zimmerman proved to be continuing her rise to success this weekend. Her offensive range is growing and her block was causing tons of problems.
Grace Cooney Grace Cooney 6'0" | MB Hartland | 2025 State MI – L2
While this machine may be without a key player, Grace Cooney Grace Cooney 6'0" | MB Hartland | 2025 State MI still manages to not only shine, but drive this L2 team. An offensive dynamo with a lot of force behind her swings, Cooney can be used in so many different scenarios on the court.
Lili Smith Lili Smith 5'11" | S Flushing | 2025 State MI – Michigan Elite
This player brings so much to the court, its really hard to decide what aspect to like more. Between her setting and her attacking, Lili Smith Lili Smith 5'11" | S Flushing | 2025 State MI is a go-getter on the court. When running the offense, she keeps the offense balanced and opposing defenses on their toes. As an attacker, she can chop up some serious angles.
Finley Helm Finley Helm 5'9" | OH Mt. Pleasant | 2025 State MI – Five:1
This weekend proved to be a nice showing for this high flyer out of Five:1. While slightly undersized, Finley Helm Finley Helm 5'9" | OH Mt. Pleasant | 2025 State MI not only goes above and beyond with her leaping abilities, but she pushes the envelope with her defense as well.