Which Nebraska Teams Gained the Most Momentum this April?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a month it was.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>April is a make-or-break month on the club calendar. It's a month packed with high-stakes qualifiers, regional action, and everything between. Getting on an April hot streak is never a bad idea, especially with Nationals looming in the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nebraska is loaded with teams and athletes that took advantage of this pivotal time. Before we turn toward May, let's highlight a few Great Plains squads that might be peaking at the right time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 18 Elite</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a way to cap a club career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/04/[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']-18-elite-carrying-great-plains-banner-at-18s-gjnc/">Yesterday's feature</a> detailed [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 18 Elite's climb through the 18 National division at last weekend's 18s GJNC. The Baltimore trip started with a 6-0 record through two days of competition, placing 18 Elite in the division's quarterfinal round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That positive momentum yielded a Monday victory over OTVA to reach the semis. [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']'s spot on the podium is no surprise, but this was a testament to 18 Elite willingness to rise to the occasion. It's a Lincoln superstar team featuring [player_tooltip player_id='104989' first='Malayah' last='Long'], [player_tooltip player_id='152857' first='Emerson' last='Lionberger'], [player_tooltip player_id='152858' first='Madison' last='Rink'], [player_tooltip player_id='152864' first='Mallorie' last='Meyer'], and several others. All of the aforementioned names are preparing to make an impact this fall at the D1 level, and we can't wait to see them thrive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for 18 Elite's future collegiate standouts. They just found a new gear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Banzai VBC 17 Select</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a group we're ready to see at Nationals this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Banzai VBC 17 Select locked up a 17 Liberty bid with a runner-up finish at Chicago's Windy City Qualifier. That event ushered in the end of March, but 17 Select is not slowing down in late-season action. Another second-place triumph at the Great Plains Regional Championships has 17 Select aiming higher for GJNC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":535987,"width":"358px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/IMG_7192-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-535987" style="width:358px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Petersen</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The roster features a wealth of players who have dominated Nebraska's prep scene. [player_tooltip player_id='155056' first='Raeghan' last='Craven'] keeps guiding Banzai VBC at the setter spot. She is connecting well with talented hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='189374' first='Abree' last='Plueger'] and [player_tooltip player_id='155055' first='Lilly' last='Pillay']. [player_tooltip player_id='395227' first='Zoe' last='Petersen'] has made her mark on the outside. [player_tooltip player_id='495052' first='Margaret' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='395073' first='Chloe' last='Teter'] run the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This won't be 17 Select's first Nationals experience, but they're poised to make 2024 the team's best year yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 17 Navy</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've wanted to talk about this [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] team for a while.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17 Navy posted some solid April results, including a top-five finish at the JVA World Challenge. The team then made the quick turnaround to the Sioux City Slam and challenged itself against 17s and 18s competitors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter [player_tooltip player_id='269958' first='Madison' last='Emery'] has climbed the Class of 2025 ladder since she helped Bellevue West reach last fall's state tournament. [player_tooltip player_id='216100' first='Lillian' last='Vitera'] is another [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] athlete with plenty of tournament experience and anchors 17 Navy's middle blocker spot. Look out for [player_tooltip player_id='214043' first='Anna' last='Faiman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='214044' first='Addie' last='Schuka'] in the back row, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Club Legacy 16 Alpha</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's get a quick update from the Club Legacy camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16 Alpha started its April journey with a division title at the Great Plains Regional Championships. This triumph was a good lead-in to a trip down south to participate in the Adidas Lone Star Classic. Club Legacy compiled a winning record in a massive field of 16 Liberty squads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team has shown great chemistry ever since last year's 15 campaign. It all starts with starting setter [player_tooltip player_id='396745' first='Addison' last='Janke'], who consistently puts her teammates in favorable positions. That leads to floor-denting kills from athletes like [player_tooltip player_id='349464' first='Annabella' last='Suljuzovic'] and [player_tooltip player_id='349453' first='Jetta' last='Sattem']. It also helps to have Omaha Westside standout [player_tooltip player_id='396746' first='Jane' last='Kubat'] leading the team's floor defense and serve receive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Premier Nebraska 16 Black</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is an obvious one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you missed our GPR Bid Tournament coverage, Premier 16 Black compiled a perfect record with zero set losses to swipe the region's 16 National bid. We also have to note a solid outing in the Show Me Qualifier's 16 USA division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Multi-talented players run the show for 16 Black. That list includes [player_tooltip player_id='187703' first='Evynn' last='Olsen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='349413' first='Maggie' last='Miller'], who can contribute as attackers and ball-control specialists. Don't forget about other electric attackers like [player_tooltip player_id='518581' first='Taylor' last='Elsasser'], [player_tooltip player_id='349409' first='Ellie' last='Ortmeier'], and [player_tooltip player_id='253925' first='Kayelyn' last='Liebentritt'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another GJNC trip is in the works. 16 Black has been here before.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 15 Black</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're already excited about [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE']'s future leaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>April was a busy month for 15 Black after a varied slate of qualifiers and regional contests. A fruitful stay at the Show Me Qualifier was a good way to start it off. [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] remained a consistent force against regional competition at the Midwest Power League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like many [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] teams, ball control is a major strength for 15 Black. [player_tooltip player_id='458130' first='Haleah' last='Schuerman'] bolsters this phase at libero, allowing [player_tooltip player_id='521273' first='Makenna' last='Bowman'] to set her smooth offense. [player_tooltip player_id='497417' first='Aubrie' last='Lierman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='521266' first='Lauren' last='McKernan'] have separated themselves as high-impact attackers this spring, so keep an eye on this duo on the prep side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1776710816386973845","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1776710816386973845 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Nebraska Elite 15 Prime</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nebraska Elite enters the conversation, and this club has serious depth at the 15s level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15 Prime had an April journey similar to [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE']. The Show Me Qualifier tested this group on the national stage before a run of impressive victories against GPR foes. The 2024 season lays the foundation for a few more memorable seasons in this age group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talent on 15 Prime's roster helps, too. [player_tooltip player_id='774635' first='Molly' last='McGreer'] has entered the spotlight through her fantastic defensive displays. [player_tooltip player_id='508161' first='Nevaeh' last='Hilderbrand'] and [player_tooltip player_id='521226' first='Callie' last='Petersen'] are indispensable contributors in the front row and allow the team to match up with anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1776701558106841111","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1776701558106841111 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->