AAU “In It to Win It” Challenge – Standout Middles and Liberos
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More than 30 Nevada volleyball teams competed at the AAU “In it to Win it” Challenge in Las Vegas from May 10-12. It was the last tournament for a majority of club teams and many Nevada players were able to…
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Continue ReadingMore than 30 Nevada volleyball teams competed at the AAU “In it to Win it” Challenge in Las Vegas from May 10-12. It was the last tournament for a majority of club teams and many Nevada players were able to go home with some big wins.
I was very impressed with several players throughout the course of the tournament.
Here’s a rundown of several standout middles, liberos and defensive specialists that really brought their A-game and left a lasting impression over the weekend.
Jordyn Taylor
Jordyn Taylor
Jordyn was one of my favorite liberos to watch. She’s incredibly dynamic on the court, constantly in motion to prevent any ball from hitting the floor. She takes on the role as second setter when her team is out of system and does a good job placing the ball in an optimal spot for the hitters. Her hustle is unmatched, consistently setting up successful plays with her precise serve receive passes and clutch digs. The junior is very good at reading and has been a big contribution to her teams impressive finishes all season, including fifth overall in the 18 premier division of this tournament.
Amelia shines as one of the premier liberos in her class, always pushing herself to excel on the court. She is really good at moving her feet to the ball on serves vs reaching, which ultimately helps her better the ball for her setter. With elite mechanics, agility and reading skills, the freshman demonstrates a genuine passion for playing libero. Scovell excels in digging tough attacks from opponents and passing tough float serves, significantly increasing her team’s chances at running a good play. Her contributions were instrumental in securing an impressive second place finish in the 15 open/premier division of the tournament.
Highlights
Ella Ealy
Ella Ealy
Ella’s whip of an arm swing was on fire all weekend and contributed to her teams second place finish in the 15 open/premier division. She displays great versatility, executing various middle attacks throughout the game. She quickly transitions off the net and consistently goes in for the an attack nearly every time, ready to hit. This often holds the opponent’s middle blocker even when she is not being set to or leads to her beating the block because she’s in the air before they realize she is hitting. She has a lot of power behind her swing and effective at reading hitters to get some really good blocks in. It’s evident that Ealy is passionate about the sport and will be exciting to catch again next school season.
Jazlyn was a crucial part of her club teams success at this tournament and season. She is one of the top hitters on her team, but also shows versatility in other areas such as setting if needed. Arellano is able to use her height to her advantage by hitting over and around most blocks. She quickly transitions off the net to hit or tip the deep corners, which are often open for her because of her quick swing. Defensively, she is very active on front row. She is always ready for overpasses, securing a big block and even gets in some play time on back row. She helped her 15s team to an impressive second place finish in the 16 Open and previously earned a bid to Nationals.
Highlights
Danica Macaalay
Danica Macaalay
I had the opportunity to witness Danica in action as a defensive specialist, and she truly stood out. Her pivotal role in her club’s 14 Open first place victory was evident throughout the course of the tournament. Macaalay’s infectious energy and dedication to delivering the best pass possible for her setter were consistent throughout the games. With her hustle, quick reflexes, and defensive prowess, the freshman has the potential to rapidly rise as a top libero in the state.
Great job middles, liberos and defensive specialists! Looking forward to catching more of these standout players next school season. If there is a player you would like to add to my radar, please email me at: lasvegasvbanalyst@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @lasvegasvbanalyst
More than 30 Nevada volleyball teams competed at the AAU "In it to Win it" Challenge in Las Vegas from May 10-12. It was the last tournament for a majority of club teams and many Nevada players were able to go home with some big wins.
Jordyn Taylor
Jordyn Taylor
Highlights
Ella Ealy
Ella Ealy
Highlights
Danica Macaalay
Danica Macaalay
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