GJNC 3rd Place Recap for VCN 15 Black

The 118 degree heat outside in the Las Vegas desert was intense, but it was just as intense for VCN 15 Black. They came away with a 3rd place finish in 15 Liberty. This team had a fantastic resume heading into Nationals last week. Here is a look at their successes and how they took some hardware home from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.    The 15's age division at VCN is some of the most talented between 15 Elite and 15 Black. Their early season success gave them confidence and momentum heading into qualifiers. It started out with a Championship in 15 Club for the ASIC'S President's Day Classic in Omaha, Nike Mideast Qualifier Runner Up in 15 Liberty in St. Louis, ASIC's Show Me Qualifier 9th place finish in 15 USA in Kansas City, Midwest Power League 15 Club Champions, and a Runner-Up at the JVA Nebraska Showdown in 16 Open.   The first day of GJNC started out with the afternoon wave. 15 Black handled Summit 15 National Blue 25-20, 25-14. The first set Black needed to get some nerves out and then completely dominated the second set. Then a familiar club powerhouse name with the 9th seed MAVS KC 15-2 was the next opponent and Black handled them 25-18, 25-15. The nightcap started off with a dominating first set win over OVCV G15-1 25-12 but then unforced errors and serve and pass broke down and Black dropped set 2 25-22 and set 3 17-15.    Day 2 was an evening showdown with15 seeded Waco VBC 15 UA Black. It was a back and forth match with VCN edging out Waco 29-27, 25-23. Then they faced 3rd seed Top Notch 15u Elite and Black played well in the first set, but dropped it 25-21 and then came out and completely dominated 25-18 and then 15-7.    This set up an interesting Day 3 Pool with a narrow margin gives VCN the nod to the Gold Bracket Semi-Final. Black lost to AZ Sky 15 Blue 25-17, 13-25 and 17-15. The 3 set loss proved critical going to the Challenge Match because if they had lost in 2 it would have bumped them down to the Silver Bracket. They then went on to defeat 8 seeded Marin 15 Black 25-20 and then came out triumphant in a 3 set thriller in the Challenge Match against 6 seeded 1United 15N White 20-25,25-21 and 15-12. VCN 15 Black had secured their way to the podium and faced eventual National Champion Manhattan Mayhem 15 Premier and lost 24-26, 25-13, 16-14. The 3d set was a thriller and VCN came up just short of the National Championship Match.   Outside [player_tooltip player_id='458167' first='Delainey' last='Volkmer'] was named to the All-Tournament Team. She was the six rotation go to hitter on the pin for Black. She is able to use her athleticism and power to propel her team. Volkmer did an outstanding job of using the block to her advantage as well and trying different shots to keep defenses off kilter. When they needed a big swing in crucial moments, Volkmer delivered.   Libero [player_tooltip player_id='521256' first='Emmalyn' last='Quinn'] was also named to the All-Tournament Team.  She provided a steady, calm demeanor and passed dimes on serve receive all tournament. She also went on several serving runs. The lefty has a great jump float serve and was able to rack up some aces and keep opponents out of system.    Middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='521245' first='Aunalie' last='Scribner'] really stepped it up in the middle to provide some crucial kills and sideouts for Black. She has gained huge momentum this year in the middle. She has a fast arm and can swing between the block. Scribner also has some great tight tip shots to zone 4 that were huge.   Her middle counterpart [player_tooltip player_id='521251' first='Sabrina' last='Kepler'] had some huge blocks down the stretch and also stepped in for some big serves throughout the week. She also had some great must have kills at crucial points in the game.    Right side [player_tooltip player_id='521253' first='Elsie' last='Schmidt'] had a phenomenal tournament and had some pivotal kills and shots at the right time during some tight matches. She, too, has so much power when she swings. Schmidt also does a great job of power tipping through the block and finding deep corners as well. She makes defenses work to either block her or have to dig her power, but she is smart and can use the block to her advantage.    Outside [player_tooltip player_id='521248' first='Livia' last='Drevo'] really came on this club season as well. Stepping up from VCN Blue 14 from last year, she provided a lot of consistency and power on the pin as well. If the block was late, she would make you play. She also has a nice roll shot that continued to improve throughout the year. Drevo also has a great driving jump float serve. She has a lot of potential to turn into a great six rotation player.    [player_tooltip player_id='516370' first='Delaney' last='Vohland'] played a little of everything this past club season, but during Nationals took over defensive specialist duties for either Schmidt in right back or Drevo in left back. She was money on serve receive and got on several serving runs during the tournament. Her jump float is hard to read. She also plays great floor defense and would take an occasional swing on the right pin depending on the rotation for serve receive. She can do anything you need her to do!   Setter [player_tooltip player_id='458146' first='Alex' last='Kroll'] has fantastic hands and footwork. She does a great job of distributing the ball and for being a smaller setter she blocks well when in front row. Kroll has a sneaky dump set as well and can get on serving runs as well. She has a high volleyball IQ and court awareness.    Defensive Specialist [player_tooltip player_id='521233' first='Ella' last='Twarling'] strengths are reading hitters and serving. She can get tips and digs well.She does a nice job of playing back row either in left or right back. During the semi final match she had one of her stronger serve receive games. Twarling gives a lot of energy on the floor as well.   Right side and serving specialist [player_tooltip player_id='521259' first='Avery' last='Loewe'] stepped in to serve and provide a spark for the team throughout the week. She did a good job of fulfilling her role for the week as did setter [player_tooltip player_id='521254' first='Kolbee' last='Kroemer'] who came in to serve and set a few points to give Kroll a breather.    The chemistry on this team and everyone knowing and fulfilling their roles made this a club season to remember! Excited to see what the prep season holds for these players!

The 118 degree heat outside in the Las Vegas desert was intense, but it was just as intense for VCN 15 Black. They came away with a 3rd place finish in 15 Liberty. This team had a fantastic resume heading into Nationals last week. Here is a look at their successes and how they took some hardware home from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.