Truman Hyvee Invitational Champions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Truman Patriots emerged from the deep field to become champions of the 28-team Hyvee Invitational Saturday at the Hyvee Arena in Kansas City. I hadn't seen Truman in person this season but had been impressed with their early season play, enough to include them in the Kansas City [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last=''] rankings for a couple of weeks. After seeing them live, I thought they were a legit squad that could surprise some teams come late October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Truman defeated St. Joeseph Benton in the title match after Benton completed a hard-fought game with Smithville. Truman had some downtime after making quick work of Maryville in the semi-final match. In the final, Truman found momentum in the first set and created distance but the second set was a back-and-forth tilt until the Patriots made a late run to seal the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So where do we start with the Patriots as I highlight some players who stood out. I'll start with the bright color libero-wearing senior Addison Gardner. She is as solid as a defender I've seen this year in the back row. She covers a lot of real estate behind the front row and gets her hands on a lot of balls. Another thing that impressed me was her setting when forced to take the second ball. She places the ball in a good position for her hitters. Speaking of hitters, senior [player_tooltip player_id='219786' first='Jayden' last='Herl'] and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='729510' first='Andi' last='Gardner'] are the real deal. The Gardner girls are daughters of head coach David, so you know they have a respectable volleyball IQ. The thing I liked about both outside hitters is they aren't afraid to take the big swing, in or out of system. They both will let it rip, which leads to numerous kills on the outside. Both play six rotations and handled their own in the passing game and defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The pins were able to find success because the middles had good days, which allowed them to hold the block to give one-on-one opportunities on the outside. Middle Kayla Scott is more of the finesse middle. She is quick off the ground and can hit a [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last=''] shot but utilizes the tip to find open floor space. Scott, a senior is also effective in the blocking department and does a good job of pressing over the net. The other middle, senior [player_tooltip player_id='223890' first='Avery' last='Patton'] is that [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last=''] middle who lets it rip on most occasions. She can hit in the front and behind the setter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Truman ran a 6-2, which showcased two right-sides and two setters. Both setters ran an effective offense and made good decisions throughout the matches I saw live. [player_tooltip player_id='219765' first='Madison' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='729561' first='Mia' last='Stone'] also showed good awareness defensively and kept balls off the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots will again be tested this week with matches against Park Hill South and Platte County on their schedule. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->