Dominant 18s Team Performances in January

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>18s teams have hit the ground running in January. With nationals earlier than any other age group, they have to establish team chemistry and start earning wins very quickly. There have been several major tournaments where 18s teams have had the chance to shine. Here are some of the teams who have had a hot start to the club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='428672' first='Milwaukee' last='Sting'] 18 Black </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Sting team has numerous returning players, and it showed at the Windy City Qualifier, where they went 7-1 to take 2nd place and earn the USA division bid to USAV 18s GJNC later this spring. This team has big energy, exciting plays, and lethal offensive weapons. It all starts in the back row, though, and no one does it better than libero [player_tooltip player_id='178270' first='Ellie' last='Bruns']. Defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='497918' first='Aria' last='Wessel'] is another huge asset in the back row. Some new additions to this squad include state champion [player_tooltip player_id='202178' first='Lucia' last='Brown'], who has wasted no time having a huge impact, and explosive pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='178232' first='Morgan' last='Stewart']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='178247' first='Addison' last='Schoenberger'] and [player_tooltip player_id='178023' first='Brooke' last='Aslakson'] were Division 1 state runner-ups at Hamilton and know how to perform on the big stage. Brooke improves every time she steps on the court and will be a big asset at the next level. Addie is always hungry for the ball and has an arsenal of shots in her toolbox to earn points. Both are very talented blockers as well. There could be an entire article about this roster's talent and early-season success, which shows just how talented and deep this team runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='428672' first='Milwaukee' last='Sting'] 18 White</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sting 18 White also earned a bid at the Windy City Qualifier in the Liberty Division. They placed 2nd in the qualifier and battled hard the entire weekend, overcoming four 3-set matches. This team has many new faces, but you would never know it based on their chemistry throughout the qualifier. The overall experience the athletes on this team bring is impressive. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='178236' first='Mariska' last='Kees'] runs the offense like a pro and is relentless on the court. She feeds her hitters consistently from the first point to the last. [player_tooltip player_id='249664' first='Kennedy' last='Myers'] anchored the team in the back row and consistently performed at a high level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='178273' first='Brooklyn' last='Grisolono'] and [player_tooltip player_id='178347' first='Sophia' last='Peterson'] were both big contributors as defensive specialists in the back row. Mariska kept her middles running as much as possible, with [player_tooltip player_id='497919' first='Amelia' last='Werner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='275792' first='Tessa' last='Jacobson'] earning key points and being active on the offense. [player_tooltip player_id='185618' first='Katlyn' last='Tarkowski'] was a go-to hitter on the pin. This bid was a full team effort and everyone contributed in a huge way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='431479' first='Wisconsin' last='Juniors'] 18-1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='431479' first='Wisconsin' last='Juniors'] placed 3rd at the Windy City Qualifier, just shy of earning a bid. This team is primed for huge success this season. [player_tooltip player_id='202164' first='Audrey' last='Heiring'] and Gaby DiMotto are both absolute weapons on the pin. They are smart yet powerful and can earn points both in and out of system. Audrey is a high-level blocker and is not afraid to unload on the ball when given the opportunity. [player_tooltip player_id='178326' first='Emma' last='Crow'] is a middle who is lethal in front of and behind the setter. She is nearly unstoppable when she gets the slide running and can out-pace most blocks. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='202188' first='Julia' last='Erdmann'] runs the show. She is not afraid to be aggressive and feeds her hitters consistently. Julia puts great pace on the ball and has great placement on her sets even when she is on the move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">I AM VBC 18 Red</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I AM 18 Red is off to a great start this season, going 5-1 in the Badger Region Power League and then battling in tight matches in the Open division of the Winter Classic. [player_tooltip player_id='202194' first='Kylee' last='Altendorf'] has been a go-to hitter on this team for several years - and this year is no different. She is a pin who can consistently play all six rotations and knows how to earn points. [player_tooltip player_id='503793' first='Ashlin' last='Nottestad'] is no stranger to earning points herself and was a force on the pin for her team. The right sides on this team, [player_tooltip player_id='301989' first='Anna' last='Holzer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='359928' first='Kathryn' last='Urban'] both play a huge role as well. Setters [player_tooltip player_id='487022' first='Mary' last='Weishan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='202195' first='Madelyn' last='Abel'] are both scrappy and defensive and have solid court awareness. So far, this team has shown they know how to battle and will be a team to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elevate 18 Odd Ducks</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elevate 18 Odd Ducks took 2nd place in the Prep Dig Resolution 17/18 Open Division. They are explosive, scrappy, and smart. [player_tooltip player_id='435842' first='Vivie' last='Dempsey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='249626' first='Addison' last='Foor'] anchor the team on the pin. Both can play all six rotations and are not only lethal offensive options but consistent and controlled back-row players. They are always ready to execute and earn points on big plays. [player_tooltip player_id='359927' first='Michelyn' last='Hansen'] is a setter who runs the court like a well-oiled machine. I first saw her play a few years ago, and she immediately exploded onto my radar. She is a savvy setter who has great court vision and is tough to read. Versatile middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='533616' first='Maddy' last='Wilson'] was a game-changer for the Odd Ducks and was balanced in her contributions both on offense and defense. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='533618' first='Leah' last='Brigson'] is a force to be reckoned with in the back row. She has a great platform and is always working hard for her team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MVP 18 Blue Smack </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MVP 18s have a competitive squad this year and showed their depth by placing 5th in the Open division of Central Zone Invite this past weekend. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='202189' first='Ciara' last='Hummer'] is clean and precise with her sets and isn't afraid to move the ball around. Delaney Eldrige is a setter with incredible ball control and a high volleyball IQ. Middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='359925' first='Amalia' last='Neville'] brings the heat and puts up a massive block. Samantha Schulz is a high-level defender who can also play on the outside. Her ability to read hitters makes her a frustrating opponent. This team has numerous returning players and great team chemistry right off the bat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->