Oregon Bid Tracker: NPJ Portland 18-1 Secures the Freedom Bid

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ticket to USAV National in April has been punched! NPJ Portland 18 National battled all day at the bid tournament to secure the third highest bid awarded from the CEVA region: the Freedom bid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXexN2QLMfwlODgv-pD2ZSO4OYPU-vev6ZF3EhJa2z-mb01XckjURgtk_C2RJBge3bWhIBw508aXQqkC_-dPoinXNxJpRmHq0ENVbSb-yCzdnJldZpUL8QK9YF36xsFcvgZUUIvaDw?key=lRhpwLqRNsDY1Viq75htwfpu" alt="" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After falling to Athena 18 Gold in the semi-finals, NPJ Portland 18-1 National bounced back to defeat OJVA 18-1 Gold in three sets to walk away with the Freedom bid.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>College coaches and scouts: Most of this team is <strong>uncommitted</strong> but filled with elite 2026 and 2025 prospects!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A key factor in the team's success has been the all-around contributions of six-rotation outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='161864' first='Alexa' last='Cornell']. The senior brings steady ball control, smart attacking, and a lethal jump float serve to the court. Opposite her is [player_tooltip player_id='568819' first='Jaslyn' last='Reed'], a rising star in the class of 2026, who has shown remarkable improvement over the past few months. With a high reach and a powerful arm, Reed moves the ball effectively around the court, and her line swing has proven to be especially deadly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the middle, the dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='268844' first='Olivia' last='Olsen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='575179' first='Amelia' last='Haj'] bring the athleticism and explosiveness needed to be impactful on both offense and defense. Although standing at just 5-foot-8, Haj compensates with an aggressive approach and impressive leaping abilities, launching herself off the to deliver powerful swings. Olsen excels at finding holes in the block and, when on defense, pressing back into the court with a formidable block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team runs a 6-2 offense, led by senior setters [player_tooltip player_id='161871' first='Allison' last='Hawk'] and [player_tooltip player_id='257578' first='Phoebe' last='Hyland'], who work tirelessly to orchestrate the attack. At 6-foot-1, Hawk is the complete package, capable of running a 5-1 or staying in to attack and block—something she does often. Hyland is a dynamic and athletic setter, with strong hands that allow her to distribute the ball effectively to the pins. Lana Gillas steps into the front-row right-side role for Hyland, bringing a heavy arm swing and an aggressive wrist to the attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anchoring the backcourt in the libero jersey is senior [player_tooltip player_id='249598' first='Emma' last='Comer'] (Eastern Oregon University). Her lightning-fast reflexes allow her to pick up nearly impossible digs, while her quick footwork and controlled platform make her a steady force in serve receive. [player_tooltip player_id='447987' first='Rhyan' last='Tanferani'] also plays a crucial role in the back row as a defensive specialist, providing consistent and reliable coverage across the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a strong core of talent and a determined mindset, NPJ Portland 18-1 National has proven they can compete at a very high level. As they continue to develop and refine their game, this team will be an exciting one to watch compete at USAV Nationals!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->