Five Must See Matchups at Bluegrass Tournament Day One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual tournament comprised of 1,550 teams starts Friday at noon. It contains plenty of good matchups across the 40 divisions. Here are five matchups to check out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Munciana 18 Samuri (Hoosier Region) vs. [program_tooltip program_id='481203' first='Northern' last='Kentucky Volleyball Club'] 18-1 (Pioneer Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Exposition Court 68 at 1 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup is an interesting one with the size and skill that will be on both sides. The Munciana 18 Samuri come into the tournament ranked number three by the Advanced Event Systems poll in the Hoosier Region, which comprises all of Indiana, against the NKYVC 18-1 Tsunami, ranked sixth in the Pioneer Region AES poll. The Pioneer Region is all of Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Samuri own a 22-4 record overall. They are led by the second-rated player in the Ohio Prep Dig Class of 2025 in the 5-8 outside hitter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='289170' first='Spencer' last='Etzler'], who is committed to Stanford. She's surrounded by three players ranked in the 2025 Prep Dig Top 10 in Indiana. Two outside hitters in the 6-1 Charlotte Vinson is committed to Indiana and 6-2 Lindsey Mangelson is committed to Mississippi State. The team's setter is the 6-0 Molly Beatty, who is committed to Central Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 18-1 Tsunami features four players ranked in the top 25 in Kentucky's Class of 2025. They are two Xavier commits in 6-1 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='210633' first='Ava' last='Tilden'] and last year's Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association Defensive Player of the Year in 5-6 libero [player_tooltip player_id='210634' first='Julia' last='Grace']. The other two are 6-1 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='159327' first='Riley' last='McCloskey'], committed to Memphis, and the 6-3 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='159378' first='Corrine' last='Blackburn'], an Army commit. The setter is the 10th-ranked prospect out of Ohio's Class of 2025 in 6-0 [player_tooltip player_id='152344' first='Emsley' last='Venard'], a Florida International commit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17/18 Premier White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tri-Star Juniors 17-1 (Delta) vs. 17U Crush Volleyball Club National (Pioneer)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Exposition Court 68 at 1 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tri-Star comes up from the Delta Region comprised of west Tennessee, all of Arkansas in addition to central and northern Mississippi. The 17-1 team features two sound setters in Kentucky's 1st Region in Mayfield's [player_tooltip player_id='484268' first='Neely' last='Flowers'] and McCracken County's [player_tooltip player_id='757541' first='Taylor' last='Dugan']. McCracken County junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='533342' first='Penny' last='Kirkham'] hopes to send sound first passes to them. Mayfield middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='594634' first='Sydney' last='Wright'] is one of the hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opponent is from northern Kentucky. The 17 Crush National team has some promising talent led by Bracken County outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212193' first='Macy' last='Lucas'], Bishop Brossart junior setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='727153' first='Payton' last='Marshall'] and Calvary Christian outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='533373' first='Anna' last='Hickey'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] 17 Blue (Pioneer) vs. [program_tooltip program_id='747806' first='East' last='Kentucky Junior Volleyball'] 17-Blue (Pioneer)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Exposition Center Court 33 at 2 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On an individual level, Tri-State junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='212393' first='Milyn' last='Minor'] and EKJV 5-10 sophomore outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='253875' first='Kylie' last='Kinner'] square off after meeting in the Kentucky state quarterfinals for Scott and Paintsville, respectively, five months ago. Minor is the two-time 10th Region Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both have sound talent around them. For Minor, that includes two college commits from defending Ohio Division I Seton in 6-1 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='379749' first='Nattie' last='Slusher'] (Eastern Michigan) and 5-6 defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='403526' first='Grace' last='Jones'] (Lipscomb). For Kinner, that includes talented Shelby Valley outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='535230' first='Miley' last='Riddle'] and Pikeville setter/defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='740330' first='Lindy' last='Gearheart'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Union 16 UA Black (Pioneer) vs. [program_tooltip program_id='431819' first='CYVBC' last='Surge'] 16 Black (Ohio Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Exposition Center Court 22 at 3 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surge 16 Black from the Ohio Valley Region consisting of Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania is having a nice season so far at 16-7 overall. The team won the 16 Premier Division in the Nike Classic in Columbus in January. The dynamic 5-10 [player_tooltip player_id='717161' first='Kylie' last='Stutzman'] at setter and right side hitter is a big reason why. When things are clicking around here with the likes of middle blocker Audrey Benkert and defensive specialist Addison Schwartz, this team is tough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The battles at the net could be interesting in this one. Union 16 UA Black has size at the net with setter [player_tooltip player_id='724992' first='Berkeley' last='Baxter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484254' first='Alli' last='Riegling']. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='533345' first='Addison' last='Janes'] along with twins Delaney Stoff and Brianne Stoff bring their own sound elements to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] 15 Blue (Pioneer) vs. KIVA 15 Red (Pioneer)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Exposition Center Court 72 at 5 p.m.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the better teams in the Pioneer Region square off. [program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] 15 Blue won the earlier meeting between the two on the way to the Mideast Power League 15-16 crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams are loaded up and down the rosters. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='582222' first='Mya' last='Bosse'] sets up a number of solid hitters such as [player_tooltip player_id='579836' first='Charlotte' last='Patton'], [player_tooltip player_id='582228' first='Lauren' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='510903' first='Lowe' last='Long'] and [player_tooltip player_id='661888' first='Baechle' last='Mathes'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KIVA 15 Red has the most dynamic freshman in Kentucky in Kaleigh Rogers. She makes things happen from all six spots and she gets help from the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='611743' first='Taylor' last='McKenzie-Price'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["289170"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ca7d003117d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Etzler has some good athletic genes toppled with outstanding dedication. Her time in the gym shows on the court in her amazing play. Etzler has a quick arm swing sending balls screaming to the floor. Etzler can shove the ball to the sides or send cutters to the far corner among other shots. Etzler is also a sound passer. She transitions from blocking to offense quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727153"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ca7d00311da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marshall has the talent to step in and contribute on varsity for the Mustangs this fall. Marshall does not let rain stop her from getting in some extra reps. Marshall also does a great job inspiring her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740330"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ca87fa6d775"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gearheart does what she can to put hitters in position to smack balls down hard. Gearheart mixes things up well quarterbacking the floor. She has an outstanding back set. Gearheart is a sound passer and takes sound swings when necessary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484254"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ca87fa6d7fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riegling has a lot of potential and is trying to develop that speed and consistency needed to succeed at a high level. Riegling takes sound swings, angling balls off good blockers. Riegling can also send sinking shots to the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["661888"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ca87fa6d85f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mathes (pictured) adjusted to the varsity level quickly as a freshman and continues to improve during club season. Mathes puts a lot of power into balls, especially on cross-court shots. Mathes can do a number of things at both the pins and the middle of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->