Nebraska 16s Teams Taking on Northern Lights Qualifier #3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Complete the trilogy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've been watching last weekend's second edition of the 2025 Northern Lights Qualifier. That group brought the 15 USA and 15 American divisions into the spotlight, and we still have some room for analysis on that outing. Meanwhile, we've just received the schedule for NLQ #3. More Nebraska teams are trekking to Minneapolis—and we are, too!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NLQ #3 brings two more 15s divisions into the fray while also giving us the entire contingent of 16s contenders. We'll have a preview for the 15s shortly, but we're diving right into the huge field of 16s teams joining us at NLQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A busy weekend awaits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">16 Open</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You probably know a bit about this quartet of Open hopefuls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Why not start with the defending NLQ champions? Sure, Nebraska Elite 16 Apex looks a little different from last year's iteration that pulled off a Minneapolis stunner to win the 15 Open title. However, 16 Apex has leaned on its strong core group throughout the year and has another chance to prove itself on the national stage. We're anxious to see this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Synergy is ready to make its impression in front of a large audience. Of course, 16 Synergy already achieved this feat by winning Triple Crown NIT's Open bracket. The previous Synergy team was an annual NLQ contender, and it's time for the next generation to take up the mantle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We also expect [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Elite to build off some momentum from Triple Crown. This outing included a head-to-head win over 16 Synergy, establishing [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] as an Open threat with a new-look roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't forget about Premier Nebraska 16 Gold. Minneapolis is an important venue for Premier Nebraska teams--just ask this year's 17 Gold crew. Another Open triumph on the 16s side would be a crown jewel achievement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This was quite an experience to open Sunday's slate.<a href="https://twitter.com/[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']</a> 16 Elite wins a dramatic match to reach the Elite bracket. Nebraska's 16s scene continues to write new storylines. <a href="https://t.co/60twhi21yO">pic.twitter.com/60twhi21yO</a></p>&mdash; Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1891133191823425950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keeping tabs on <a href="https://twitter.com/NeONE16Synergy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NeONE16Synergy</a> in the quarterfinals of the Open bracket.<br><br>Unbelievable depth on display at NIT. <a href="https://t.co/v5sbdHpSxC">pic.twitter.com/v5sbdHpSxC</a></p>&mdash; Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1891487130150416536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">16 USA</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Great Plains Region is bringing two legitimate title contenders in this division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Premier Nebraska 16 Black has seen the NLQ mountaintop before. This same core group reached the 15 USA title match a year ago, and a few offseason roster shuffles won't keep this team from setting the same goal. Circle this team in the divisional race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is also where we find [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Black, another new-look team finding its form in 2025. Recent reps at the Midwest Power League have revealed [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE']'s staggering depth in the 16s age group, and this club is bound to find a bid-earning triumph somewhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Definitely eager to get a look at <a href="https://twitter.com/We_are_NEONE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@We_are_NEONE</a> 16 Black this morning.<br><br>16 Black has plenty of high-impact new additions to the roster, including [player_tooltip player_id='458146' first='Alex' last='Kroll'] in the top setter role. <a href="https://t.co/5aGLfqVYHo">pic.twitter.com/5aGLfqVYHo</a></p>&mdash; Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1880986687016476770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">16 Liberty</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Serious accolades reside here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Black should be a force in 16 Liberty. This team was a national standout in last year's Liberty division and snagged a bid through MEQ. Then, [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] made even more noise at GJNC during its deep tournament run. A repeat performance could start in Minneapolis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bring on the undefeated President's Day champions. Club Legacy 16 Alpha joins the 16 Liberty fray after compiling an amazing 10-0 record in Omaha last month. This group has stormed through regional foes and is looking for more of the same outside the Great Plains Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Depth will be on display as Premier Nebraska 16 Red enters the conversation in this division. Like 16 Alpha, 16 Red soared to championship contention at the ASICS President's Day Classic and has a lot to prove at NLQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">16 American</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One bid is on the line, and five Great Plains squads are vying for it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nebraska Elite is going two-deep in the 16 American division. Nebraska Elite 16 Surge and Nebraska Elite 16 Ohana are both launching their USAV campaigns in this division. Lest we see a late-tournament matchup between these two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Club Legacy 16 Bravo will be a fun group to watch. The 16s are already establishing themselves as a strength in Club Legacy's gym, so 16 Bravo could have a say in the final 16 American hierarchy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Premier Nebraska makes it a clean sweep with Premier Nebraska 16 Silver appearing here. So, statistically, we can expect Premier to be in Gold contention in Minneapolis. But it's not just a numbers game--this club has incredible 16s talent across the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We also have a [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] trio as [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Grey joins their 16 Synergy and 16 Black counterparts. We're eager to see a deep run from at least one of these groups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->