Oregon Bid Tracker: NPJ Salem 15-1 Secures the National Bid

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ticket to USAV Nationals in June has been punched! NPJ Salem 15 National went undefeated to secure the top bid awarded from the CEVA region: the National bid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdiF-Ei_LZFkuUlf1q1fULZi716sCasgam95TLna91w372qL1V1bLv-D2fYnoFv5BpkUXQgue0vXht2JNxfGTMooPjx0CoB-eGMv3GRqSyNo0pl5Irr3kINTnAmqk8aIfvRhCGl?key=lRhpwLqRNsDY1Viq75htwfpu" alt="" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NPJ Salem 15 National triumphed over Athena 15 Gold in two sets, securing the coveted National bid to USAV Nationals in Dallas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Six-rotation outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='572638' first='Osa' last='Olsgaard'] led the charge, whose all-around excellence was pivotal to the team's success. Olsgaard consistently delivered strong first contacts in serve receive and defense, while her explosive approach and fast arm swing made her a relentless offensive threat, expertly exploiting gaps in Athena's defense. Alongside her, outside hitter Kendall Clark, a six-foot powerhouse, showcased her impressive vertical leap and high contact point, hammering the ball into the open court. Addie Seely also made valuable contributions on the pins, her whippy arm swing and controlled wrist adding depth to the team's attacking options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='740403' first='Valen' last='Longacre'] and [player_tooltip player_id='777907' first='Lillian' last='Skelton'] displayed exceptional court vision, skillfully reading the opposing defense to decide whether to swing, aim for high hands, or place a strategic tip. Both middles made an impact at the net, offensively and defensively.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter [player_tooltip player_id='740401' first='Tabitha' last='Westermeyer'] orchestrated the offense with precision, executing a 5-1 system that kept the defense guessing. Her ability to set against the grain and distribute the ball unpredictably made her a formidable playmaker. Equally impressive in the front row, Westermeyer used clever tactics to score on second contacts. Her play this season, and on the day, solidified her as a rising star in the class of 2028. On the right side, [player_tooltip player_id='748460' first='Jordyn' last='Copeland'] brought dynamic energy, showcasing serious hang time and a versatile attack while anchoring the backcourt with quick reflexes and solid ball control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive stability came from libero Eliza Lohrman, a standout defender in the class of 2028. Her active footwork, platform angles, and lightning-fast reaction time made her a formidable presence in the back row. She also brought an aggressive jump float serve that notched aces and disruptions. Defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='777913' first='Violet' last='Bealey'] provided steady, reliable first contacts in back row rotations, while [player_tooltip player_id='575181' first='Brielle' last='Goode'] stepped in as a serving specialist, delivering well-placed float serves that kept opponents on edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This well-rounded squad showcased their talent and teamwork to earn their spot at Nationals, a testament to their hard work. Dallas awaits, and NPJ Salem 15 National is ready to make their mark on the national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->