The Big Dogs in 17 Open at Big South: Day 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Be sure to follow&nbsp;@lshotvb&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lshotvb/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc">Tik Tok&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LineShotVBall">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for all things volleyball!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>–</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day 1 at Big South was nothing short of entertaining.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have ourselves a real treat on our hands when it comes to the 17 Open as this Atlanta-based qualifier has brought out some heavyweights! What makes things even more entertaining is the fact that only two squads came into this thing with an Open Bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The race for Dallas was in full speed. Day 1 proved just that. Let's take a look at some of the big names of Big South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Malia Romes - Mintonette</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you thought this Mintonette squad couldn't get any better, the addition of Malia Romes has really upped their game. The Rutgers bound middle blocker has felt no hesitation jumping in levels of play. On Day 1, Romes was playing with a mission. Dominating at the net, it was clear Romes is here to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Amani Agoot - Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amani Agoot has very much been the ‘Who's that girl?!' of the season. A new addition to MiElite 17 MIZUNO and the Open field, Agoot is breaking levels in her play every time she steps on the court. Day 1 saw another pop in her swing that proved critical in Elite's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Isabella Bertelsen - Winter Park VC</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WPVC was touted as the top incoming team of the tournament and for obviously good reason. Isabella Bertelsen at the libero position does such a stand up job. The play starts with her and her touch gives Park such a strong advantage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Josephine Valgus - Triangle</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Triangle is a team that could break many hearts this season. A big reason of that is Josephine Valgus at the setter position. The TCU bound setter is playing with another strike of confidence, and it shows. Not only in her individual play, but in her team's as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taylor Bruce - NC Academy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's one of the highest fliers in the gym, so athletic and so dynamic. Truth be told, I don't think we talk about Taylor Bruce enough. This Georgia bulldog is a killer on the right pin. She had a deception to her with her standing stature but can leap and soar out of the gym and bring down one heavy ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Emma Freitch - NKYVC</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This may be one of my favorite liberos in the class. Somehow, I haven't seen Emma Frietch play yet this season but on day 1, she reminded me of why I am such a fan. Frietch is one of those liberos that truly makes a difference on the court. She directs the entire flow of the game and NKYVC has a lot of their opportunities due to it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Isabelle Masten - REV</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a first of seeing Isabelle Masten in action and I am itching to see her play again. Like Frietch, Masten just pops out different than normal ‘bros. Not everyday you see one grip and rip a top spin that causes as much hysteria as hers does. She finds ways to drive her team in the points while taking her shots as well to great effect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Caydence Doolan - Metro</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caydence Dolan often times goes a bit underrated in this Metro group. With such big and physical attackers, you really have to applaud someone who can come in and steady the ship and knock away some kills silently. Doolan acts very much of a glue to this dangerous team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Adriana Jeanpierre - OTVA Tampa</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You really got to appreciate a fun, undersized athletic setter like Adriana Jeanpierre. She just makes the game so much fun to watch. Her athleticism creates so many fun opportunities for her attackers, throwing off the opponents defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vivian Hickman - Arizona Sky</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not very often I get to catch Arizona Sky take the courts, but seeing them battle on Day 1 was a lot of fun. Their UCLA bound setter in Vivian Hickman is turning into quite the elite level QB1. Her IQ is so impressive and she was finding her hitters in some of the best opportunities to score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->