The Valley is RISING up at Red Rock Rave NQ!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The courts were rocking at the Red Rock Rave National Qualifier in Las Vegas, Nevada.&nbsp; It was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and we had multiple scouts in the house to cover the event.&nbsp; There were so many great match ups and amazing plays on every court.&nbsp; One matchup happened twice and determined who won the championship in the 17 American division.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a very well known meme in the volleyball world that says something like, “When you travel to an out of town tournament and pay so much money just to play a team from your same town!”&nbsp; Well that is exactly what happened in the 17 American division when the Valley Venom 17-1 and McAllen Fierce 17-1 team met up not once but TWICE in the Red Rock Rave National Qualifier tournament that had 128 teams entered in the division.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams won their pools on day one with undefeated records.  This means that they both moved on to division one which consists of teams who all got either first or second and still had the opportunity to advance for a chance to go to the Gold bracket in search for the elusive bid to USA Volleyball Nationals this summer.  The bad part was that they both moved on to the same pool for day two.  A lot of these young ladies know each other very well as some go to the same high schools, have played on past club teams together, or just know of each other since they are all from the same area.  The only good part about this first match up is that they were both undefeated in the pool as they won their first two matches very easily and no matter who won this head to head battle, they would still both advance to challenge matches to have a shot at the Gold bracket.  The first set of this match was won pretty easily by a strong McAllen Fierce offense who were riding a wave of shot after shot that scored.  The end of that first set was 25-13.  However, in set two, Valley Venom woke up and didn't go out without a solid fight.  Both teams traded punches like heavyweight fighters in the center of the ring and the second set went into extra points.  It ended with McAllen Fierce winning the match in straight sets (25-13, 28-26).  Fierce had some very strong play from libero [player_tooltip player_id='322364' first='Izabella' last='Cano'], setter [player_tooltip player_id='530370' first='Yaneli' last='Rocha'], and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='662665' first='Makayla' last='Olvera']. We will be covering them and the rest of their teammates very soon in an another article. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McAllen Fierce was undefeated so far in two pools, and this not only put them into the top ten Gold bracket without having to win a challenge match, but it also gave them a first round bye.&nbsp; They only needed to win four matches and got to rest a little more then other teams.&nbsp; Everyone in the sport of volleyball knows just how important rest is to these players as no team plays their absolute best on day three after many matches that early in the morning.&nbsp; After some hard fought play they found themselves headed to the championship match where they would meet an old friend once again.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although Valley Venom finished second in the pool, they got matched up with a squad from Colorado, Front Range 173 White in the challenge bracket.&nbsp; The winner of this match went to the prestigious Gold bracket on day three.&nbsp; There was no stopping Valley Venom as they won in straight sets (25-21, 25-16).&nbsp; They were then placed on the bottom half of the Gold bracket , which consisted of the best ten teams in the American division.&nbsp; Bright and early on day three at eight o'clock in the morning, they would have to win out five more matches to earn the title.&nbsp; With setter [player_tooltip player_id='722044' first='Aleena' last='Zuniga'] at the helm of the offense, they were literally in good hands.&nbsp; This young lady knows exactly what hard work is after she has been battling her way back from injury to now leading this squad to their destiny.&nbsp; Outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='318197' first='Julianna' last='Guajardo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='348491' first='Emily' last='Cargill'] were outstanding along the way on offense.&nbsp; Libero [player_tooltip player_id='340360' first='Juliet' last='Trevino'] led the way in the back row for this resilient squad.&nbsp; They fought their way back to the championship match to face their familiar foe.&nbsp; The matchup was set for the bid to nationals.&nbsp; Valley Venom versus McAllen Fierce.&nbsp; The tables were now turned as Valley Venom avenged their previous loss on day two.&nbsp; They won the championship 25-20, 25-17.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are many more amazing players that will be written about.&nbsp; Stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.&nbsp; If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>.&nbsp; Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.&nbsp; Help us help them by simply reposting on X, Instagram or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following Prep Dig Family!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->