Lone Star Classic NQ Recap – 17 USA Division

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hardest National Qualifiers of the year is in full swing in Dallas, TX this weekend.  Being held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in downtown Dallas, this qualifier brings the best teams from all over the nation under one roof toward the end of the season.  I was able to cover the tourney in person and here is a report of two teams who earned their bid in the 17 USA division. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 USA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='431337' first='Texas' last='Tornados'] 17 Adidas had an amazing weekend as they posted an 8-1 overall record, tied for 3^rd overall, and earned their USA level bid to USAV Nationals this summer.&nbsp; Effective blocking from middle [player_tooltip player_id='748411' first='Madeline' last='Harris'] proved to be a difference maker for this squad all tournament long.&nbsp; She gets her hands well above and over the net to seal it away.&nbsp; Left side [player_tooltip player_id='536463' first='Caroline' last='Walden'] moved the ball around well offensively to keep the defense guessing.&nbsp; Strong all around play from six-rotation outside [player_tooltip player_id='486934' first='Ella' last='Chaapel'] was another big reason for their success.&nbsp; She served some lasers at opponents that kept them out of system and not able to run aggressive play sets consistently.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='443114' first='Avery' last='Brown'] evenly distributed the ball to all of her hitters and put them into great positions to succeed over and over.&nbsp; When the Tornados needed some extra heat, [player_tooltip player_id='272125' first='Caroline' last='Srubar'] provided it from the opposite position.&nbsp; She also continued to pull double duty as the other half of the six-two offensive system that kept the engine running.&nbsp; Libero [player_tooltip player_id='509355' first='Kyanna' last='Lopez'] was also instrumental in keeping the ball off of the floor and routinely sprawled out with some key saves.&nbsp; We were very impressed with everyone on this squad and are so happy for them as they showed up and showed out in the toughest qualifier in the nation.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline'] 17 Black also earned a trickle down bid with their amazing fifth place finish at LSC.&nbsp; With a 9-1 overall match record, they proved that they belong.&nbsp; After they lost a tough three-setter in the second round of the Gold bracket by only two points in the third set, they had to win two more matches in order to earn that bid.&nbsp; It was not easy at all, but they banded together and pulled it out thanks to a total team effort.&nbsp; Setter [player_tooltip player_id='644451' first='Aniston' last='Collins'] was on fire serving and playing exceptional defense as she was not going to let her team down without a strong fight.&nbsp; Middle Rebecca Lucksinger connected with her setters very well during quick attacks and this helped to keep the team's offensive game plan very aggressive.&nbsp; When you have a strong left side player like [player_tooltip player_id='269819' first='Madelynn' last='Coy'] on your squad, you feel a little more calm.&nbsp; She can always be counted on to provide whatever the team needs in order to remain competitive.&nbsp; On the court, she really can do it all from pass serve, play defense, block at the net and of course score with power.&nbsp; Left side hitter Lilly Lott was also very instrumental in the team's offensive system.&nbsp; She reached high and attacked the ball violently numerous times.&nbsp; I was also very impressed with the libero play from Lauren Wiley.&nbsp; The way she moved around the court and created angles to ensure that the ball reached its target even during crucial situations was refreshing to watch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are very proud of their efforts and are so elated that they accomplished one huge goal of theirs to earn the elusive bid to USA Nationals.&nbsp; There are many more amazing teams and 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; You can also DM me on Instagram or X by searching @CoachMikeDZ.&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 -->