Michigan Elite 18 Mizuno Wins Open National Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michigan Elite earned its first Open National Championship this past weekend when 18 Mizuno took home the crown of the Under Armor 18U National Championship in Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coached by Vince Muscat, Michigan Elite went 9-1 on the weekend, only suffering a loss to NPJ 18 Forefront, but avenged that loss in the tournament semifinal on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This squad of college-bound talent showcased what Michigan has had to offer in the Class of 2025 and each played a role in helping the team claim the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'], L</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Costlow was named MVP of the entire tournament, as she has proven her all-around talent by sporting the libero jersey despite being a standout outside hitter and on her way to Toledo to play college volleyball as an outside. Costlow just makes all the right plays and did so with complete composure throughout the weekend. She knows how to play winning volleyball and come through with a key play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'], S</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Illinois State-bound setter continued to prove she's among the best in the country as she led Michigan Elite's offense throughout the weekend, working a number of hitters and knowing just when to call on the right player. The middles were particularly strong from 18 Mizuno and that is because Craggs was able to push a fast pace and get the ball in great location for them. Craggs was named to the All-Tournament team for her efforts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288945' first='Victoria' last='Gray'], MB</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2” Gray was dominant all weekend, both from an offensive and defensive standpoint. The Indiana commit has unstoppable swings thanks to her connection with Craggs, as well as her timing and athleticism. Gray could be a true star at the next level given her length and agility. She can do anything you need a middle to do. Gray also was named to the All-Tournament Team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156284' first='Gabriella' last='Babinski'], RS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You won't find a right side that played much better than Babinski all season. She had truly dominant stretches during the event, racking up double-digit kills in some instances. Her swing was picture-perfect and she was attacking great angles. Babinski is heading to Georgia Southern.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156307' first='Shelby' last='Ignash'], MB</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Texas Tech commit, Ignash, has always proven she's among the best at the position in the state. This weekend was a great opportunity for her to show what she can do against other future college stars. Ignash moves so efficiently around the net, and has an explosive swing that teams didn't have an answer for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156326' first='Mallory' last='Reck'], OH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marist-commit was a new addition to Michigan Elite this club season and her competitive fire did a lot for the roster. Reck leaves her all on the floor and takes ownership of her play, but she doesn't make many mistakes. She's very reliable in all phases of the game and made an impact with her attacks, defense and serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156325' first='Molly' last='Reck'], OH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The same goes for [player_tooltip player_id='156325' first='Molly' last='Reck'], an Oakland commit that is also new to the roster. She shows a great court IQ and is always staying ahead of the play to put herself in position to succeed. She's got a smooth swing, a smooth delivery on her serve receive, and an aggressive serve that challenges defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='224604' first='Katerina' last='Stout'], MB</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'3” Stout stayed very alert on the floor, allowing her to come through with some smart defensive plays that scored. Like the other middles, Stout had a great connection with Craggs and was quick to put the ball away when it came in her direction. Stout will be heading to Wayne State in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156319' first='Addison' last='Newblatt'], DS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A powerful hitter in her own right, Newblatt came through as a great defensive asset for 18 Mizuno. She's an athletic and competitive player that brings a lot of intensity to the floor. The Fordham-bound talent came through with some big digs and aces throughout the weekend while working on sharpening her all-around play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->