Gauntlet 14 Open Teams That Battled at AAU Nationals

Rachel Kass June 25, 2025 @ 03:52 PM

[program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] G 14 Adidas   [program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] went 5-5 overall at nationals and had numerous 3-set thrillers in the premier division. They battled hard with many matches coming down to only a few points' difference. This team impressed me with their resilience at the Gauntlet a few weeks ago. It is a team with a lot of potential and a solid foundation. Middle [player_tooltip player_id='546328' first='Lydia' last='Fakhoury'] was a standout athlete who had great ball control in out-of-system and was a key part of serve receive as well. She also took some swings on the pin in some rotations. [player_tooltip player_id='546331' first='Aria' last='Shah'] kept the offense moving at a good tempo and moved the ball around cleanly. She was efficient and had a quick touch on the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='546326' first='Farah' last='Ajanovic'] is listed as a 2030 on the roster and was a go-to offensive weapon for [program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] at the Gauntlet.   Dunes 14 Black   Dunes 14 Black absolutely battled in the Open Division of AAU Nationals. They took numerous matches to three sets and went head-to-head with some of the other top teams in the country. At the Gauntlet, Karigan Mamazza ran a seamless 5-1 offense, working hard on every play throughout the tournament. She used every hitter available to her and was smart. Elliot Harte was a powerful lefty right side who was powerful and confident with big swings. She manufactured points for her team. Pin hitter Makenzie Griffiths showed that she has massive potential. She had great ball control, powerhouse swings, and was incredibly athletic.   Iowa Rockets   The Iowa Rockets finished 21st in the Open with a 3-7 record. They were incredibly competitive and never backed down from a battle. At the Gauntlet, setter Kaylin Davis ran the show. She ran a 5-1 and was very efficient. Kaylin had crisp, clean form and a lot of potential. On the court, she was all business. Pin hitter Avrielle Ohda was a high-flyer and incredibly explosive. Abigail Kirk was another impact pin who was a go-to hitter. I was also impressed with libero Maggie Jensen who was clean and simple with her movement and play on the court.   Northern Lights 14-1   Northern Lights dominated in the Open Division of AAU Nationals, making it to the Gold bracket and placing 5th overall. Jenna Henningfeld was one of the best liberos at the Guantlet and likely continued to play at an incredible level at AAUs. She took up so much space in the back row, and made it look very natural. Her serve receive and defense were insane to watch. [player_tooltip player_id='714881' first='Ella' last='Bohren'] was another key player for NL at the Guantlet. She was a key point earner and never missed a beat. Ella earned All American Honors at AAU Nationals for her efforts. Pin hitter Sydney Koester was a powerhouse on the left with a high volleyball IQ and powerful armswing.   Top Flight 14 Elite   This talented Top Flight team took 24th in 14 Premier. They went 4-6 in matches and took several matches to 3 sets. One of the key players for this team is 2030 athlete Lani Akenten who is very well-rounded. She can swing across the net but primarily swung out of the middle at the Gauntlet. She can pass consistently on serve receive and her setters will find her wherever they are. Pin Payton Streit was also a talented part of this team. She was reliable and could earn points consistently.

Adversity G 14 Adidas