Brace for Impact JV Tournament Recap and Top Performers

The first weekend of the volleyball season has come and gone. I had the privilege of officiating the gold bracket for the Brace for Impact Junior Varsity Tournament at the Beal Center in Chesterfield. The competition was fierce, and I was thoroughly impressed by the performances of Blair Oaks, Rock Bridge, Rockwood Summit, and Nerinx Hall, all of whom showcased their skills to secure spots in the gold bracket. These teams have the potential to challenge many varsity squads, and every match was played at a high level.   Semifinal Highlights   In the first semifinal, Rock Bridge faced off against Rockwood Summit in an exciting showdown. Rock Bridge leveraged its strength in the middle to outmuscle Summit, winning 25-22, 25-21. Summit's pin hitters, particularly Jasmine Thomas, posed challenges throughout the match, keeping the score tight. Jasmine started strong as an opposite hitter, while outside hitter Avery Long delivered powerful attacks from both the outside and back row, ensuring the match remained competitive. Rock Bridge's formidable middle duo, 6'1” Simone Walker and 5'8” Chloe Chiteri, proved to be a handful at the net, dominating their opponents. Gwyn Gibson orchestrated the Bruins' offense with precise passing, while [player_tooltip player_id='526576' first='Kaya' last='Dercher'] contributed with aggressive swings from the left pin, sealing the victory.   The second semifinal featured the Markers of Nerinx Hall taking on the Blair Oaks Falcons. After a sluggish start that saw them drop the first set 8-25, Nerinx regrouped to take the second set 25-19, thanks to some impressive hitting from 2029 prospect Lily Tolle on the left pin. The third set was a nail-biter, with both teams trading runs. Ultimately, Hannah Lackman, the 5'5” outside hitter for Blair Oaks, delivered a standout performance, leading her team to a thrilling 28-26 win in the final set.   Championship Showdown   The championship match pitted the Rock Bridge Bruins against the Blair Oaks Falcons—two teams separated by just 38 miles and a two-hour drive to compete in this prestigious tournament. Blair Oaks showcased their defensive prowess, with Ashton Verslues and Ally Rackers digging up powerful attacks from Simone Walker, Chloe Chiteri, and [player_tooltip player_id='526576' first='Kaya' last='Dercher']. Despite a solid defensive effort, Rock Bridge managed to secure a 25-19 victory in the first set.   In the second set, Blair Oaks came out firing, receiving strong contributions from 6'0” 2028 Valery Singer and 5'9” Ryley Marshall to slow down the Bruins' offense. The Falcons mounted a comeback to win 26-24, setting the stage for a decisive final set. The final frame was a slugfest, with both teams exhibiting exceptional defense, tough serving, and crucial blocks. Ultimately, Simone Walker sealed the match with a thunderous attack, clinching the championship for Rock Bridge with a final score of 25-23.   Top Performers   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Simone Walker – 6'1” – Middle – Rock Bridge A dominant force at the net, Simone combines great footwork with a lethal swing, consistently scoring over or through blockers. She is a challenging middle to contend with.</li>   <li>Chloe Chiteri – 5'8” – Middle – Rock Bridge While not the tallest in stature, Chloe's quick jumps and swift arm swing make her a formidable opponent who can beat the block.</li>   <li>Hannah Lackman – 5'5” – Outside – Blair Oaks If I had to pick an MVP, it would be Hannah. Her vertical leap and powerful arm make her a threat on every play. Beyond hitting, she excels as a middle back defender and top passer, showcasing her versatility.</li>   <li>Valery Singer – 6'0” – Middle – Blair Oaks Valery didn't shine in the semifinals but came alive in the finals, delivering key plays and a crucial touch block that helped her team secure the second set. Expect her to be a major contributor in the coming years.</li>   <li>Lily Tolle – 5'9” – Outside – Nerinx Hall A rising star, Lily plays with fearless intensity and power. She is a true competitor, and her ability to swing hard will make her a significant asset for the Markers.</li>   <li>Kadence Logan – Opposite/Outside – Nerinx Hall A versatile player, Kadence can deliver powerful kills from either pin and showcased her grit throughout the semifinals and third-place match.</li>   <li>Jasmine Thomas – Pin – Rockwood Summit Jasmine exhibited her hitting prowess in both the semifinal and third-place match, consistently delivering thunderous attacks that resulted in kills.</li>   <li>Avery Long – Outside – Rockwood Summit Avery demonstrated exceptional ball control and versatility, playing fantastic defense while being a fierce attacker from the outside and backcourt.</li> </ul>

The first weekend of the volleyball season has come and gone. I had the privilege of officiating the gold bracket for the Brace for Impact Junior Varsity Tournament at the Beal Center in Chesterfield. The competition was fierce, and I was thoroughly impressed by the performances of Blair Oaks, Rock Bridge, Rockwood Summit, and Nerinx Hall, all of whom showcased their skills to secure spots in the gold bracket. These teams have the potential to challenge many varsity squads, and every match was played at a high level.