10 Underrated Teams On the Rise To Watch In Open 2

They may not be sitting at the top of the rankings just yet, but their early performances at MLK and Open #1 made one thing clear—these teams are trending in the right direction. With competitive matchups, statement wins, and flashes of high-level potential, they've already shown they're capable of disrupting the the court. Don't let the current rankings or record fool you—these teams are building momentum and are sure to make serious waves as the season unfolds and travel tournaments begin.   Here are the Top 10 Underrated Teams in AZ Open, their stars, and why we believe they're a team to watch.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 EVJ 17 Elite</h2>   Current Rank in Open: 43   Why: This group opened Open #1 with a challenging Day 1 draw and didn't shy away from the moment. They set the tone early with a strong win over OVA, then battled through two difficult matchups against 17 Lightning and 17 Sky Gold, posting competitive scores in both. Day 2 presented another tough slate of opponents in Open #1, and while results didn't fall their way, the team continued to compete and show resilience against high-level competition.   That experience paid off in a big way at MLK. Over the three-day tournament in the 17/18 Open division, we saw a confident, composed bounce-back performance. They opened Day 1 going 2–1 with statement wins over Club One 17 Platinum and Rev 17 Elite, climbing from a 21st ranking to secure the 13th seed. On Day 2, they held that position while taking on elite competition, including a hard-fought three-set battle against #1-ranked Rev 18 Premier and their own sister 18s squad. A gritty three-set win over 17 Sky Blue ultimately pushed them into the bronze bracket, capping off an impressive weekend that showed just how dangerous this team can be when momentum is on their side.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='885092' first='Elizabeth' last='Hackleman'] - continues to prove why she's one of the top recruits in the Class of 2027. She runs the floor with confidence and composure as a setter, consistently putting her hitters in positions to succeed. Her game is driven by strategy and court awareness—she's always thinking one step ahead, manipulating the offense and finding ways to outsmart opposing defenses.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='813286' first='Emme' last='Agasi']- Brings a big presence at the net and plays with a high volleyball IQ, consistently finding success attacking into Zone 1. She's a dynamic offensive threat who isn't afraid of the moment—you can tell she wants the ball in key situations. Her confidence and aggressiveness make her a constant factor in the offense and a matchup problem for opposing defenses.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='827189' first='Madeline' last='Bell'] - Was put on our radar during this tournament for her performance in the middle. She's a dominant force, consistently impacting the match with a strong block and a high-level attack. She brings physicality and control on both sides of the ball, making her a reliable anchor for this team. Whether terminating in system or taking away space at the net, her presence adds stability and confidence to the lineup. </li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Club One 16 Platinum</h2>   Current Rank in Open: 46   Why: At Open #1, we were impressed by the way this team carried themselves from start to finish. One thing that stood out immediately was their grit—they never stopped competing. After going 2–1 on Day 1, they posted dominant wins over EVJ 15 Elite and OVA 16G, holding onto their 46th seed heading into Day 2. The competition only intensified from there. They pushed Storm 18 Lightning to three hard-fought sets (25–20, 23–25, 8–15) and followed it up with another tight three-set battle against Atomic 16 Smack Premier. Despite falling short against 14 Thunder to close out the day, the experience clearly sparked momentum as they rolled into MLK weekend.   Entering MLK in the 15/16 Open division ranked 16th overall, this group proved they belonged. They held their seed with a gritty three-set win over Omni 16N1 and a solid victory against Club 801 U15 National Myah, finishing second in their pool. Day 2 brought another tough slate, and while their run ended in the Flight 1 semifinals against Rev 15 Premier, the growth was evident. This team consistently battled through adversity, leaned on each other in high-pressure moments, and showed flashes of serious upside. Every tough matchup only added to their foundation—and it's clear this group is just scratching the surface of what they're capable of.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='879094' first='Zoe' last='Anderson'] - She's been a steady, reliable presence in the back row and a true source of stability on first contact for this team. Playing with clear intentionality, she communicates consistently and confidently regardless of the score. Her serve receive is composed and dependable, she's aggressive defensively, and she delivers a quality out-of-system ball—giving her team opportunities even in broken plays.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='890953' first='Katelynn' last='Shoop'] - She ran the floor with ease, making even imperfect passes look effortless. Her hustle is relentless—she's the kind of player who will do whatever it takes for her team, bringing nonstop energy and buy-in on every rally. She makes smart, necessary adjustments in real time, stands strong defensively, and consistently rises to the moment. We're excited to see how she continues to grow and impact the game moving forward.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='937959' first='Elsie' last='Palmer'] -Elsie jumped onto our radar this weekend with her court awareness and ability to make smart, high-IQ shot selections. She made an impact from both pins, confidently terminating out-of-system balls and staying aggressive in broken plays. Her wicked cross-court swing is tough to defend and consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses. With her versatility and offensive confidence, we're confident she's in for a standout season. </li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Boltz 16U Desert Aces </h2>   Current Rank in Open: 35   Why: This squad came out swinging at Open #1, opening the weekend with a statement three-set win over Aspire 15 Alpha. They finished the seeding tournament at 3–3, pushing several highly talented teams to three sets—including 14 Thunder, AZ Sky 17 Blue, and Zona 17 Black—making it clear they could compete with anyone in the field. Their grit and relentless effort were evident from the start, and it was clear that MLK was going to be a prime stage for them to showcase their talent.   On Day 1, they secured second place in their three-team pool, battling with powerhouse AZ Sky 16 Gold and narrowly falling in the third set, 10–15. After cross-pool play, they wrapped up the day with a solid record. The momentum carried into Day 2 and 3, where they picked up head-turning wins over Revolution 15 Premier and EVJ 16 Elite, making them the winners of their flight. With their competitive edge and upward trajectory, this group is just getting started—and we're confident they'll continue to turn heads as the season unfolds.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='938073' first='Rebecca' last='Quezada'] - Rebecca jumped onto our radar with her calm, poised presence at the setter position and her ability to consistently deliver quality balls to her hitters, even under pressure. She makes the game look effortless, controlling tempo and keeping her offense in rhythm regardless of the pass. A freshman playing up, she showed impressive composure and decision-making beyond her years, and we're excited to watch her continue to grow and make an impact as the season unfolds.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='888556' first='Alayah' last='Krein'] - Alayah was a true all-around force on the floor this weekend, impacting the match from both the front row and the back row. Whether terminating balls from the middle, coming up with show-stopping defensive plays, or anchoring her team in crucial moments, she consistently found ways to contribute to big points. Her reliability and physical presence made her a go-to option when it mattered most, and she played a key role in several of her team's biggest wins. </li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 AZ Sky 16 Blue </h2>   Current Rank in Open: 56   Why: With an impressive 12th-place finish in the 15/16 Open division, this group more than earned its spot on our list. They came out firing at Open #1, rolling to a perfect 6–0 start and dropping just a single set all weekend—on Day 2 against Livewire 18 Prime. Along the way, they picked up statement wins over strong squads like Club Cactus 17 Mizuno and Acent 17 Black, showcasing their competitive edge and depth.   They carried that momentum straight into MLK, using the weekend as yet another opportunity to prove themselves. The team opened pool play 3–0, highlighted by an upset win over EVJ 15 Elite and an all-out three-set battle with Omni 15N1. Finishing Day 1 as the No. 4 seed put them in prime position heading into bracket play. They continued to turn heads on Day 2, going 2–1 with a win over their sister team, 15 Sky Blue, and pushing Boltz 16U Desert Aces to three sets. Their run came to an end in the first round of the Gold Bracket on Day 3 against their 16 Gold squad, but make no mistake—this team has made a strong statement through its first two showings and is clearly one to watch moving forward.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='830635' first='Brylee' last='Reidhead']- A steady, reliable presence in the back row, anchoring her team's defense with consistent ball control and clear communication. She handled serve receive with confidence and composure, giving her team clean first contacts and keeping them competitive throughout the first two tournaments. Her ability to stay disciplined under pressure made her an important stabilizing force on the floor. Great defense and keeps the backrow anchored. She communicates well, and is consistent on serve receive. Kept her team competitive in the first two tournaments.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='880918' first='Haidyn' last='Nelson'] - Haidyn controlled the match with a smooth, consistent tempo, running the floor with confidence and precision. Her ability to deliver hittable, repeatable balls put her hitters in one-on-one situations and allowed the offense to stay in rhythm. With her command of the game and growing confidence, we expect her to continue shining as the season progresses.</li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 AZ Storm 15 Lightning</h2>   Current Rank in Open: 72   Why: This group has consistently impressed us with their ability to compete at a high level, even when challenged early. At Open #1, they opened Day 1 at 1–2 after a tough start, dropping matches to Altitude 18 Black and Ascent 17 Black while still battling through competitive, respectable scores. They answered back with a strong win over talented Club Cactus 16 Mizuno, but in a tightly contested pool, the tiebreak ultimately did not fall in their favor. Day 2, Rather than backing down, they continued to fight—pushing Victorium 17s to three sets, picking up a win over Sky 15 Blue, and holding their own against Armor 14 Elite.   MLK proved to be a valuable growth moment for this group. After dropping their first two matches, they responded with poise and determination, finishing the remainder of the tournament undefeated. Along the way, they picked up wins over Omni 16N1 (twice), Victorium 15UA, and 208 U16 Elite, ultimately capturing their flight on Day 2. Their resilience, grit, and willingness to battle point-for-point were on full display—and it made it clear this team has the mindset and competitiveness to make real noise as the season moves forward.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='891527' first='Tatum' last='Cutchen'] - Tatum has quickly established herself as a go-to option for her team, consistently making an impact in key moments. While she may be undersized, she certainly doesn't play like it—showing up with an effective block at the net and maintaining an aggressive, confident approach on every swing. Her competitiveness and physicality continue to stand out, and we're excited to see how she builds on this momentum moving forward.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='922740' first='Annabel' last='Dulitz'] - Annabel runs the floor with ease, making plays look simple regardless of the quality of the pass. Her poise and consistency allow her offense to stay in rhythm, and she consistently puts her team in position to compete. With her steady command and composure, she's a key piece in keeping her team competitive as the season progresses.</li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 Omni 17N1</h2>   Current Rank in Open: 34   Why: Finishing 3–3 at Open #1 and starting as the 68 seed, this group is clearly starting to gel and find its rhythm. With just two returners from last season, the chemistry is still developing—but the upside is undeniable. As this team continues to learn each other's tendencies, we expect them to become a serious force as the season progresses. They opened Open #1 with two dominant wins over Storm 16 Lightning and Revolution 17 Elite before falling to Aspire 18 Premier. Day 2 brought even more encouraging signs, as they went toe-to-toe with two top AZ Sky squads—14 Gold and 16 Gold—while also picking up a win over EVJ 16 Elite to close the weekend at an even 3–3.   MLK presented a tough draw, as they opened play against 18 Thunder and 18 COV Platinum, then pushed 17 Outlaws to three sets. Rather than letting the early challenges define them, this team responded with purpose on Day 2, collecting wins over Webfoot, Storm 17 Lightning, and Rush. Their resilience and growth were on full display, and we know there's still more in the tank from this group.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='806011' first='Kamryn' last='Moyer'] - Kamryn is emerging as a true powerhouse on the outside, bringing strength, consistency, and all-around impact to the floor. She's reliable in serve receive and a constant threat in both the front row and back row, giving her team a go-to option in multiple phases of the game. We're excited to see her continue to elevate her play.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='907161' first='Kaydence' last='Livingston'] - As a lefty middle and opposite, Kaydence has been impressive with her ability to adjust on the fly and consistently make plays around the net. She provides a strong blocking presence and brings intensity on defense, making her a key contributor to this team's success on both sides of the ball. </li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Zona 17 Black</h2>   Current Rank in Open: 31   Why: Holding their seed at Open #1 was no small feat, especially given the level of competition they faced. Entering the tournament ranked No. 31, they opened play against a talented AZ Sky 16 Gold squad and proved right away they belonged, narrowly falling in three hard-fought sets. With a challenging draw that also included Storm 18 Thunder and COV 18 Platinum, this group was tested early—but they embraced it.   On Day 2, they responded with purpose, finishing second in their pool and continuing to prove their ability to compete at a high level. They picked up quality wins over Boltz 17U Desert Aces and Atomic 17 Smack Elite, while also putting up strong, competitive scores against AZ Sky 17 Blue. Their resilience, composure, and steady growth throughout the weekend make it clear this team is trending in the right direction—and we expect them to come out even stronger at Open #2.     Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='877240' first='Aubrey' last='Necas'] - Aubrey is a dynamic attacker who finds ways to be a threat across the front row. She brings consistency to her offense and serves as a steady anchor for her team—not just with her play, but with the energy and presence she brings to the floor. Her impact is felt in key moments, and she continues to be a difference-maker for this group.</li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 AZ Rev 17 Elite </h2>   Current Rank in Open: 49   Why: This is a team that shouldn't be overlooked. After a big season last year and returning a strong core of players, they entered Open #1 ready to compete—despite facing a challenging slate early. They opened the weekend 1–2 on Day 1, highlighted by a hard-fought three-set win over Storm 16 Lightning. That win proved to be a turning point, as they carried the momentum into a highly successful Day 2. The team went undefeated, collecting impressive victories over AZ Outlaws 17, Livewire 16 Boost, and Atomic 15 Smack Elite.   MLK served as another confidence boost for this group, as they finished the weekend 5–3 overall. They pushed Club One 17 Platinum to tight sets and narrowly fell to Shockwave 17 Black in a competitive matchup. Rounding out the tournament, they picked up statement wins over AZ Storm 18 Lightning and EVJ 17 Elite, continuing to show their ability to compete with top-level teams. With experience, momentum, and depth on their side, this squad is proving to be one to watch moving forward.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Kiera Simmons - She has been a major difference-maker as a six-rotation pin for this team, providing a consistent offensive threat in every rotation. Her quick, efficient swing makes her difficult to defend from either pin, and she's especially relied upon as a back-row attacker when points matter most. With her all-around impact and experience, she's been a key piece in this group's success—and we expect 2026 to be a breakout year for her.</li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Ignite 15 National 1 </h2>   Current Rank in Open: 77   Why: Entering Open #1 ranked No. 95 and finishing at No. 77, this team made a strong statement early in the season. They opened the weekend with two quality wins over Aspire 14 Alpha and Zona VBC 17 Red, earning second place in their pool and immediately proving they could compete. Day 2 brought a tougher slate, but what stood out most was their response. Rather than backing down, they pushed COV 18 Gold to three tight sets—a match that offered a glimpse into their potential heading into MLK weekend.   That growth was evident at MLK, where they finished with an impressive 6–2 record in the 15/16 Club division. Their only losses came against Aspire 16 Premier and AZ Storm 16 Boltz, both strong opponents. As this team continues to build chemistry and confidence, they're quickly establishing themselves as a group to keep an eye on throughout the season.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='932141' first='Anna' last='Mcdougall'] - Anna has been a steady, reliable presence in the middle and a consistent go-to option for her team. She does an excellent job attacking in transition and putting pressure on opposing setters, making her impact felt on both sides of the ball. With her consistency and growing confidence, we're excited to see how she continues to elevate her game as the season unfolds.</li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Armor 14 Elite N1</h2>   Current Rank in Open: 57   Why: This team made a statement at Open #1, delivering one of the biggest jumps of the weekend. Entering the tournament ranked No. 89 and finishing at No. 57, they proved they were ready to compete at a higher level. They opened pool play with a perfect 3–0 Day 1, highlighted by a three-set battle with Livewire 14 Prime and a decisive win over Club Cactus 15 Mizuno. The momentum carried into Day 2, where they went 2–1 with statement wins over AZ Sky 15 Blue and Storm 15 Lightning, falling only to Victorium 17UA.   They continued to turn heads at MLK, entering the weekend ranked seventh and moving up to sixth after taking first in their pool against tough competition, including Zona 14 Black and AZ Storm 13 Thunder. Day 2 brought a tightly contested three-set match against AZ Storm 14 Thunder, where they narrowly fell short, but they rebounded with a strong win over 915 13 Hill to advance to the Silver Bracket. On Day 3, they capped off the weekend by winning the entire Silver Bracket, finishing with a statement victory over Aspire 14 Alpha. With their upward trajectory, confidence, and consistency, this group is establishing itself as a front runner in its age division.   Who's standing out:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='920224' first='Addy' last='Beck'] - Addy has been a defensive anchor for this team, consistently extending rallies and keeping her squad competitive in the toughest moments. Her ability to make plays on difficult balls, paired with steady serve receive, makes her a reliable presence in the back row. With her discipline and effort, she continues to shine—and we expect her impact to grow as the season progresses.</li> </ul>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   We can't wait to see what the rest of the 2026 club season will bring!   As always, make sure you are following us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigarizona/?hl=en">@PrepDigArizona </a>as well as our scouts<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdiganthony/"> @PrepDigAnthony</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachmarissamorah/">@CoachMarissaMorah</a>.   Want to get on our radar? Do the following:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Follow us on Instagram, Nominate Through our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGWSR1w3a_ZgKVLmUouN7ymhvldIHGmG6f6zWs54-pGTM_-A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116487285663927782556">Form</a>, and Send us your Highlights!</li> </ul>

They may not be sitting at the top of the rankings just yet, but their early performances at MLK and Open #1 made one thing clear—these teams are trending in the right direction. With competitive matchups, statement wins, and flashes of high-level potential, they've already shown they're capable of disrupting the the court. Don't let the current rankings or record fool you—these teams are building momentum and are sure to make serious waves as the season unfolds and travel tournaments begin.