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<p>The first Open weekend of the season didn't disappoint. Open #1 set the tone early, bringing together high-level competition, statement performances, and teams already showing strong chemistry as they settle into their season. From fast-paced offenses to gritty defensive efforts, several squads separated themselves from the pack and left a lasting impression. </p>
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<p>We chose one team<strong> from each age division that stood out at Open #1</strong>, each showcasing why they're a group to keep an eye on as the season continues.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">18s: Revolution Premier</h2>
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<p>How do you make a statement to open the season? <strong>Go 6–0 and take down the No. 1 seed.</strong></p>
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<p>This group wasted no time announcing their arrival at Open #1, setting an incredibly high bar right out of the gate. Entering the tournament as the <strong>No. 8 seed</strong>, they flipped the script in a massive matchup against <strong>AZ Sky 18 Gold</strong>, knocking off the top-ranked team and claiming that spot as their own. It was the kind of performance that turns heads—and they did it with confidence, chemistry, and edge.</p>
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<p>Several familiar high school household names anchored this run. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874832' first='Sadie' last='Snyder']</strong>, a 4A standout and <strong>Boise State</strong> commit, delivered an outstanding opening weekend. She was a dominant force at the net, consistently shutting down some of the most powerful opposites in the field and changing the momentum with her block presence.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874765' first='Selah' last='O'Connor']</strong>, <strong>Villanova</strong> commit, continued to prove why she's one of the premier setters in Arizona. Coming off a tremendous high school season, she ran the offense with elite composure—commanding the floor with poise, leadership, and a steady tempo that kept her hitters in rhythm regardless of the moment.</p>
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<p>Another standout was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792814' first='Caprice' last='Cooper']</strong>, a <strong>Biola</strong> commit, whose defensive presence was impossible to ignore. Fresh off a dominant state championship run, she brought that same intensity to the Open stage, anchoring the back row and helping fuel this team's rise to the top.</p>
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<p>What made this run even more impressive was watching athletes from <strong>4A through 6A programs</strong> seamlessly come together and execute at a high level. The chemistry, trust, and competitive fire were evident—and this upset felt like just the beginning. We can't wait to see how this group continues to build and evolve as the season unfolds.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">17s: Arizona Storm 17 Lightning</h2>
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<p>This group opened the weekend as the <strong>No. 21 seed</strong> and finished <strong>13th</strong>, climbing the rankings despite drawing one of the toughest schedules in the field. With a <strong>3–3 record</strong> against high-level competition, they proved they can hang with anyone—and this feels like just the beginning of what they're capable of this season.</p>
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<p>The back row was anchored by <strong>Daycee Pierce</strong>, who ran a near-flawless defensive show all weekend. Her serve receive was consistently clean, her out-of-system contacts were purposeful and effective, and she made high-difficulty plays look routine. She controlled the flow of the match from the back court and gave her team the stability it needed in long rallies.</p>
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<p>In the middle, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883493' first='Brooke' last='Falkenborg']</strong> delivered when it mattered most. She was disciplined at the net, protecting her back row with timely block touches, and remained a reliable offensive threat—attacking quickly and efficiently against physical opponents.</p>
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<p>We were also excited to get our first look at <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='935393' first='Jenna' last='Arias']</strong>, who quickly worked her way onto our radar. She showcased great ball delivery, an impressive tempo, and a smart, composed approach to the game that stood out in a competitive environment.</p>
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<p>With resilience, balance, and momentum on their side, this team is poised to continue making noise in the <strong>Arizona Open division</strong>. We're looking forward to seeing how they build on this performance as the season progresses.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">16s: Club Cactus 16 Mizuno </h2>
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<p>Some of our favorites out of <strong>Tucson</strong> continued to make an impression on this talented roster. Nearly every match this weekend came down to the wire, and the group finished <strong>3–3</strong>, highlighted by a statement win over their own <strong>18s team</strong>—a testament to their competitiveness and growth.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='779409' first='Paige' last='Clarke']</strong> continues to stand out for the way she carries herself on the court. She serves as a steady anchor and vocal leader, running an efficient, composed offense and keeping her team organized in high-pressure moments. Her ability to manage tempo and make smart decisions consistently elevates the group around her.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833602' first='Kallie' last='George']</strong> once again showed why she sits among the top of her class. She's relentless in transition and capitalizes on every opportunity, turning playable balls into points with confidence and aggression. Her work rate and offensive efficiency continue to separate her from the pack.</p>
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<p>We also loved seeing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848620' first='Cadence' last='Spilsbury Fehr']</strong> build on the momentum she created back in December at the Exposure Tour. Her all-out defensive effort, fearless mindset, and can-do attitude consistently stood out. She plays with urgency, grit, and a contagious energy that makes her a difference-maker on the floor.</p>
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<p>This group continues to trend upward, and we're excited to watch them build chemistry and confidence as the club season unfolds.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">15s: Rev 15 Premier </h2>
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<p>This team <strong>absolutely blew us away</strong> with their performance at Open #1. Entering the tournament as the <strong>No. 26 seed</strong>, they held their ground all weekend against some of the toughest competition in the field—and in doing so, proved they're far more dangerous than their seed suggests. With a stacked lineup and consistently competitive scores, it's clear this group is positioning itself as one of the <strong>top 15s teams to watch</strong> as the season unfolds.</p>
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<p>Leading the charge was impressive outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='920122' first='Mia' last='Wells']</strong>, a 2030 prospect who already plays with a calm, confident court presence beyond her years. Her serve receive was steady, her decision-making was sound, and her outside attack was downright nasty—she found ways to score against every type of block she faced.</p>
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<p>We also loved watching <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='935405' first='Sylvie' last='Solorzano']</strong> step up on the right side. She made her presence felt with strong block touches and showed great efficiency in transition, terminating from the pin when her team needed it most.</p>
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<p>Defensively, the back row was anchored by <strong>Lily Lach</strong> and newcomer to prep dig's radar <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='935407' first='Brookelyn' last='Brunker']</strong>, who both made immediate impacts. Their consistency in serve receive, relentless floor defense, and ability to stay composed under pressure helped stabilize the team against elite competition.</p>
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<p>Another standout was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888732' first='Emma' last='Nance']</strong>, who showcased talent well beyond her years. She's a true all-around threat—capable of attacking from multiple positions, contributing in serve receive, and reading the game with impressive court awareness.</p>
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<p>This is not a team to underestimate. With depth, grit, and confidence already on display, we fully expect them to continue climbing the ranks and making noise throughout the season.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">14s: EVJ 14 Elite</h2>
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<p>This group made one of the biggest jumps we saw at Open #1, climbing from <strong>No. 85 to No. 50</strong> in the Open standings. Despite being a young roster, they showed noticeable growth over the course of the weekend—learning quickly, gaining confidence, and competing with far more composure as the tournament progressed. Performances like this are exactly why we won't be surprised to see them emerge as <strong>one of the frontrunners in the 14s division</strong> as the season continues.</p>
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<p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='935412' first='Emma' last='Cluff']</strong> stood out with her effort and instincts. She was especially effective on tip coverage and hitter coverage, consistently extending rallies and keeping plays alive. Her mindset and competitiveness were evident on every point, and we're excited to watch her continue to develop as the season unfolds.</p>
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<p>At setter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='935413' first='Lilah' last='Wojcik']</strong> did an excellent job running the offense. She maintained control in system and out of system, paired with strong defensive contributions that helped keep her team organized in high-pressure moments.</p>
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<p>This was a massive step forward to open the season, and if this weekend was any indication, this team is only scratching the surface of what they're capable of.</p>
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<p>We can't wait to see what the rest of the 2026 club season will bring! </p>
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<p>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>.</p>
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<p>Want to get on our radar? Do the following:</p>
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<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! <br><br></li>
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The first Open weekend of the season didn't disappoint. Open #1 set the tone early, bringing together high-level competition, statement performances, and teams already showing strong chemistry as they settle into their season. From fast-paced offenses to gritty defensive efforts, several squads separated themselves from the pack and left a lasting impression.
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