Gateway League Weekend Highlights: Dominance in the 16 Age Group

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first weekend of the Gateway League has wrapped up, showcasing some thrilling matches and exceptional performances. This year, teams in the 16 age group displayed remarkable skill and teamwork. Let's take a closer look at the standout teams that made their mark during this exciting opening weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428760' first='Core' last='STL'] 16 Navy (6-0)</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428760' first='Core' last='STL'] 16 Navy had a stellar weekend, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record and dominating their opponents with a 12-0 set score. Key to their success was 2029 setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='912719' first='Carly' last='Wolff']</strong>, who expertly distributed the ball to a dynamic group of hitters. Libero <strong>Charley Wall</strong> showcased her defensive prowess, ensuring the ball rarely touched the floor. Outside hitters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='796399' first='Lucy' last='Siterlet']</strong> and <strong>Natalie Griesenauer</strong> contributed significantly, racking up kills while maintaining solid defense and passing. In the middle, <strong>Emma Raftery</strong> and <strong>Megan Hudson</strong> anchored the team effectively. Core's highlight came with a significant victory over HPSTL 18 Orange, winning 25-22, 25-13, marking them as a formidable contender in the league.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Club Four 16 Boost (5-1)</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Club Four had an impressive showing, finishing the weekend with a 5-1 record and a 10-3 set score. Their only defeat came against [program_tooltip program_id='428760' first='Core' last='STL'] 17 Navy, with scores of 19-25 and 20-25. However, they rebounded strongly with crucial victories against 314 VBC 18 Red (18-25, 25-19, 15-12) and [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 17 Black (27-25, 25-21). [player_tooltip player_id='729601' first='Lyla' last='Dorsey'] emerged as a significant asset as a six-rotation pin hitter, while [player_tooltip player_id='811898' first='Brooke' last='Hess'] demonstrated her versatility by making impactful plays wherever needed. As the following Gateway League weekend approaches, Club Four 16 Boost is poised to show even greater potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HPSTL 16 Royal (6-0)</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HPSTL 16 Royal also finished the weekend undefeated, starting strong with a victory against [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 18 Elite (25-15, 24-26, 15-6). The team's success can be attributed to standout performances from [player_tooltip player_id='729470' first='Sarah' last='Albers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='828400' first='Gillian' last='Pfeiffer'], as well as middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='623081' first='Rilynn' last='Wingenbach'], who dominated with impressive blocks and offensive plays. Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='809367' first='Carina' last='Buttrum'] played a crucial role in maintaining their edge. With such talent, HPSTL 16 Royal is expected to be a top contender on the national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] 16 National (6-0)</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] 16 National completed the first weekend with an undefeated 6-0 record and a 12-2 set score. They faced tough competition, being pushed to three sets twice, first against [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 18 White (24-26, 25-23, 15-8) and then against HPSTL 16 Orange (25-23, 21-25, 15-11). The team's roster includes standout players such as [player_tooltip player_id='827063' first='Lila' last='Roth'], a versatile talent; [player_tooltip player_id='797757' first='Preslie' last='Mannon'], a fierce defender; [player_tooltip player_id='630748' first='Avery' last='Brune'], a dynamic playmaker; and [player_tooltip player_id='828562' first='Kinley' last='Couch'], an imposing presence in the middle. [program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] is definitely a team to watch as they aim for a top spot in the Gateway Region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->