American Bid Secured: 3rdPlace Finish At NCR Qualifier

<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/image_b1c269.png" alt="" class="wp-image-943383" style="width:261px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   This group didn't just earn third place at the NCR Qualifier — they imposed their style on the tournament and walked away with an American Bid because they were disciplined, physical, and connected from start to finish.   From warmups to final whistle, this was a team built on tempo, block discipline, and competitive edge. They didn't rely on one scoring run or one dominant rotation. They built momentum through structure. Through communication. Through execution.   It started with their setters.   Reagan Inman and [player_tooltip player_id='903456' first='Ryan' last='Stallings'] gave this team balance and control. Inman ran a steady, composed offense, delivering consistent location and keeping hitters in rhythm across all zones. She squared to target off imperfect first contact and reestablished spacing quickly in scramble situations. Inman didn't rush in tight rotations — she recalibrated.   Stallings brought pace and offensive command. She pushed tempo in transition, establishing middles early and forcing opposing blockers to respect the quick. Stallings was aggressive in her distribution, stretching the floor laterally and creating one-on-one opportunities on the pins. Together, the two-setter system kept defenses guessing and maintained offensive unpredictability.   In the middle, physicality was undeniable.   Grace Akerson anchored the net with disciplined block timing and strong lateral footwork. She closed seams rather than drifting and pressed over the tape with purpose. Offensively, Akerson attacked quick tempo with confidence, finishing through contact and converting transition swings decisively.   Alongside her, Emma Vinton brought power and presence. Vinton attacked the seam aggressively and stayed available in transition, demanding the ball in high-pressure rotations. Her block positioning improved as matches progressed, sealing line and forcing attackers into low-percentage shots. Together, they controlled the center of the court.   On the pins, this team showed depth and range.   [player_tooltip player_id='807601' first='Ellie' last='Telander'] was explosive from the outside. Her approach mechanics were clean and repeatable, allowing her to maintain high contact and range even when sets drifted off the net. Telander attacked seams with authority and tooled blocks intelligently rather than forcing swings. She balanced serve-receive responsibilities without sacrificing offensive output.   Carolyn Wagner matched that intensity from the opposite pin. Wagner transitioned quickly off defense and delivered controlled swings to deep corners. She brought stability to long rallies and remained aggressive in pressure moments.   From the right side, the team showcased versatility and edge.   [player_tooltip player_id='849407' first='Naomi' last='Chauvin'] attacked with range and confidence, challenging cross-court blocks and finishing through hands. She maintained strong footwork in transition and contributed defensively at the net.   Then there was [player_tooltip player_id='763889' first='Ali' last='Tollefson'], a lefty right side who added a different look to the offense. Her natural angle created matchup problems, and she used it well — attacking sharp cross and forcing defenders to adjust base positioning. Tollefson's presence added diversity to the front-row attack and forced blockers to think rather than react.   Defensively, this team was locked in.   [player_tooltip player_id='764727' first='Bryn' last='Belleson'] anchored the back row at libero with elite platform control. She managed serve receive with confidence, consistently delivering passes inside the three-meter line and allowing full tempo offense to operate. Belleson tracked hitter shoulders well and absorbed pace without losing platform angle.   Alongside her, Amelia Crank provided depth and reliability as a defensive specialist. Crank stayed disciplined in base positioning, pursued tips aggressively, and converted tough digs into playable second contacts. She didn't just extend rallies — she shifted them.   What made this team even stronger was the chemistry.   There was no panic when opponents made runs. No hesitation in tight sets. They communicated between points. They reset quickly. They trusted their systems. Huddles were clear. Rotations were organized. Energy was consistent.   This wasn't emotional volleyball. It was controlled, disciplined, connected volleyball.   The third-place finish and American Bid were earned through execution. Through block discipline. Through tempo control. Through defensive pursuit.   At the 15's level, this team already plays with advanced spacing awareness, offensive rhythm, and collective belief.   They competed like a team that expects to be playing in June.   And based on what they showed at the NCR Qualifier, that expectation is earned. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas