MADFROG 15’s N Green Saves Best for Last at TC NIT

Sometimes, tournament success is defined by peaking at the right time.

That's especially true at Triple Crown NIT, where opening-day power pools offer immunity from immediate elimination. MADFROG 15's N Green's journey to a 15 Elite title proved that early setbacks don't have to derail incredible triumphs.

The Dallas-area club has hoisted Triple Crown hardware before, so 15's N Green would not be overlooked by its Kansas City opponents. MADFROG endured an up-and-down power pool slate, dropping matches to Legacy 15-1 Adidas and OTVA 15 T Randy. Still, a 1-2 start could be nullified by a better start to Sunday's single-elimination play.

And that's what MADFROG brought. The team enjoyed a dominant win in the challenge round, placing it in the Elite bracket's Round of 32. Another swift victory followed. From there, drama ensued.

15's N Green kept the Sunday run going with a show-stopping 17-15 win in the third set against fellow Texas competitor Austin Juniors. The three-set trend continued Monday morning against WAVE, where 15's N Green claimed another two-point win in the tiebreaker set.

Perhaps these extra “reps” gave MADFROG's stars a chance to heat up. 15's N Green deployed two all-tournament selections at outside hitter with Peyton Smith-Johnson and Olivia Kitur Olivia Kitur OH TX leading the way. This pair brought elevation, athleticism, and quickness seldom seen in the 15s age group, and they both found their stride on Championship Monday.

MADFROG's other frontcourt weapons flourished heading into the team's semifinal bout with Arizona Storm. Sayge Chandler slugged through opposing blocks with her quick swings out of the middle. Journie Evans Journie Evans 6'1" | MB Hebron | 2029 TX was equally effective on the other side of the dial.

15's N Green soared to a semifinal sweep over Storm, setting up a rematch with Legacy in the 15 Elite title match. Tournaments don't always offer such a brilliant chance for redemption, and MADFROG was keen to capitalize.

The Dallas squad made an early statement with a 25-15 win in Set 1 of the title match. Smith-Johnson built on her MVP resume. Right-side hitter Reagan McDonald squared up with Legacy's outside attackers and had several terminal moments of her own. The right pin was an unheralded asset for MADFROG throughout NIT, as Rhys Walker Rhys Walker 5'9" | RS/OH Reedy | 2029 TX and Gabriella Fiori Gabriella Fiori TX added to the team's strength and depth.

Likewise, steady first and second contacts deserve were key to MADFROG's ascent. Harper Krawiec Harper Krawiec 5'6" | DS/L Panther creek Frisco tx | 2028 TX and Nadia Cobos Nadia Cobos 5'4" | DS/L/S Centennial | 2029 TX stabilized the backcourt and allowed 15's N Green to operate its quick in-system offense. That offense was tied together with Mariel Elizondo Mariel Elizondo 5'11" | S Southlake Carroll | 2029 TX 's precise location from pin to pin.

But even as MADFROG looked poised for revenge, Legacy forged a response. The Michigan challengers were undefeated heading into Monday's finale, so most expected MADFROG to face some resistance. Legacy held a 22-19 lead in Set 2, looking to force a race to 15.

Cue the final push. Bouncing back from a 1-2 start already proved MADFROG's resilience, but this group had one final act. A late comeback sealed a 25-23 win, clinching the NIT title in straight sets.

MADFROG's leap was cast in gold.