Minnesota Slam: 17/18 Open’s Top Middle Blockers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 17/18 Open division at Minnesota Slam was loaded with talent from top to bottom, with high-level volleyball on display on every court all weekend. The middle blockers especially stood out, demanding the ball, closing blocks, and bringing fierce energy and leadership at the net. They scored in transition, shut down hitters, and set the tone for their teams in big moments. The players featured below are more than just standouts from one tournament. They are talented competitors who continue to elevate their game and are names you'll want to keep on your radar for the rest of the club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["726392"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698a7d7a22630"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madeline stood out throughout the weekend with her quick arm swing and ability to see plays develop and react fast. She does an excellent job closing the block on either pin and consistently reads hitters at a very high level, making her a tough matchup at the net. On top of her presence in the middle, she adds even more value with a killer serve that puts constant pressure on opposing passers. Her all-around impact and high volleyball IQ make her a player to keep a close eye on as the season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["940694"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698a7d7a226ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gabby proved to be one of the most versatile middle blockers in the field, showing the ability to run just about anything on a whim. She is strong, quick, and consistently puts herself in great positions to make plays. Her blocking is extremely solid, and she was taking some monster swings out of the middle all weekend. With her physicality and confidence, she has a real ability to change momentum and swing matches in her team's favor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["759053"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698a7d7a226fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alainna proved to be a player who makes her biggest impact beyond the stat sheet. The hard work of a middle can sometimes go unnoticed, but her reliability stood out all weekend. She consistently put the ball away for her team, controlled the net with strong blocking, and served as a loud, confident leader on the court. Her steady presence and high effort level made her a key piece of her team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766217"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698a7d7a22743"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava stood out with her heavy arm swing and advanced court awareness, consistently seeing plays develop and making smart decisions in the middle. She is also a strong server and puts up a big, physical block that creates problems for opposing hitters. What really separates her is her ability to make small adjustments that benefit not only her own success, but also the players around her. Her maturity and team-first approach make her a valuable presence on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522866"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698a7d7a22785"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moira stood out with a cannon for an arm and relentless energy, consistently finding deep corners while also mixing in clever shots over the block. She brings passion to every play, keeping opponents off balance and her team energized. What really sets her apart is her versatility and ability to make smart adjustments that elevate both her game and those around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751620"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698a7d7a2281b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Emma is the type of player your eyes naturally gravitate toward, thanks to her commanding presence on the floor. She stands out with her smooth slides, quick adjustments to any set, and ability to stay available even when the ball is off the net. Her awareness and consistency make her a reliable option for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816403"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698a7d7a2287a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madelyn dominates at the net with a massive, solid block that gives her team a huge advantage. She swings with confidence on every hit and brings an uplifting attitude that energizes her teammates. Her timing and presence at the net make her a constant threat to opponents. Personally, I'm calling her the “Blocking Queen” of the weekend, because she was just that impressive!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->