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<p>Open #2 felt like a turning point in the season. Teams are finding their rhythm, chemistry is clicking, and confidence is growing across every division. With tighter matches, deeper brackets, and more tight scores than ever, every point mattered. With so many 3 way ties from incredible matchups, we have a TON to cover.</p>
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<p>Here's our full recap of the results — plus the athletes who separated themselves as standouts. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Front Runners</h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rev 18 Premier Holds #1 </h3>
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<p><strong>AZ 18 Rev Premier</strong> proved exactly why they've been sitting at the top all season, grinding through a chaotic three-way tie in pool play and still finding a way to hold firm to the <strong>#1 spot in Open</strong>. When the pressure rose, they didn't flinch — they executed.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='901125' first='Campbell' last='Hollister']</strong> was a matchup nightmare all day long. Her slide attack was nearly unstoppable, stretching defenses and scoring in rhythm, and she came up with some <em>timely, momentum-swinging blocks</em> that helped Rev maintain control when it mattered most.</p>
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<p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792814' first='Caprice' last='Cooper'] </strong>continued to anchor the backcourt like one of the best in the division. Her range, composure, and ability to turn tough swings into transition opportunities kept rallies alive and allowed Rev to stay in system. She's the kind of steady presence championship teams are built around.</p>
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<p>On the pin,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='845280' first='Brooklyn' last='Palmer'] </strong>delivered a complete performance. Smart, terminal, and unpredictable, she mixed shots, saw the block well, and consistently found ways to score — keeping opponents guessing and off balance all match long.</p>
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<p>In a bracket packed with talent, Rev didn't just survive — they <strong>proved they belong at the top</strong>, showing poise, depth, and playmakers at every position. If this weekend was any indication, they're not giving that #1 spot up without a fight.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rev 17 Premier Moves to #2</h3>
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<p>After a dominant statement win over 16 Thunder, this group showed exactly why they're one of the most dangerous teams in the gym right now. They didn't just cruise — they controlled the match from start to finish. Then they stepped up and battled their own 18 Premier squad tough, proving they're not far off from challenging for that top spot themselves. If the trajectory continues like this, it's only a matter of time before they're right in that conversation. What really separates this team is the steady leadership at the setter position.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881055' first='Emma' last='Elbert'] </strong>and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='571231' first='MaKenna' last='Corrie'] </strong>are everything you want in 2027 setters — not just in Arizona, but nationally. They play with poise beyond their years, make high-IQ decisions under pressure, and consistently deliver hittable, in-tempo balls that keep their offense flowing. Even in the tightest moments, nothing feels rushed. Their composure settles the entire team and allows everyone around them to play confidently. Simply put, they're the engine that makes this group go.</p>
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<p>On the pins, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523986' first='Isabella' last='Stojkovic']</strong> is impossible to take your eyes off of. Her approach is clean and technically sound, but what makes her special is her ability to balance power with precision. She can unload with a heavy swing when it's there, or dial it back and tool the block or find the open court when the moment calls for it. That blend of IQ and explosiveness makes her a true problem for defenses and a standout every time she steps on the floor.</p>
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<p>This is one of those teams that's just fun to watch — connected, confident, and clearly building something special. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Teams on The Rise</h2>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aspire 17 Alpha</h3>
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<p>Both squads handled business in cross-pool play with statement wins in the cross pool, trending upward and putting themselves firmly in the mix near the top of the standings.</p>
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<p>For 17 Alpha, [player_tooltip player_id='931868' first='Aubrey' last='Butterfield'] did an excellent job running the offense, keeping everything in rhythm and her team competing point for point. [player_tooltip player_id='878908' first='Emma' last='Caldwell'] controlled the net with strong, disciplined blocking and continues to be a defensive cornerstone they rely on. In the back row, [player_tooltip player_id='808498' first='Camryn' last='Thruston'] brings steady composure with the ability to flip rallies in an instant, mixing consistency with explosive plays. This is a group gaining momentum fast — don't be surprised if they keep climbing.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aspire 18 Alpha</h3>
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<p>18 Premier continues to prove through their play why they're a legitimate threat every time they step on the court. They compete with confidence, stay composed in big moments, and consistently find ways to control matches on both sides of the ball. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809025' first='Marianne' last='Garcia'] </strong>anchors the defense with a relentless presence in the back row, tracking down tough balls and turning broken plays into opportunities. Offensively,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='845436' first='Ella' last='Loges']</strong> brings a dynamic edge with her heavy lefty whip, mixing pace and shot selection to keep blockers guessing and putting the ball away from anywhere along the pin. This is a balanced, battle-tested group that's only getting tougher to stop.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AZ Sky 17 Blue</h3>
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<p>This talented squad battled through a tough slate and still finished 3–1 with commanding wins, showing grit, depth, and plenty more upside. They're just getting started. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914160' first='Avery' last='Crain'] </strong>anchored the defense with relentless hustle, extending rallies and keeping her team alive in key moments. Setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='913216' first='Sophia' last='Christiano'] </strong>made her presence felt on both sides of the ball, pairing smart decision-making with a strong blocking presence at the net. On the pin, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806232' first='Kylie' last='Sehnal'] </strong>was a problem all weekend, scoring from multiple angles and dominating in system. This group put on a show — and we're confident there's even more coming.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Atomic 17 Smack Premier</h3>
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<p>After a tough start against high-level competition in Open 1, this group found its rhythm again and reminded everyone exactly why they belong near the top. The comeback was gritty, confident, and statement-worthy. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='877239' first='Shia' last='Chancellor']</strong> is a name to know — her heavy lefty swing, physical blocking, and commanding presence make her a true anchor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827749' first='Samantha' last='Mondino']</strong> adds another layer offensively, scoring in big moments with smart, quick, and crafty swings that tool the block and keep defenses guessing. With a bid under their belt last season, this squad is only building momentum — and they're far from done climbing.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AZ Storm 15 Thunder</h3>
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<p>This powerful group of underclassmen proved they can hang with anyone — showing that age truly is just a number. With a few statement wins that turned heads, they made it clear they're not just competing in Open… they're here to challenge it. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888723' first='Sloan' last='Kribel']</strong> plays fearless on the pin, attacking into any block and delivering as a reliable go-to scorer despite being undersized. At the helm, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885089' first='Sophia' last='Gregg']</strong> runs a smooth, controlled offense and adds her own scoring touch with smart, timely swings. This squad is only getting started and will continue to give every Open team a run for their money.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Athletes We Can't Wait to See More Of</h2>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827060' first='Lila' last='Liimatta'], Storm 16 Thunder</strong> – Aggressive and high-IQ with a commanding court presence that impacts every rally.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='786065' first='Ava' last='Romero'], Livewire 16 Prime</strong> – A two-way force on the right and in the middle, using her attack and block to help push her squad into the Open top 20.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448314' first='Erin' last='Clark'], AZ Sky 18 Gold</strong> – Elite-level defender with next-level instincts; a major reason her team stays at the front of the pack and a future college standout.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='939747' first='Lyra' last='Moralez'], Club One 17 Platinum</strong> – Fearless, tenacious, and the go-to pin who embraces big swings in big moments.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888828' first='Laci' last='Noice'], AZ Rev 16 Premier</strong> – Dynamic middle with quick transitions, explosive offense, and the ability to impact both sides of the ball.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787775' first='Kendall' last='Klingenberg'], Omni 15N1</strong> – Smooth, composed setter who runs a fast, balanced offense and isn't afraid to score with intentional dumps.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942065' first='Gloria' last='Bankston'], Aspire 15 Alpha</strong> – Physical presence at the net with a tough block that frustrated hitters all weekend.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888797' first='Kameron' last='Russell'], Omni 17N1</strong> – Rock-solid in serve receive with strong out-of-system control and fearless, all-out defense.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806295' first='Layla' last='Jarvis'], Rev 16 Elite</strong> – Undersized but dangerous, attacking confidently from front or back row and tooling the block with ease.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822382' first='Aubrey' last='Michalos'], SVC 18</strong> – Smart, quick-tempo middle who scores efficiently and attacks the corners with purpose.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942076' first='Abby' last='Lara'], EVJ 16 Elite</strong> – Reliable right-side threat who blocks well and consistently delivers points when it matters most.</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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Open #2 felt like a turning point in the season. Teams are finding their rhythm, chemistry is clicking, and confidence is growing across every division. With tighter matches, deeper brackets, and more tight scores than ever, every point mattered. With so many 3 way ties from incredible matchups, we have a TON to cover.
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