The Hitters Circle from PD Iowa Clash

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When people think about volleyball hitters, they picture power. Big swings. Loud kills. Highlight-reel moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But at higher levels, power is just the entry ticket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These top hitters punched their tickets and took control of the Iowa Clash this past weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='555797' first='Marlee' last='Ellison']</strong> (PowerPlex 17 Mendoza), did not have to travel far to get to the Horizon Center, but once she was there, she took complete control. She is a modern athlete, with stellar court vision, discipline and one of the most positive attitudes we have ever seen. She was able to see the defense post transition and was able to adjust mid-air. Marlee has explosive strength, lateral quickness and the core stability to allow her to make those last minute but incredibly effective shots. Watching Marlee lead her team with her talent was one thing, but she is visually one of the best teammates we have had the privilege of watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Bruna</strong> (Manhatten Mayhem 17P) used her swing knowledge to knock out set after set for her team the entire weekend. Drew is one of those kids that is not only fun to watch because of her power, but she just simply runs tempo- each and every time. She transitions quickly from offense to defense, she can score in out of system situations, while terminating any set given to her. She has a plethora of shots ready to go, to make quick work of her opponents both offensively and defensively. Drew never faulted in being the leader on her team, point for point, all day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='493981' first='Brookelyn' last='Jondle']</strong> (PowerPlex 17 Mendoza) is another PowerPlex athlete who was reliable all weekend. She was able to understand tempo changes, recognize defensive shifts and had incredible attack control in some tense situations. She took control from first contact. She passed, she hit, she blocked; repeatedly. Providing that her dedication to the sport and frankly the court is pushing her to the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ainsley Leischner</strong> (Iowa Select 15 Reid) is an up-and-coming star that has learned how to shine in the front row. She has great footwork that is consistent and explosive which gives her the strength to adjust her timing to and sort of defensive situation. Ainsley keeps good spacing with the net instead of drifting into it and uses her vertical to get on top of the ball for each swing. Being able to adjust and react to every set is what truly made her stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='946669' first='Lily' last='Handlos']</strong> (SWI3D 15 Black) is another amazing attacker coming out of her division. She is a younger outside that already has great foundation of her footwork timing, vision at contact, and controlled placement. She was able to adjust her own offense based on her opponent's adjustments and still maintain scoring contact, time after time. With a high reach, she has given herself lots of options, we are putting her high on our list, of athletes to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='730397' first='Claire' last='Kenny']</strong> (PowerPlex 16 Chapman) first caught our eye when she slammed an overpass down in front of the 10-foot line and it only got better from there. From fantastic blocking hands (and eyes) to a large swing that she pulled down the line, she is one to watch. Claire has solid fundamentals, which allowed her to truly dominate with her strength and ability to get on top of the ball. Elite hitters think in solutions, not in excuses and [player_tooltip player_id='730397' first='Claire' last='Kenny'] has figured it out. She is a strong force, that will need to be reckoned with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='758828' first='Sophia' last='Heither']</strong> (PowerPlex 17U Mendoza) is an athlete we have watched for a few years now. Each time we see her play she gets better and better. With one of the best lateral reads in her division, she can play defense before the offense even decides which play they are calling. Offensively, Sophia has put herself in her own class of total domination with a variety of shot options. As a middle, she uses her court vision, and abilities to hit everything from high hands off the block, to pounding the 10 foot line. With wildly positive energy and stellar athleticism, she has proved that she is in fact, the Queen of the Court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Iowa Clash bringing in the top tier athletes, these three demanded the attention and overall were great athletes to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->