Nebraska’s 16s Stars to Watch at Second NLQ Weekend

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Minneapolis returns to the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Northern Lights Qualifier has always been a keynote venue for Nebraska's top USAV contenders. This Twin Cities event has expanded to three weekends, and the second iteration of NLQ beckons as we reach mid-March. The 16 Open and 16 USA divisions will be front and center for this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even with only two 16s divisions to cover, the Great Plains Region could produce some serious storylines at NLQ. Minneapolis schedules have dropped, and we have the full scoop on which emergent Nebraska athletes we'll be watching on the qualifier stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["570568"],"_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-69b20b2e36aea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Welcome to the Open stage. We have fond memories of last year's South Central NE 15 Black group. The small-town crew enjoyed a wildly successful 2025 campaign, which included a podium finish at GJNC. One year later, 16 Black is stepping up to the Open field at NLQ. It's a huge milestone for players like Staehr, who have proved themselves against the Great Plains Region's best. Staehr will be a valuable leader on the outside in Minneapolis and brings first-contact prowess to the back row, too. Aurora High School's stars are ready for the national spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["572605"],"_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-69b32a08c9622"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">South Central NE 16 Black's firepower is not limited to the pin positions. Cederburg has upgraded her termination from the middle blocker spot, as evidenced by her 200-plus kills in Year 2 with Minden High School. Whenever 16 Black gets an in-system opportunity, Cederburg is a frequent target for up-tempo sets. She gets on top of the ball quickly and frequently reaps the advantages of one-on-one matchups. Those contributions will be key to South Central NE's foray at the Open level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["575243"],"_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-69b32a08c9669"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nebraska Elite 16 Alpha brings a fascinating array of 2028s to the fold. Menicucci has stood out in various backcourt roles, whether she dons the libero jersey or subs in across the end line. The Omaha Marian sophomore has a knack for picking up tips in the "campfire" and has embraced her expanding serve-receive responsibilities. 16 Alpha has all the physicality needed to spar with NLQ's Open contenders, but Menicucci helps this group thrive with her back-row play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774630"],"_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-69b32a08c96a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of physicality, Schwarz is a name to know among Nebraska Elite 16 Alpha's stacked cast of talent at the net. Not only does Schwarz boast a colossal contact point to score over blockers, but she also wields the versatility needed to play in the middle or at opposite. Lineup flexibility is often a deciding factor for qualifier success, especially when 16s teams are still figuring out their best combinations. Schwarz will be an integral part of any rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774702"],"_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-69b32a08c96ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Titanium completes the trio of Great Plains Region challengers in NLQ's 16 Open division. The team had a productive outing in last year's Open journey, so we have big expectations for Landon and 16 Titanium this weekend. Early-season regional tournaments revealed Landon's willingness to swing away at any set and her hustle as a transition blocker. [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] has thrived with middle blockers like Landon, who can do a little of everything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774698"],"_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-69b32a08c972c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weigel holds the line for 16 Titanium's elite ball control unit. Her rise in Nebraska's 2028 hierarchy began last fall, as Weigel commanded the Lincoln Southwest defense en route to another state tournament appearance. This valuable experience primed Weigel to make further strides in the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] gym. Her consistent climb has continued in the Great Plains Region, but the stakes rise in Minneapolis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["568816"],"_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-69b32a08c9769"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Let's discuss Nebraska's lone representative in the 16 USA race. [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Elite has a real chance to make noise at NLQ, particularly after the team earned its way to the challenge round at last month's Triple Crown NIT. Cada played a massive role in that triumph and has been a picture-perfect replica of other dominant VCN outside hitters. She sees opposing hands well and can efficiently cash in on out-of-system sets. Bishop Neumann High School will be on the map for one of club volleyball's most prominent events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["838311"],"_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-69b32a08c97a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We had to get the Class of 2029 involved here. Vejraska has taken the reins of VCN 16 Elite's offense and can play around the dial for her high-flying squad. She dishes out one of the quickest paces we've seen from Nebraska's 16s circuit this year. Vejraska is also an impenetrable floor defender who flourishes in 16 Elite's three-hitter rotations. That persistent influence has placed Vejraska among the most impactful Nebraska 2029s on the club circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->