Prep Dig Champions Dominant 18s at the Champion Center

The 17/18 Open crossover matches during the Prep Dig Champions Cup delivered some of the most intense volleyball of day 1, with fast-paced rallies, powerful offensive systems, and teams fighting for every point as they fought for a spot in gold. The following players stood out, making impactful impressions during their games and defining the last moments of the AM wave.    [player_tooltip player_id='523183' first='Aubrie' last='Ackermann'], a 5'6 middle from Hortonville, plays well beyond her height. She combines a powerful swing with a high volleyball IQ, allowing her to consistently impact plays offensively. She attacks deep corners with confidence and effectively uses her opponents' high hands to generate points. Even during broken or chaotic rallies, she moves aggressively across the net, turning unpredictable moments into scoring opportunities for her [program_tooltip program_id='428659' first='Wisconsin' last='Blaze'] squad.     [player_tooltip player_id='741082' first='Kendall' last='Johnson'] played six rotations for her [program_tooltip program_id='428591' first='FC' last='Elite'] team. She painted the line from the left side and found deep corners with her attack, all while maintaining strong, all-around play. Defensively, she moves quickly along the back line and accurately guides balls into her setters hands. She capitalizes on the other sides free balls, whether that be attacking from the front row or defending in the back row. She remains an option in all six rotations and puts pressure on opposing defenses.     [player_tooltip player_id='376300' first='Katelyn' last='Nowak'], a six-rotation right side for Hartford VBC's 18U team, brings contagious energy to the court and impacts the game in every rotation. She remains an offensive threat from the back row and showcases versatility behind the service line, delivering both a powerful standing float and a jumping topspin serve. In crossover play, she served [program_tooltip program_id='428659' first='Wisconsin' last='Blaze'] 18 Red off the court, leading a dominant 25–6 first-set win and finishing both sets on the service line. A top scorer for her squad, Nowak combines a heavy swing with crafty hands, cutting the ball effectively to find open space and keep defenses guessing.     [player_tooltip player_id='813464' first='Gabby' last='Sinkler'] is a middle who transitions off the net quickly and makes herself available for every pass, staying active throughout rallies. Her movement across the net is quick and she takes up significant space with her hands, creating a strong blocking presence. With an impressive reach, she makes it difficult for opposing hitters to find open court, guiding the ball into her [program_tooltip program_id='428591' first='FC' last='Elite'] team's defense.     Daughtry, a six-rotation setter, brings unpredictability and high-level awareness to every play. In the front row, she swings hard and tip meticulously on the second contact, and in the back row, she can score with well-placed dumps. She consistently capitalizes on the positioning of the opposing blockers, adjusting her sets to create scoring opportunities. On easier free balls to right back, she smartly sends them back to the other side's deep corners, and on tougher contacts, she makes her hands count. Whether sliding across the floor on her knees or fishing the ball off the tape, she reliably keeps her team in system.     [player_tooltip player_id='503373' first='Olivia' last='Xiong'], a libero, anchors the left side with strong defensive play, cutting off deep corner balls and running down contacts off the block. She transitions seamlessly into defense, throws her body into every play, and consistently covers her hitters. Always communicating on the court, she brings a positive, encouraging energy that lifts her entire team. She is a positive and reassuring force, a steady player for her [program_tooltip program_id='428646' first='Spiketown' last='USA'] 17.2 team.

The 17/18 Open crossover matches during the Prep Dig Champions Cup delivered some of the most intense volleyball of day 1, with fast-paced rallies, powerful offensive systems, and teams fighting for every point as they fought for a spot in gold. The following players stood out, making impactful impressions during their games and defining the last moments of the AM wave.