2026 17s Bid Event Predictions: Top Teams and Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the highly anticipated Bid Event approaches, we are eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and win their bid to nationals. This year promises to showcase some of the best talent in the Gateway Region, with teams filled with exceptional athletes ready to compete fiercely for the championship. Below, I break down the standout teams expected to make a significant impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HPSTL 17 Royal: The Clear Favorite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HPSTL 17 Royal is my clear favorite to win the Bid Event, boasting an impressive roster loaded with talent. This team features some of the best 17s in the Gateway Region, headlined by three of the top middles in the 2027 class: <strong>Marlee Steiner</strong>, <strong>Emory Freesmeier</strong>, and <strong>Dorothy Durrill</strong>. These athletes bring a powerful presence at the net, making it challenging for opponents to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the outside, <strong>Claire Sandstrom</strong> and <strong>Kate Sherry</strong> are terminating six-rotation hitters who can effectively score points from various positions on the court. Ava Schuette has also been a standout on the right side, delivering a formidable blocking presence that adds depth to the team's defense. Running this stacked offense is <strong>Gabriella Schwoeppe,</strong> who has been executing plays with precision and agility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, the team is anchored by <strong>Aubrey Dumstorff</strong>, a Winthrop commit, who has excelled as libero, showcasing remarkable passing and defense. Alongside defensive specialists Lucy Moriarty and <strong>Reese Rogers,</strong> HPSTL 17 Royal has cultivated a top-notch defensive unit that will be difficult for any team to beat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rockwood Thunder 17 Navy: A Serious Contender</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another team to keep an eye on is Rockwood Thunder 17 Navy. This squad features athletes like Peyton Dolly, Kara Stephens, and <strong>Kyndal Jacobs</strong>, who pose significant threats in the middle. Their ability to score efficiently will be crucial in tight matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addie Wright</strong> has been stellar as the libero, bringing energy and skill to the back row. <strong>Rachel Buchanan</strong> complements her efforts with solid defensive play, helping the team maintain a strong defense. The setting duties are shared between <strong>Hailey Lowery</strong> and <strong>Marley Williams</strong>, allowing for seamless transitions in running the offense regardless of who is on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pursuit 17 National: The Potential for Upsets</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pursuit 17 National, seeded fourth, has the potential to create some serious upsets. While they may need to conquer a few top teams along the way, their firepower is undeniable. <strong>Ashtyn Van De Ven</strong> stands out as an offensive-minded setter who can catch defenses off guard. Key attackers like <strong>Lexi Rayoum, Rylie Schreiner, Maggie Wood</strong>, and <strong>Ella Pierce</strong> can deliver powerful swings, while <strong>Macyn McCarthy</strong> shines as a reliable defensive specialist or libero. If they can maintain consistency in passing and defensive efforts, Pursuit 17 National will be a formidable opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">HP Illinois 17 National: A Solid Dark Horse</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>HP Illinois 17 National is well-positioned to avoid facing the top two teams until the semifinals, giving them a strong chance to advance. Headlined by libero <strong>Ava Lampe,</strong> the team's first-contact skills are vital for maintaining offensive options. With setter <strong>Taylor Clay</strong> orchestrating the offense and <strong>Marley Edson</strong> contributing effectively, this team could very well pull off a couple of upsets on its journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">FVA 17-1: The Dark Horse</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FVA 17-1 emerges as my dark horse team, facing the tough challenge of navigating past higher seeds throughout the bracket. With standout players like <strong>Caroline Fuehne, Lyric Hughes, Ava Cox, Natalie Hussey, Aria Burnett</strong>, and Reagan Wilhelm taking significant swings, coupled with <strong>McKinley Beckner</strong> at the helm of the offense, this squad has all the pieces needed to create a stir. Riley Fairbairn, wearing a different-colored jersey as a libero, adds further strength to the team's defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->