Strong Pioneer Region results at Big South Qualifier

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pioneer Region saw a number of strong performances at the Big South Qualifier in Atlanta. The [program_tooltip program_id='481203' first='Northern' last='Kentucky Volleyball Club'] 16 Tsunami had a runner-up finish going 8-1 in the 16 Open Division and the 17 Tsunami finished 6-1 to place ninth in 17 Open. The club took 13 teams south total.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mid America Volleyball Club saw the 15 Select Team take third in the 15 USA going 8-1 overall. The 15 Elite team placed ninth in the 15 American Red Division going 6-2. A total of seven MAVA squads ventured to Atlanta.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='510734' first='Lexington' last='United'] saw eight teams take the courts down there. The 17 Elite team finished 3-4 good for ninth in the 17 Open Division. The 77 Elite team took 39th with a 7-1 record in the 17 American Red Division. The 66 United squad also had a strong showing going 6-2 good for 23rd in the 16 USA Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='547134' first='Southern' last='Kentucky Elite Volleyball Academy'] took three teams down there. The 16 Blue team placed fourth in the 16 American Blue Division going 8-2 and the 15 Blue finished 7-3 good for fourth in the 15 American Blue Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Virginia Galaxy that features Kentucky players took three teams down there. The 16-1 team finished 6-1 good for fifth in the 17 Club Division with the 15-1 team taking fourth at 8-2 in the 15 Club Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["590644"],"_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-69d3298bbf798"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steinhauser has learned different ways to put balls down during high school and club ball. Steinhauser makes quick shoves to the shallow one zone from the middle and takes sharp shots from the strong right side. The lefty can make big hits when the team needs a big kill. Steinhauser angles her body well to send off shots to opposite side lines. She also made nice blocks during 16 Tsunami's run to the 16 Open Gold championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535235"],"_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-69d32fd96d328"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mains has made strides in her serve reception and first touches during club season. She stops in her tracks then makes crisp passes. That's a good complement to her powerful hitting. She has done serious work on her vertical jumping and it continues to shine during club season. Mains smacks line shots away from blockers and sends across tough cross shots. Described as outgoing, goal-oriented and passionate by teammates and close ones, Mains can take timely hits off blocks and out of bounds for huge points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["961479"],"_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-69d3298bbf823"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Henton showed a lot of promise as a freshman at Shelby County and hopes to help take that program forward under a new head coach. Henton uses good form to force balls high and wide and wins jousts at the net. Henton is developing a nice rhythm on ones. When she gets on top of balls, Henton can smack them to the sides and other places. Henton can also take nice roll shots when the team is out of system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["851950"],"_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-69d32fd96d40c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avent has improved her mechanics during club season to put across even more powerful hard and off shots. She smacks balls hard to the back row on go routes and can tip balls to the 10-foot line to surprise opponents. Avent can even hit balls off blocks for big points. Avent has good form on her blocks. She makes quick transitions from defense to offense. Avent had 49 kills in the Big South Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and coming soon, Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at michaelgraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. 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