The Final Open: Results and Standouts

<p>It's been nothing short of a privilege to cover the Arizona Open Division this season. Week after week, this group has delivered high-level competition, relentless energy, and a standard that continues to elevate volleyball in the state. As we close out local play, the final Open gave us plenty to talk about—major movement, teams hitting their stride at the right time, and squads proving exactly why they belong in the conversation.</p>   <p>We're diving into the teams that held their ground as front runners, the ones who made impressive climbs, and the groups that consistently caught our eye along the way.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Matches</h2>   <p>There were plenty of matches that kept us on our toes this week—but these are the ones that truly had us on the edge of our seats.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sky 18 Gold vs Storm 18 Thunder </h3>   <p>This was the matchup everyone was talking about—and it delivered. With the #1 overall finish on the line, both teams proved exactly why they should represent the AZ Open. The defensive intensity was next level, highlighted by two of the best liberos in the Class of 2026 going head-to-head in [player_tooltip player_id='534541' first='Mattea' last='Saunders'] and [player_tooltip player_id='448314' first='Erin' last='Clark']—an absolute treat to watch.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827356' first='Meadow' last='Hobbs'] continued to be a steady, reliable presence on the pin for Sky, making smart, intentional decisions and competing to score every swing. Sky Gold came out strong, edging out a tight first set 25-23. Thunder answered with authority in set two, dominating 25-16 behind a dynamic performance from [player_tooltip player_id='874855' first='Selah' last='Wadsworth'], who made her presence felt all across the net.</p>   <p>The third set was everything you'd expect from a match of this caliber—gritty, high-level, and back-and-forth. Sky worked to push Storm out of system, but [player_tooltip player_id='534541' first='Mattea' last='Saunders'] stayed composed, delivering quality sets to [player_tooltip player_id='544378' first='Addison' last='Wiemann'] and [player_tooltip player_id='536785' first='Madisyn' last='Crnjac'], keeping the team in system when Sky was trying to get them out. In the end, Storm closed it out 16-14 in a thrilling finish—an incredible match and the perfect way to cap off Open play.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sky 16 Gold vs Livewire 16 Prime</h3>   <p>We couldn't have asked for a better matchup between two of the top 16s teams—this one absolutely lived up to expectations. Livewire set the tone early with a disciplined, physical block that forced Sky to earn every point. [player_tooltip player_id='835620' first='Malaya' last='Gibbs'] did just that, finding ways to tool the block and keep Sky within striking distance with high hands and smart swings. On the other side, [player_tooltip player_id='888725' first='London' last='Clark'] kept the defense on its heels, while [player_tooltip player_id='937073' first='Lily' last='Pease'] proved she has the full offensive arsenal, delivering in key moments. [player_tooltip player_id='888726' first='Carsen' last='Steinkamp'] once again showed why she's one of the top liberos in her class, bringing relentless effort and consistency to every rally. Livewire's control at the net ultimately earned them the first set, 25-21.</p>   <p>Sky responded with purpose in set two. [player_tooltip player_id='883562' first='Allison' last='Veres'] took command, communicating every play and running an efficient offense that kept her team in system and in rhythm. [player_tooltip player_id='823795' first='Elana' last='Clark'] was dominant on both pins, a true six-rotation threat whose explosiveness and arm make her incredibly difficult to contain. [player_tooltip player_id='916276' first='Olivia' last='Correa'] anchored the defense, coming up with big plays to extend rallies and keep momentum on Sky's side. It paid off in a tight 25-23 set win to even the match.</p>   <p>The third set was where the match truly peaked. [player_tooltip player_id='730983' first='Peyton' last='Pearson'] showcased her versatility, scoring from both the front and back row and putting pressure on Livewire in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='826238' first='Gabriella' last='Nucci'] made her presence felt at the net with timely blocks and clutch points when it mattered most. Both teams battled point-for-point in a high-level finish, but Sky's composure down the stretch made the difference, edging out a 17-15 victory in a thriller.<audio autoplay=""></audio></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sky 17 Blue vs Aspire 16 Alpha </h3>   <p>This match was loaded with talent on both sides and absolutely delivered from start to finish. Aspire came out sharp in the opening set, but Sky matched their energy with grit and determination. [player_tooltip player_id='914160' first='Avery' last='Crain'] set the tone defensively for Sky, flying all over the court with relentless effort and keeping rallies alive that had no business continuing. [player_tooltip player_id='826562' first='Jodie' last='Jones'] added some clutch swings to keep them within reach, but Aspire's balance was the difference. [player_tooltip player_id='960298' first='London' last='Aldous'] anchored the back row with elite serve receive and steady defense, consistently putting her team in system. [player_tooltip player_id='942247' first='Makenzie' last='Owes'] was impactful on the outside, and [player_tooltip player_id='882773' first='Matilda' last='Hinder'] was nearly unstoppable in the middle, running quicks with tempo and efficiency to secure the first set 25-21.</p>   <p>That first set loss sparked Sky. [player_tooltip player_id='827219' first='Madison' last='Nedeljkovic'] began to find seams in the defense, mixing in smart shots and controlled swings to generate momentum. [player_tooltip player_id='913216' first='Sophia' last='Christiano'] took command, showing poise and high-level court awareness while leading her team to a 25-19 response in set two.</p>   <p>The third set was everything you want in a decider—tight, emotional, and defined by communication and composure. [player_tooltip player_id='939452' first='Vishaka' last='Ganesan (Vivi)'] came up with key digs in middle back to keep Aspire in system and extend rallies. But down the stretch, Sky's ability to stay composed and execute made the difference. They found the open court when it mattered most, and [player_tooltip player_id='806232' first='Kylie' last='Sehnal']'s high volleyball IQ and decision-making guided them through the final points to edge out a 15-13 win. A high-level battle on both sides.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sky 14 Gold vs Rev 16 Premier </h3>   <p>This one lived up to the hype—a true three-set battle where defense set the tone from start to finish, both at the net and in the back row. Sky came out firing, but Rev made it clear early they weren't going anywhere. [player_tooltip player_id='934533' first='Marieme' last='Mbodji'] was a force on the net, impacting the match with her physical presence and smart, efficient swings. Paired with [player_tooltip player_id='934772' first='Stella' last='Fancher']'s composed decision-making, Sky pushed the tempo and edged out a tight 25-23 first set.</p>   <p>Rev answered in a big way in set two. While Sky continued to apply pressure from the service line, [player_tooltip player_id='888735' first='Kennedy' last='Melashenko'] was rock solid in serve receive, holding steady and allowing her offense to stay in rhythm. [player_tooltip player_id='880117' first='Alex' last='Heritage'] was everywhere defensively, refusing to be taken out of system and delivering quality second balls that kept Rev in control. Her discipline and consistency paid off as they took the set 25-16.</p>   <p>In the deciding third, [player_tooltip player_id='960292' first='Savannah' last='Hattabaugh'] came out with urgency, swinging aggressively and fueling an early 8-2 Rev lead with her intensity and competitive fire. But Sky regrouped. They cleaned up their serve receive, found their rhythm, and leaned on [player_tooltip player_id='919648' first='Charlotte' last='Lilley'] to close. As she so often does, Lilley took control in key moments, guiding her team through the comeback and sealing the pool play victory.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Finishers</h2>   <p>There are a few teams we simply have to highlight—programs that started near the bottom and worked their way all the way to the top. Their growth over the course of the season has been undeniable, fueled by resilience, belief, and a refusal to stay where they started. If they've proven anything, it's this: they're not teams you can afford to underestimate.<br></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Club One 17 Platinum </h3>   <p>This squad closed out the weekend with a perfect 4-0 finish, locking in a top-20 spot in convincing fashion. They didn't drop a single set—clear proof they're dialed in and hitting their stride as we head into the final stretch of the qualifying season.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='822894' first='Brooklyn' last='Black'] was outstanding in the middle, playing fast, covering the net with range, and consistently presenting herself as a reliable offensive option. [player_tooltip player_id='943053' first='Adelaide' last='Millhiser'] commanded the floor with confidence, making high-level decisions and distributing the ball effectively to put her team in the best position to succeed.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Omni 17N1</h3>   <p>Starting 69th and finishing 22 needs some attention. This bunch really proved they can hang with everyone all season. In the final open, they took every single team they played to 3 sets, finishing out on top. Leading the offense is [player_tooltip player_id='888932' first='Makenna' last='Mooney'], with her fierce defense and smart decision making, she's a huge reason they've been successful all year, feeding powerhouses [player_tooltip player_id='881962' first='Leiiani' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='806011' first='Kamryn' last='Moyer'] as big attackers for this team.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">AZ Outlaws 17 Elite</h3>   <p>Outlaws closed out their Open season in dominant fashion with a statement 4-0 finish, highlighted by impressive wins over 16U Mambas and Storm 15 Lightning. This group is clearly hitting its stride at the right time. [player_tooltip player_id='821730' first='Aileen' last='Nimijan'] was a standout in the middle, playing up a division with confidence and composure well beyond her years. Her timing, presence at the net, and ability to impact both offensively and defensively make her one to keep a close eye on moving forward. On the outside, [player_tooltip player_id='706296' first='Alyssa' last='Ortiz'] continues to be a cornerstone for this squad—a true six-rotation player who brings stability, leadership, and consistent point production. With the way they're competing right now, expect this team to carry serious momentum into the final stretch of the season.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aspire 15 Alpha </h3>   <p>This squad completely owned their pool, finishing 4-0 while taking down quality opponents in Sky 14 Gold, OVA 18G, Sky 16 Blue, and Rev 15 Premier. What stood out most wasn't just the results—it was how in control they looked in every match.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='916135' first='Colbie' last='Devlin'] continues to elevate her game, developing into a true offensive threat on the outside while remaining steady and reliable in serve receive. She's becoming a complete, all-around player you can trust in every rotation. [player_tooltip player_id='885187' first='Rylee' last='Asanovich'] is proving she belongs in the conversation among the top players in her class. She runs a smooth, composed offense as a setter and still finds ways to be impactful as an attacker, giving her team a dynamic edge. This is a group that's only gaining momentum, and with the way they're competing right now, who knows what can happen.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p>The Open competition is over and all we have left is qualifiers and championships. We are so proud of the way you've all competed and look forward to covering the action!</p>   <p id="block-ff547c59-6450-4248-97aa-538a17567baf">As always, make sure you are following us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigarizona/?hl=en">@PrepDigArizona </a>as well as our scouts<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdiganthony/">@PrepDigAnthony</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachmarissamorah/">@CoachMarissaMorah</a>.</p>   <p id="block-2724ef01-8afd-456b-9992-0232edc76682">Want to get on our radar? Do the following:</p>   <ul id="block-25a633e5-738f-4493-a4cf-15ae3161c492" class="wp-block-list"> <li>Follow us on Instagram, Nominate Through our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGWSR1w3a_ZgKVLmUouN7ymhvldIHGmG6f6zWs54-pGTM_-A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116487285663927782556">Form</a>, and Send us your Highlights! </li> </ul>   <p></p>

It's been nothing short of a privilege to cover the Arizona Open Division this season. Week after week, this group has delivered high-level competition, relentless energy, and a standard that continues to elevate volleyball in the state. As we close out local play, the final Open gave us plenty to talk about—major movement, teams hitting their stride at the right time, and squads proving exactly why they belong in the conversation.