Going Gauntlet-Northern Lights 17-1

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">This article was shared with 150+ college coaches. Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: digdakotas30</a>   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The Gauntlet is almost here, and there may not be a better way to prepare for USAV Nationals or AAU Nationals than battling some of the top teams in the country before the biggest stages arrive. This event is loaded with elite-level talent, high volleyball IQ, and teams looking to sharpen every detail before nationals pressure officially hits.   One of the first teams circled on my list is Northern Lights 17-1.   Northern Lights will open play in the Elite Division in the AM Wave on June 6, and this roster is built to compete against anyone in the country. They are not a team intimidated by rankings, commits, or national attention. They want the best matchups possible, and that mentality is exactly why this group continues to stand out.   The Open bid they secured at the Show Me Qualifier only confirmed what many already knew. This is one of the deepest and most dangerous rosters in the Midwest.   Everything starts with [player_tooltip player_id='453085' first='Kaelyn' last='Bjorklund'], the Clemson commit and one of the top-ranked players in Minnesota. Kaelyn completely controls the flow of a match with her tempo, court awareness, and ability to read defenses before the ball even leaves her hands. She runs a fast offense, understands how to manipulate blockers, and competes with the confidence of a player ready for the next level. What makes Northern Lights so dangerous is that Kaelyn does not just distribute. She changes the pace of the court and forces defenses into uncomfortable situations every rotation.   But the scary part for opponents is there is no drop-off when [player_tooltip player_id='461750' first='Leah' last='Biyadglign'] steps onto the court. The St. Thomas commit brings some of the cleanest hands in the state and does an impressive job keeping hitters available in rhythm. Leah plays with control and composure, especially in transition, and continues to prove why she is one of the more exciting setters to watch heading into nationals season.   At the net, Northern Lights brings major size and physicality with [player_tooltip player_id='396876' first='Lauren' last='Bunge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='516170' first='Macy' last='Monson'] controlling the middle. Bunge, a Texas Tech commit, continues to show why she is considered one of the top middles in the Midwest. She closes blocks quickly, gets off the floor effortlessly, and remains a constant offensive threat running multiple tempos. Monson, committed to George Mason, complements that perfectly with strong lateral movement and physical play at the net. Together, they create one of the more difficult middle combinations teams will face this summer.   On the pins, the firepower continues.   [player_tooltip player_id='455611' first='Sophia' last='Cowan'], committed to Duluth, brings a smooth offensive game with the ability to score in-system and out-of-system. She stays aggressive in transition and consistently finds ways to attack seams against disciplined blocks. [player_tooltip player_id='396874' first='Addison' last='Otto'], a New Hampshire commit, adds another offensive weapon with strong arm speed and the ability to terminate from multiple angles. Both pins bring a veteran presence that gives this roster balance offensively.   [player_tooltip player_id='511138' first='Amelie' last='Pankonin'] adds even more value as a true 6-rotation outside. She handles first contact responsibilities while still remaining productive offensively, which is critical against elite competition. Players who can stay composed in serve receive while continuing to attack aggressively are game changers during long tournament runs.   Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='455615' first='Taylor' last='Peterson'] anchors the backcourt with the type of steady presence every elite team needs. The USD commit reads hitters well, controls platform angles, and consistently keeps Northern Lights in system. Her ability to extend rallies and settle chaos allows the offense to stay aggressive.   [player_tooltip player_id='396873' first='Natalya' last='Singer'] continues to give this team versatility in the front row with her ability to impact both as a middle and left-side option. She competes hard, stays active offensively, and creates matchup problems because of her ability to attack from different zones.   Then there is [player_tooltip player_id='807920' first='Elleora' last='Utecht'], the Mississippi State commit, who brings physicality and emotion to the pin. She attacks aggressively, competes with edge, and plays with the kind of intensity that energizes everyone around her.   What makes Northern Lights 17-1 so impressive is not just the talent level. It is the energy, chemistry, and confidence they bring every time they step on the floor. They play fast, they compete hard, and they genuinely enjoy the battle against top competition.   Whether you are watching them at The Gauntlet or later this summer at USAV Nationals, find their court. This is a team college coaches, younger athletes, and volleyball fans can learn a lot from just by watching them compete.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In Case You Missed It</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_5b1fa1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-987083" /></a></figure>

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