Right Sides Propel Legacy To 14 Open AAU Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='430319' first='Legacy' last='Volleyball Club'] collected another AAU Open National Championship last week when <strong>14-1 ADIDAS</strong> ran the table with a perfect 11-0 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coached by Ali Smith, this squad dropped just two sets over their 11 matches before besting A5 in the championship 25-17, 19-25, 15-13.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the championship was a total team effort, the dominant performance of right sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='938309' first='Juliet' last='Berishaj'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='622403' first='Petra' last='Townsend']</strong> were a big boost for Legacy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two both hit over .500 for the week, including .585 from the 6'2” Townsend. That consistent success of the right sides opened up the court and left opponents with no way to focus on anyone in this potent offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Molley Hickey </strong>and <strong>Amelia Kurtz </strong>ran the 6-2 offense at setter and also deserve a lot of credit for the high finishing rates of the hitters. Their decision-making on where to go with the ball was top level, and they also both came through with some key defensive plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of defense, libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='949918' first='Mikayla' last='Sinadinoski']</strong> was named 14 Open MVP for her play in the back row throughout the week. She passed a 2.2 four the tournament, an incredible number against some of the best hitters in the nation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aiding Sinadinoski on defense was <strong>Collins Lantz, </strong>a DS that passed 2.0 for the week and also had some key momentum-shifting service runs for Legacy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='891341' first='Layla' last='Ljajcaj'] </strong>was another big contributor in the middle, hitting over .400, but the success of the right sides kept her from getting as many looks as she normally would. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='984451' first='Cate' last='Verkeyn']</strong> was the lead outside, coming through with some big kills during the semifinals and finals when they needed her most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Londyn Cottrill, Laura Aubrey</strong>, <strong>Marina VanDaele</strong>, and <strong>Valerie Marx </strong>also contributed and helped Legacy reach another title. They continue to shine this week as well as they look to make a big splash in the USAV National Championship 14 Open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->