USAV Nationals Preview: 16 and 17 Freedom

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship play begins today in the Freedom Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A random thought hit me while putting this preview together: after all these years covering Nationals, I just realized the divisions outside of Open all follow a patriotic theme—National, USA, Liberty, Freedom, American, and the former Patriot Division. I can't believe it took me this long to make that connection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, back to what really matters: the teams taking the floor in Indianapolis. Freedom Division bids are earned through regional competition, and six Kansas and Missouri teams will be chasing a national championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">16s</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three teams from my coverage area are competing in the 16 Freedom Division. One of Gateway's bids belongs to an Illinois club, so we'll focus on the Missouri and Kansas representatives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='515466' first='Pohaku' last=''] 16-1 enters as the highest seed of the trio at No. 27, followed closely by [program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] 16 John (34) and FC United 16 Black (35).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='515466' first='Pohaku' last=''], based in the Kansas City area, opens play in Pool 6. They spent much of the season competing in the Liberty Division and consistently held their own against quality competition. Libero Myah Jones will be counted on to anchor the back row with steady serve receive and pinpoint passing that keeps the offense in rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] 16 John begins its tournament in Pool 2 after earning one of the Heart of America Region's two Freedom bids. Outside hitter Mia Brown has established herself as one of the team's primary offensive weapons on the pin, while libero Lindsey Quigley provides stability and leadership defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Representing the Gateway Region, Franklin County's FC United 16 Black takes the floor in Pool 3. They didn't play an extensive qualifier schedule, making this a great opportunity to introduce themselves on the national stage. Middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='985053' first='Bella' last='Vollmer'] is one to watch. She combines good size with smart shot selection offensively and is a strong presence at the net, regularly turning attacks back with her blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17s</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 17 Freedom Division follows a similar story. Three Kansas and Missouri teams qualified, while Gateway's other bid went to an Illinois club.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428876' first='Club' last='MVP'] 17-1 gets things started in Pool 4. They spent much of the qualifier season in the American Division, where they consistently finished among the top teams. Setter Caitlyn Kennedy does an excellent job directing the offense and keeping all of her hitters involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 17 White represents Gateway in Pool 6. The Liberty Division was their primary home throughout the spring, and a sixth-place finish at the regional bid tournament secured their trip to Indianapolis. Middle [player_tooltip player_id='733016' first='Amanda' last='Heine'] has been a consistent force, attacking with range and power while also making life difficult for opposing hitters with her blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KC Ignite 17-1 rounds out the group in Pool 8. A ninth-place finish in the American Division at Show Me helped highlight a strong spring season. [player_tooltip player_id='733195' first='Ellie' last='Trachsel'] is an offensive threat from virtually anywhere on the floor. She attacks effectively from both pins, but what really stands out is her vision and ability to find open space while swinging from the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With six teams in action today, the Freedom Division offers another opportunity for Kansas and Missouri clubs to make a statement on the national stage. The journey begins with the opening whistle, and every point from here on out carries a little more meaning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->