USAV Nationals Preview: 16 and 17 National

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our countdown to June 30, when the 16s and 17s take the court in Indianapolis. Today's preview shifts to the National Division, where several teams from the Heart of America and Gateway regions will look to make deep championship runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">16 National</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gateway Region will be represented by BSVBC, a program based in Illinois that earned its bid through regional play. Since I don't regularly cover that region, we'll focus on the Heart of America qualifiers, Apex 16 National Navy, and Mizuno [program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] 16 Angela.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two clubs enter the tournament side by side in the seedings, with [program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] at No. 17 and Apex right behind at No. 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] punched its ticket after an impressive third-place finish in the USA Division at Windy City in April. The offense is fueled by incoming freshman outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='788587' first='Kayleigh' last='Byrd'], whose ability to terminate makes her one of the team's biggest weapons. Opposite [player_tooltip player_id='843535' first='Lucy' last='King'] provides balance with her steady net play and knack for producing points in key moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Apex spent much of the spring testing itself against Open Division competition, an experience that could pay dividends this week. The Springfield-based club consistently finished in the top half of loaded qualifier fields and won't be intimidated by the level of play. [player_tooltip player_id='676737' first='Violet' last='Hafer'] can score from anywhere on the floor and will be counted on to lead the offense as Apex opens tournament play in Pool 7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 National</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='515466' first='Pohaku' last=''] 17-1 enters as the highest-seeded local team in the division, checking in at No. 27—two spots ahead of [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 17 Navy. [program_tooltip program_id='515466' first='Pohaku' last=''] begins its championship run in Pool 6 after putting together a strong spring against quality competition. [player_tooltip player_id='837323' first='Riley' last='Martin'] impacts the match in multiple ways as both a setter and an offensive threat, while libero [player_tooltip player_id='800476' first='Lexi' last='Jett'] covers an impressive amount of court and anchors the passing game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] took on a challenging schedule throughout the season, competing in both the Liberty and USA divisions before capturing its regional bid tournament to earn a National berth. Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='485586' first='Evelyn' last='Haarmann'] gives the Thunder a reliable scoring option, while the two-setter combination of [player_tooltip player_id='272167' first='Hailey' last='Lowery'] and Marley Williams keeps the offense balanced and difficult to defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mavs 17 Elite opens play in Pool 7 after earning one of the region's two National bids. Like Apex, the Mavs challenged themselves with a heavy Open Division schedule throughout the season, an experience that should serve them well in Indianapolis. If they can stay in system, this is a team capable of making a deep run. High Point commit [player_tooltip player_id='485632' first='Leighton' last='Benne'] headlines the backcourt and is one of the cleanest passers I've watched all season. Her platform, footwork, and overall technique are as polished as you'll find.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->