17 USAV Group 1 Fighters

<p>The fight to gold is underway and there has been some intense play over the last 2 days across all divisions. Texas has 30 teams still in the fight for gold bracket going into play today and they are not letting up. With two days left of play, it's getting real, and players are exceeding expectations. We talked about Open and USA divisions yesterday, today let's look at who's been battling it out this morning in 17 National and Liberty. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 Open and USA </h2>   <p>IF you didn't catch the buzz around Open and USA winners, get caught up on who's still in the fight. And stick around for our gold bracket finishers to come! </p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/making-it-out-of-pool-play/">https://prepdig.com/2026/07/making-it-out-of-pool-play/↗</a></li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 National </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='784140' first='Vanessa' last='Perez'], setter for SA Elite 171 Navy, is all over the court this week. Comfortability and IQ on full display as she distributes the ball well across the net and moves without hesitation throughout play. Vanessa is decisive and quick in her reactions to the ball, keeping her team in rhythm regardless of the play unfolding before them. Her ability to utilize each of her hitters, wherever they are, is impressive and an obvious key to the team's offense. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='443017' first='Delaney' last='Wright'], the motivation her team needs to keep going in the tough games. As an outside hitter for [program_tooltip program_id='462263' first='TAV' last='Houston'] 17 Black B, Delaney brings the energy, as well as, the swing. Fighting for a spot in the gold bracket she is giving it all she's got. Every point she finds a way to be apart of the play, whether it's communicating with her team, keeping the ball alive defensively, or swinging to score cross court. Her athleticism and tenacity on the court will go a long way in the play to come.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Keely Depauw, a quick handed setter for Peak VA 17 Black is pushing her team to the limit this week. Her speed and decisive play is keeping her teammates running a high tempo game. She is quick to react to the ball and persistent in feeding her hitters good quality balls to put away. On the other side of the ball, Keely can play defense with the best of them. She dies not hesitate to take the first ball and trusts her teammates to make the play behind her touch. A well rounded setter is a key Peak has has capitalized on this season, and intends to continue to do so in play this week.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 Liberty </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">6 rotation outside hitter, Tynleigh Donaldson, is going all out, every point for 360 17 Kaos Black. She has been a defensive dawg throughout the week's play and is not stopping any time soon. Committed to making the play and ending rallies, Tynleigh is the spark 360 needs to stay alive in play. She's quick and light on her feet, ready to make the necessary plays anywhere on the court, at the net she is strong and smart with her swing. A true key to 360's game plan, don't miss her on the court this week.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1002842' first='Kassidy' last='Leggins'], a competitive middle blocker for HJV 17 Premier, that has been a huge tool for her team in this week's play. She is strong, quick to close, and fundamentally sound with her technique. After a few plays it is clear Kassidy pays attention to detail and is committed to do the little things that make a big difference. She has a great close at the net, sealing the block and forcing hitters to find alternative routes of scoring. When it's her turn to swing she makes it count. Communicating with her setters, being quick and explosive, and swinging for the kill. A middle with this kind of energy and dedicated play is major key to winning games.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1002849' first='Chloe' last='Gerlach'], setter for Frisco Flyers 17 USA Andy, is the technical and composed piece to this team. She is wuick to react to the ball but takes the time to get both feet under the ball before her hands. Always being balanced and in good position, Chloe sets a clean and even tempo for her hitters at the net. Her set is smooth and consistent, allowing hitters to trust the ball will be where they need it. Defensively Chloe reads the ball well and is ready to react to the play, her even tempo and controlled play is a necessity for the Flyers push for gold.</p>

The fight to gold is underway and there has been some intense play over the last 2 days across all divisions. Texas has 30 teams still in the fight for gold bracket going into play today and they are not letting up. With two days left of play, it's getting real, and players are exceeding expectations. We talked about Open and USA divisions yesterday, today let's look at who's been battling it out this morning in 17 National and Liberty.