USAV Nationals 17s: Who's Still in the Running?

The 17s division has delivered everything we expected and more, with Arizona's top clubs proving they belong among the nation's best. Every match has brought high-level competition, and our teams have answered the challenge with resilience, composure, and standout performances. As the tournament enters its final stretch, several Arizona squads remain firmly in contention for a USAV National Championship.   Here are the 17s teams still battling for a title and the players helping lead the way.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 American</h2>   Zona 17 Black   Zona has put together an impressive tournament in the American division, proving they have the talent and toughness to compete with anyone in the field. Finishing second in their pool with a 4-1 record, they've consistently found ways to win while playing confident, team-oriented volleyball. This is a group that continues to gain momentum and should not be overlooked heading into the final rounds.   [player_tooltip player_id='877240' first='Aubrey' last='Necas'] has been outstanding on the pin, showcasing the complete offensive game that makes her so difficult to defend. She knows when to unleash a powerful swing, when to attack the seams, and when to make the high-IQ shot to keep opponents off balance. Running the offense is [player_tooltip player_id='888729' first='Callen' last='Hutchens'], one of the most polished setters in the division. Her ability to maintain a fast tempo regardless of the quality of the pass keeps the offense flowing, and her relentless effort to chase down every ball allows her hitters to stay involved in every rally.   This team has embraced every challenge that's come their way, and if they continue to play with the same confidence and chemistry, they're more than capable of making a deep run. We're excited to see what they accomplish over the remainder of the tournament.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 Freedom</h2>   Club One 17 Gold   With a 5-1 record through the opening rounds, this squad has built tremendous momentum and established itself as one of the strongest teams remaining in the field. Finishing second in their pool, they've consistently controlled matches and proven they belong among the tournament's top contenders. Their confidence has only grown with each win, and they're playing some of their best volleyball at exactly the right time.   [player_tooltip player_id='1002663' first='Johanna' last='Helie'] has put together an outstanding tournament as a true six-rotation outside hitter. She impacts the match in every phase of the game, excelling in off-blocker defense while providing a dependable offensive presence. Whether she's terminating out of system, attacking in transition, or making a key defensive play, Johanna continually finds ways to influence the outcome of matches.   In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='962582' first='Elyse' last='Davis'] has been a major difference-maker at the net. She establishes a disciplined, physical block that disrupts opposing offenses and runs an efficient quick-tempo attack that keeps defenses on their heels. Her footwork in transition allows her to stay available on nearly every rally, making her a constant scoring threat.   This is a balanced, confident group that's playing with purpose and chemistry. With the momentum they've built over the first two days, they have all the pieces to make a deep run. If they continue competing at this level, they'll be a tough matchup for anyone standing in their way.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 Liberty</h2>   Atomic 17 Smack Premier   It's no surprise to see this squad competing at such a high level in the Liberty division. They've spent the entire season proving themselves against some of Arizona's best Open teams while consistently testing themselves in the USA division at national qualifiers. That experience has prepared them well for this stage, and it shows. Sitting at 3-2 after several tightly contested matches, they've continued to battle through adversity and earned a third-place finish in their pool, keeping themselves in position to make a push toward the Gold Bracket.   [player_tooltip player_id='877239' first='Shia' last='Chancellor'] has been a cornerstone of this team's success on the right side. She establishes a physical block, makes smart decisions in transition, and consistently finds ways to impact the match beyond the stat sheet. Running the offense is [player_tooltip player_id='750244' first='Jayden' last='Lager'], whose composure and decision-making have been instrumental throughout the tournament. She manages the match with confidence, distributes the ball effectively under pressure, and continually puts her hitters in positions to succeed.   This team has the experience, chemistry, and competitive mindset to make a deep run. If they continue playing together with the same grit and discipline they've shown all season, they'll be a tough matchup for anyone standing in their way.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 USA</h2>   AZ Sky 17 Blue   This team has been one of the most exciting groups to follow all season. As one of Arizona's premier 17s teams, they've consistently proven they have what it takes to compete with—and beat—top-level competition, capturing multiple tournament championships along the way. That same competitive spirit has carried over to USAV Nationals, where they've battled through a challenging field to a 3-2 record and continue to show they're capable of making a deep run.   [player_tooltip player_id='826562' first='Jodie' last='Jones'] has been exceptional on the right side, impacting the match on both offense and defense. She puts up a disciplined, physical block and is a dynamic attacker who can score in a variety of ways, especially with her powerful cross-court swing into Zone 1. Running the offense is Lillian Schmitt a defense-first setter whose court awareness and composure help keep her team in system even when the play breaks down. She consistently delivers quality touches, builds strong connections with every hitter, and gives her offense the confidence to be aggressive.   This group has built its identity on resilience, chemistry, and an unwavering belief in one another. They're never out of a match, and if they continue playing with the same confidence and determination they've shown all season, don't be surprised to see them continue climbing as the tournament reaches its final stages.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 National</h2>   Club One 17 Platinum   This team has been one of the biggest bright spots of the tournament. Entering as the No. 24 seed, they faced an uphill battle from the start, but they've embraced the challenge and exceeded expectations every step of the way. Finishing third in their pool, they've earned every opportunity that's come their way through grit, resilience, and a relentless competitive spirit. They've proven they belong in the conversation with some of the best teams in the division.   [player_tooltip player_id='822894' first='Brooklyn' last='Black'] has been impossible to ignore throughout the tournament. She attacks with purpose, sees the court exceptionally well, and consistently finds ways to score with a high volleyball IQ. Her slide attack has been especially difficult to defend, creating matchup problems and putting constant pressure on opposing blockers. Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='889791' first='Reagan' last='Jackson'] has been outstanding, playing with relentless effort and making key plays to extend rallies and keep her team in the fight.   This is a group that refuses to back down from any challenge. Their work ethic, toughness, and belief in one another have fueled an impressive tournament run, and we can't wait to see how much further they can take it over the final rounds.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 Open</h2>   AZ Sky 17 Gold   With an impressive 4-1 record against some of the nation's top competition, this team has shown they belong on one of volleyball's biggest stages. Every match has reinforced why they've earned the opportunity to compete here, and they've continued to play with the confidence, discipline, and toughness of a team capable of making a deep championship run.   [player_tooltip player_id='552844' first='Sienna' last='Cathey'] has been a difference-maker from both pins, combining physicality with a high volleyball IQ. She does an outstanding job using the block to her advantage, attacking high hands, finding open seams, and consistently generating points against elite defenders. In the back row, [player_tooltip player_id='881802' first='Aubrey' last='Burns'] has once again demonstrated why she's regarded as one of Arizona's premier defenders. Her disciplined serve receive, exceptional court coverage, and quick first step provide the stability this team relies on, while her relentless effort keeps countless rallies alive.   This is a complete team that's playing with purpose and momentum. If they continue to trust one another and execute at the level they've shown throughout the tournament, they'll have every opportunity to make a serious push over the final days. We're excited to see just how far this talented group can go.   Rev 17 Elite   This team has taken the long road to this point, and they've made every step of the journey count. Entering the tournament as the No. 26 seed, they faced a difficult path from the very beginning, but they've answered every challenge with impressive performances. Their 4-1 record and rise to No. 12 overall is a testament to the confidence, resilience, and high-level volleyball they've displayed throughout the tournament. They've made plenty of noise already, and they don't look ready to slow down.   [player_tooltip player_id='571231' first='MaKenna' last='Corrie'] has once again shown why she's considered one of Arizona's top setters. She dictates the tempo of the offense, makes outstanding decisions under pressure, and brings an infectious energy that fuels everyone around her. In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='828437' first='Bailey' last='Lambert'] has been a dominant presence at the net. Whether attacking on quicks or sliding to either pin, she consistently finds ways to score and creates difficult matchups for opposing blockers. Defensively, she's equally impactful, putting up a physical block that makes opponents think twice before challenging her.   This is a team that's playing with confidence, chemistry, and belief in one another. They've already exceeded expectations, but don't expect them to be satisfied. With the way they're competing, this special group has every opportunity to keep climbing before the tournament comes to a close.   Storm 17 Thunder   This team is no stranger to competing on the national stage, and that experience has been evident throughout the tournament. They play with confidence, composure, and an unwavering competitive edge, never backing down from a challenge. Entering as the No. 8 seed, they've lived up to the billing with an impressive 4-1 record and a first-place finish in their pool, putting themselves exactly where they want to be—a legitimate contender for a USAV National Championship.   [player_tooltip player_id='603194' first='Pulelehua' last='Laikona'] has once again demonstrated why she's considered one of Arizona's premier liberos. Her elite serve receive, relentless court coverage, and instinctive defensive reads allow her to control the back row and extend rallies that many players simply can't reach. She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, making her one of the most impactful defenders on the floor. Running the offense, [player_tooltip player_id='520375' first='Fara' last='Bronson'] continues to prove she's ready for the next level. She manages the match with poise, makes exceptional decisions under pressure, and consistently puts her hitters in positions to succeed. Add in her ability to establish a physical block at the net, and she becomes a true two-way difference-maker.   This is a complete team with championship-caliber talent at every position. If they continue to play with the same confidence, discipline, and chemistry they've shown through the first two days, they'll have every opportunity to bring home a national title. We can't wait to see how their journey unfolds.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   The best is still yet to come. Arizona clubs have continued to prove they can compete with the nation's elite, and with championship aspirations still alive across multiple divisions, the final days of USAV Nationals are shaping up to be must-watch volleyball. We'll be following every match, celebrating every big moment, and highlighting the athletes making an impact along the way. Be sure to tag us in your schedules and highlights, and follow us on Instagram so we can catch your standout performances.   Good luck to all of the Arizona teams still battling—it has been an incredible tournament, and we can't wait to see how it all finishes.

The 17s division has delivered everything we expected and more, with Arizona's top clubs proving they belong among the nation's best. Every match has brought high-level competition, and our teams have answered the challenge with resilience, composure, and standout performances. As the tournament enters its final stretch, several Arizona squads remain firmly in contention for a USAV National Championship.