National Bid Seeking 18’s from the Molten Florida Pre-Qualifier

Brittany Behensky

March 7, 2021 @ 09:26 AM

These teams were the top three in gold competing for a bid to Nationals in the 18 American division of the Molten Florida Pre-Qualifier. The road to this heated matchup in the gold bracket glittered with all-star players, some of which already have DI commitments. Although all three teams competed at a high-level in this bracket, in the end, Texas Legacy stole the win for first place in gold and the national bid in a dramatic finale. St. Pete 18 Teal technically won the match 2-1 against Texas Legacy but was disqualified due to a coach on their bench during the game who was not on their official roster.   By a somewhat controversial win, Texas Legacy 18 Elite took first place in gold in this Florida pre-qualifier. They were an impressive team to watch and competed at a high-level. Overall, they were fast to the ball, made solid blocks, and had more opportunities to swing at the ball than St. Pete. Madison Blane (6’2”/ MB/ Class of ‘21/ Liberty University) in the middle blocker position made it difficult for St. Pete to gain any momentum on the net with her blocks, while McKenzie Moore (6’0”/ OH/ Class of ‘21/ McNeese State University), one of the outside hitters, made a formidable opponent with her smart hitting, switching up between fast and powerful swings, and smartly placed tips or rolls.   St. Pete 18 Teal were the real stars of this division and although TX Legacy was a difficult opponent, they played hard in this impressive game with equally matched players. A big reason for St. Pete Teal’s success is due to Grace Kiser (6’0”/ OH/ Class of ‘21) an all-around standout player that dominated on the net with her variety of swings. She was able to adjust well to the block with tips, rolls, and well-placed, powerful swings. Another powerhouse on the net is Kate Youmans (6’0”/ Opp, OH/ Class of ‘21) with her hard to defend, cross-court attacks. Rounding out the front-row is outside hitter, Ella Sokolowski (5’10”/ OH/ Class of ‘21). Ella has great range on her attack in her ability to use the block and has excellent passing on serve receive and defense. Behind all these amazing hitters is an outstanding setter, Kyla Barker (5’11”/ S, RS/ Class of ‘21). Kyla continues to impress and shows her ability to compete at the college level with her fast, smart thinking, ability to read the opponents, and leadership on the court.   Coming in third place in the gold bracket was Club Steel 18 Navy with a star-studded roster. Leading the team as one of the two setters and a dynamic right-side hitter is [player_tooltip player_id="134455" first="Jordan" last="Danielson"] (5’11”/ Opp, S/ Class of ‘21). Jordan would make an outstanding DII right side player due to her leadership skills, coachability, and high-energy attitude on and off the court. The other amazing setter, Ava Connors (5’10”/ S, RS/ Class of ‘23) shows her ability to compete at a high level despite being only a sophomore. In the back row, is libero Catie Grimes (5’6”/ L, DS/ Class of ‘22) with her impressive saves and countless digs. Rounding out the team are the two outstanding middles [player_tooltip player_id="134449" first="Zoi" last="Evans"] (6’5” / MB/ Class of ‘21/ Uni of Arkansas ) and Alice Stryker (5’10”/ MH, OH/ Class of ‘23) who stole the show with their big blocks and bigger swings.