MEQ Weekend #1: Carolina Union 16 Premier
I had the pleasure of reffing high-level 16 Open play on days 1 and 3 at the Mideast Qualifier in the Indiana Convention Center this past weekend. Although I didn’t get the opportunity to see many Indiana squads, I felt…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI had the pleasure of reffing high-level 16 Open play on days 1 and 3 at the Mideast Qualifier in the Indiana Convention Center this past weekend. Although I didn’t get the opportunity to see many Indiana squads, I felt that the team I DID see the most of deserves a little pub. We don’t have a presence in North Carolina, but the Charlotte-based Carolina Union 16 Premier squad should be recognized for their success this club season. With a tournament title (Beast of the Southeast, 16 Open) already on their mantle, here’s what I saw.
Cristin Cline, ’23, S, 5-11
Katie Cook, ’23, S, 5-10
Although neither ran a 5-1 on their own in the time I had them, both are fully capable of doing so, and have their own skills that make them unique. Cristin played the front three rotations in the modified 5-1, while Katie was the back row option. Although Cristin is only listed as an inch taller than her teammate, she plays much taller than her 5-11 frame. With her length, she can block anyone and get any tight pass. She’s also more offensive than Katie, but that comes with being in the front row as often as she was. Cristin takes the pass high and sets a quick offense that is hard to defend when CUVC is in system. As for Katie, she’s definitely the more confident defender, probably because of her experience this club season. It helps that she’s left handed, as when the opportunity arises, she can be aggressive in the attack. One big thing I liked with Miss Cook’s game is that she reverses the offense well. The short definition? When the ball is passed into the front left, or out of system, Katie manages to set a very hittable ball on the other side of the court with ease.
Chelsea Gilmore, ’23, MB, 6-0
Isabella (Izzy) Castelloe, ’23, MB, 6-1
Both of these middles are long and lean. Both take long strides to get to where they’re going efficiently. However, both have a unique part of their game that will definitely carry over to the next level of their volleyball lives. Chelsea is a fast, aggressive attacker that can bounce. She uses her athleticism to show off her abilities to play multiple positions; Miss Gilmore spent some time on the left pin during MEQ this weekend. And, on cue, showed off the same traits and athleticism that makes her a solid hybrid player in the front row. Izzy is a true middle, and is probably best suited as an M2 at a larger school because of her ability to attack off of two feet. She is, however, developing that one-footed attack, so stay tuned on her development. Izzy also defends from pin to pin with the best of them.
Maiden McLoughlin, ’23, OH, 5-11
Maddie Smith, ’24, OH, 5-10
I’ve noticed over the year-plus of doing this gig that the outsides get all the pub, so I’m sorry in advance for moving these two down the list. However, it still doesn’t change the effect these two have on CUVC’s outcome. Maiden is a six-rotation outside that can hammer all angles, in both the front and back rows. She also defends at an above-average rate, meaning you don’t have to hide her or recruit a DS specifically for her. Maddie was the big surprise for me. First of all, she certainly doesn’t play like a freshman, and I had no idea she was one until I saw their roster online. Another six-rotation outside, Miss Smith has all of the shots, and hits them smartly. The number of high-IQ volleyball plays she makes look easy is astonishing for a kid this young.
Elizabeth McElveen, ’23, L, 5-7
Miss McElveen gets her own section. Once you watch her play, you’ll know why. She’s a master of the left back, reads and reacts with the best of them, and is always taking more court to cover for her teammates in both serve receive and defense. She’s also the only kid coming from South Carolina on this list, showing her dedication and commitment to high-level volleyball.
Hailey Pearce, ’23, RS, 6-2
Finally, Hailey is THE big on this team. Hitting against her is like hitting in a phone booth, as her blocks are terminal. If they’re not, she’s disciplined enough to not get tooled often so that the defense behind her can do their jobs. Oh, and by the way, she can attack with pace in both the front and back rows. I saw her hit in every position in the front row this weekend, while hitting out of the pipe and right back in the back row. This is a versatile big who is best suited as a right side at the next level.