AAU Nationals: Day One Standout 17s Squads
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Just like any normal year, Nebraska club teams are well represented in the Nationals field. And, yes, that applies to both AAUs and the USAV Nationals still to come later this month. 15s and 17s have taken the court today…
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Continue ReadingJust like any normal year, Nebraska club teams are well represented in the Nationals field. And, yes, that applies to both AAUs and the USAV Nationals still to come later this month.
15s and 17s have taken the court today in the opening wave of pool play. Already, we’ve had plenty of standout performances and impressive team efforts among the teams representing the Cornhusker State in Orlando.
These athletes will give us plenty to talk about over the next few days, so let’s get the ball rolling!
Nebraska Elite 17 Alpha
It was Tuesday perfection for Nebraska Elite in 17 Open. This talented group did not drop a single set in matches against Vaqueras, Academy, and MOVA.
There’s plenty of things to rave about with this team. First of all, Nebraska Elite is loaded in the backcourt. You’re always going to get big contributions from players like Elise Estudillo Elise Estudillo 5'8" | DS/L Fremont | 2022 State NE and Katie Galligan Katie Galligan 5'6" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #162 Nation NE . Kylie Weeks Kylie Weeks 5'7" | OH Elkhorn South | 2022 State #151 Nation NE looked solid in the libero jersey, too.
Then, combine this stellar ball control with the options they have in the front row. Amanda Loschen Amanda Loschen 6'2" | MB Omaha Marian | 2023 State NE is an ever-present scoring threat who continues to impress while playing up a year. Meg Raabe Meg Raabe 6'0" | RS Marian | 2022 State NE brought some exciting plays from the right pin to complete Elite’s scoring threat.
I have a feeling that I’ll be highlighting a lot more players on this team before the week is done.
VCNebraska 17 Elite
It was a busy day for VCN’s 17 Elite. It was a successful one, too.
VCN played two three-set matches Tuesday. After winning a nailbiter against Hive to open the day, VCN dropped a close match to a talented Legacy team. They also picked up a comfortable victory against Jammers Hawaii.
This looks like a team with an extra bounce in its step as Bekka Allick Bekka Allick 6'3" | MB Waverly | 2022 State #7 Nation NE joins the fray in the middle. It’s a VCN squad that already had an impressive hitting lineup that includes Masa Scheierman Masa Scheierman 6'0" | OH York | 2022 State NE , Karli Heidemann Karli Heidemann 6'1" | OH Diller-Odell | 2023 State #124 Nation NE , Shayla Meyer Shayla Meyer 6'1" | OH Superior | 2022 State #185 Nation NE , and a host of others. Look for more on this team in the days ahead.
Nebraska Elite 17 Crossfire
Nebraska Elite’s Tuesday success was not limited to the Open division.
17 Crossfire began its run in 17 Club Tuesday evening with wins over Tsunami and CVH Select.
This team has plenty of hitting talent that I’ve enjoyed watching over the past few years, like Paisley Gibson Paisley Gibson 5'9" | OH Millard South | 2022 NE and Hastings commit Kaitlin Thiebauth Kaitlin Thiebauth 5'9" | RS Elkhorn South | 2022 NE . Genevieve Murray helps put the whole operation together with her clever distribution from the setter spot.
River City Juniors 17 Navy
Of course, NE Elite was not the only club to post a big number in the win column on opening day.
River City Juniors posted a 3-0 record with wins over 3:16 VBC, GP, and SERV. Two of those victories came down to the wire in three-set decisions.
Abby Jensen was a middle blocker who stood out for this team Tuesday. Her all-around game constantly provided a boost that helped River City to its strong placement in the initial wave of pool play. I’m excited to keep scouting out this group throughout the tournament.
We’ve got plenty more age groups and teams to cover at AAUs in Orlando. Stick around!