Four Missouri Teams Ready for American Battle at GJNC

<p>The 17s are excited to get their national titles aspirations off to a start! Their tournament will run July 1st-July 4th. Let’s get you up to date with the teams representing the state this week.</p> <p><strong>Mavs 816 17-1</strong></p> <p><em><strong>How did they get here? 2nd in HOA Regional Play</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Other notes: 10th HOA Power League, 26th Show Me</strong></em></p> <p>The team started a little slow but got things going at the right time to clinch a bid at regionals. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="41816" first="Lacey" last="Higgins"]</strong> is one of the better setters in the state for this class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119199" first="Jalyn" last="Walruff"]</strong> has been strong at the net. <strong>Sophie Kaster</strong> has continued to improve and has been a factor with her height and reach on the right side.<strong> Oliva Schnick</strong> is a player you can’t miss on the court with her defensive prowess. <strong>Alexandra Pennington</strong> returned mid-season to provide much-needed height. </p> <p><strong>Mizuno Club North 17-1</strong></p> <p><em><strong>How did they get here? Won Nothern Lights American Division</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Other notes: 5th in HOA Power League, 9th at Show Me, 32nd Lone Star</strong></em></p> <p>Club North has been very good this season as evidenced by their Power League finish. They should be positioned to still be in contention after the first two days of competition. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119201" first="Autumn" last="Kaderly"]</strong> has performed well this spring. <strong>Isabella Reynolds</strong> is a rising middle in the region. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="122726" first="Yanni" last="Washington"]</strong> has made her presence known over the course of the year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119195" first="Rebecca" last="Wright"]</strong> and <strong>Lia Graham</strong> have been stellar defensively. <strong>Lilian Holden</strong> is a fun player to watch along with  <strong>OH Haylee O’Meara, </strong>who is a legit scoring threat on every swing. </p> <p><strong>Rockwood Thunder 17 White</strong></p> <p><em><strong>How did they get here? Show Me</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Other notes: 5th Sunshine Qualifier, 3rd MEQ, 13th in Gateway League</strong></em></p> <p>This is a team more than capable of walking away with the big trophy this weekend. They have had a strong qualifier season and aren’t afraid of any team standing across the net. We watched them earlier this season and were really impressed with <strong>Sienna Wright</strong> from the setter position. She is poised and confident and a difference-maker on the court. <strong>MB Maya Esparza</strong> is a smart player and uses her speed and vision to score points. <strong>Oliver Grothe</strong> is the type of defensive player you love to have on your side. She is all over the court and sacrifices her body to keep balls off the floor. </p> <p><strong>HPSTL 17 Royal</strong></p> <p><em><strong>How did they get here? Gateway Bid</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Other notes: 9th Windy City, 23rd MEQ, 17th Show Me</strong></em></p> <p>17 Royal took care of business in their Gateway Bid tournament after an up and down qualifier season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="41814" first="Hayley" last="Baliva"]</strong> has been a spark for this team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119186" first="Mia" last="Trankler"]</strong> has provided balance in the middle with her play. </p>