Marquette Jamboree

Last night jamboree at Marquette with the host and Lafayette, Westminster Christian, and Borgia. Marquette knocked out Lafayette in the 1st round of state playoffs last year, Lafayette knocked out Borgia in the district semifinals, and Westminster won it all in Class 4. Marquette and Borgia lost significant players last season, while Lafayette and Westminster returned a good nucleus. Borgia will be rebuilding this season but has the potential to be a tough team as the team is entirely new to the varsity level. Marquette lost both big middles but returned a rock at setter. Westminster seemed off but expected this early, and Lafayette looked like Lafayette. Big, powerful, smooth passing, tough defense, and a mean serving team.   Lafayette Lancers   This powerhouse each year comes in with a roster loaded with college prospects, and the level of play last night from the Lancers was impressive. From ball control, setting, serving, and hitting, the Lancers confirmed why I picked them as #1 in Class 5. Lafayette looks like a team that's been playing together for months. They are tall and athletic, and the hitters can pound it. The setting and passing were on point last night. Most teams will have a drop-off when the backups come in, but not this team—loaded from top to bottom with physical athletes. [player_tooltip player_id='102553' first='Layne' last='Witherspoon'], middle blocker, appeared much quicker, and the arm on her was mighty. [player_tooltip player_id='153929' first='Maya' last='Witherspoon'] is a tremendous athlete that played a six rotation outside. She had thunderous attacks all night, played great defense, and passed well. The serving game's key to Lafayette's game and impressed me the most. Line drive jump serves about a foot above the net, and the bottom would fall out. This will be the most challenging part, for its opponents how well they can handle the serves and then prepare for the lethal attacking.   Marquette Mustangs   Marquette will field another solid team this year, even though they lost a ton of talent. [player_tooltip player_id='168044' first='Ella' last='Keeven'], the returning setter, has improved a lot over the club season, and her tempo is quick. She has excellent line drive jump serve, and the kid can hit the ball when given the opportunity. [player_tooltip player_id='119227' first='Mia' last='Scanlon'] will be the big gun this year for the Mustangs. The outside hitter did a lot of damage last night. A tremendous vertical, powerful arm and defense are solid. [player_tooltip player_id='220349' first='Teagan' last='Pocius'] (2026) is another bright spot for the Mustangs. The freshman looks to be a strong candidate for a middle position with a nice slide and good footwork to the pins for blocking. As the season continues, I see her being a key contributor to Marquette. [player_tooltip player_id='203489' first='Madeline' last='Ozersky'] will be another component for Marquette that should be utilized often. Playing right side, Madeline puts up a big block, but the hitting and power she brings are what is impressive.     Westminster Christian   The defending Class 4 champions return a core that should help them contend for another title. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='152147' first='Avery' last='Stanfill'] looked solid last night and will be a fantastic commander in the backcourt. Quick, read well, and aggressive to the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='171209' first='Alli' last='Bishop'] will be the go-to hitter again this year for the Wildcats on the right pin. She's a big power lefty that can rip it sharp crosscourt or hit a scary line shot. [player_tooltip player_id='220350' first='Emma' last='Woll'] will contend for an outside hitter spot and did a terrific job last night, giving her team solid passing and providing big hits and blocks on the left. Look for her to grow over the season and become a pivotal option for Westminster.   Borgia Knights   When you lose 11 seniors, you need to expect to rebuild, and it appears that will happen this year for the Knights. The team is loaded with young talent, but a senior stood out. After waiting for the last two years to finally get her turn, [player_tooltip player_id='170834' first='Madi' last='Ulrich'] will be looked to lead this young team. Last night Madi hit on both pins and looked like a seasoned veteran who hits a heavy ball and sees the block well. Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='196154' first='Josie' last='Charboneau'] provides power on the left pin. [player_tooltip player_id='207296' first='Sophia' last='Hurst'] playing middle for the Knights will be another bright spot. She moves well to the pins for blocking, and her vertical and wingspan make her an effective middle.

Last night jamboree at Marquette with the host and Lafayette, Westminster Christian, and Borgia. Marquette knocked out Lafayette in the 1^st round of state playoffs last year, Lafayette knocked out Borgia in the district semifinals, and Westminster won it all in Class 4. Marquette and Borgia lost significant players last season, while Lafayette and Westminster returned a good nucleus. Borgia will be rebuilding this season but has the potential to be a tough team as the team is entirely new to the varsity level. Marquette lost both big middles but returned a rock at setter. Westminster seemed off but expected this early, and Lafayette looked like Lafayette. Big, powerful, smooth passing, tough defense, and a mean serving team.