JVA World Challenge: 17 Open Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest three-day event I'll be attending this season resides in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing teams from around the country. Today's edition talks about three teams attending that have kids graduating in the class of 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Empowered 17 Elite Black</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the Fort Wayne area, this team is MASSIVE. A ton of size, talent and volleyball smarts make this one of the top teams in the division from the state of Indiana. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371988' first='Taeley' last='Mahler'] ('24, 6-1 OH, Homestead)</strong> is a big and physical outside that can pass in a pinch if you need it. She hits high and hard and punishes weak blocks regularly. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='230528' first='Abbie' last='Cresse'] ('24, 6-4 MB, Blackhawk Christian)</strong> is the biggest middle in the class of '24 in Indiana, and plays like it. She has such a high attack point that solo blocks become irrelevant. You have to account for her on every play, offensively and defensively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371989' first='Audrey' last='Hudson'] ('24, 5-10 OH, Bishop Dwenger)</strong> comes from a bloodline of volleyball players (sister is Eva Hudson, current Big Ten Freshman of the year from Purdue) and plays with just as much acuity. She's smart, skilled and is a primary passing outside that is very dependable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Academy 17E Tsunami</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of size, there's no shortage of it from the Tsunami. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='137927' first='Sophia' last='Damer'] ('24, 6-2 OH, Mount Vernon)</strong> is listed as an outside, but plays mostly on the right because of her size and the space she takes up on the block. Big and physical, she can change a match with her high level of play. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='112087' first='Madison' last='Evett'] ('24, 6-1 OH, Hamilton Southeastern) </strong>already has a state championship trophy on her mantle, and is another big and physical kid, this time from the left side. She's a recent transfer from Rev, which might explain why I haven't seen as much of her. Go ahead and watch---her physicality, training and general knack for being a winner makes her a prime recruit for the class of '24. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='171374' first='Daya' last='Vestal'] ('24, 6-1 MB, North Central)</strong> plays so much bigger than her 6-1 frame indicates, and transitions faster than you expect. Her block is strong and solid, and does as well off of two feet as she does off of one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Munciana 17 Pandas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When talking about any Munciana team, the conversation starts and ends with passing. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228839' first='Kynnadi' last='Bell'] ('24, 5-7 DS/L, Yorktown)</strong> is the quintessential libero, and should not be served to under any circumstance. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110520' first='Natalie' last='Lux'] ('24, 5-4 DS/L, Fishers)</strong> has all of the anticipation and quickness you need out of a defender, and is just as comfortable with a libero jersey on as she is a three-rotation defender. Finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371990' first='Layla' last='Gonzales'] ('24, 5-4 DS/L, Burris)</strong> is one of a long line of defenders from the Mecca of Indiana volleyball. Her quick feet and smooth upper body make her a primary passer on any squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->