Nebraska's Early 16s Standouts at USAV Nationals

We're halfway through Wave 1 of USAV Nationals, and standout players are already emerging.   GJNC is producing all the drama, excitement, and memorable moments we'd expect from such a high-profile championship event. Nebraska teams are in the middle of all the Vegas chaos with several Great Plains Region teams remaining in the Gold hunt after Day 2.   Let's get some live reactions to players taking over the spotlight so far. 16s are under the microscope for this one.    How about this for drama? Premier Nebraska 16 Gold was down 14-11 in the third set of its pool match against NC Academy. The team mounted a furious late charge to bring the set to deuce, and a hero emerged from behind the service line. White, a dynamic opposite known for her terminal frontcourt presence, delivered the winning ace for a 17-15 triumph. This comeback was a major catalyst in keeping 16 Gold amongst the top group in 16 Open. White will be ready to deliver more clutch moments.     Erb remains the trendsetting M1 for Premier 16 Gold. Her range and athleticism off of one foot have been on full display in Vegas, even if 16 Gold spends most of its time in three-hitter rotations. The team will find unique ways to get Erb involved in the offense, and this Columbus High School standout always delivers. Erb also embraces her serving duties and plays incredibly effective floor defense in that half-rotation. Keep tabs on this all-around star as Premier Nebraska pursues the final 16 Open bracket.     Olsen continues to thrive no matter which position she's playing. We'll hone in on her libero skills, which took precedence throughout much of Premier Nebraska 16 Black's early GJNC action. Olsen brings rare quickness and reading skills to the libero position and is the clear focal of 16 Black's ball control. This is particularly impressive given Olsen's ability to shift into an outside hitter role at any time. We're watching Olsen and her squad evolve with every match, and GJNC is a perfect stage for further growth.     Here's one for the 2027s. Meyers knows all about the GJNC spotlight after her all-tournament honors and podium placement with South Central NE last year. The small-town squad is back for more, and Meyers is still dominating. She gives 16 Black a multi-faceted scoring threat, whether it's from the middle or the right pin. She'll even take occasional first-ball swings on the left. Meyers has demonstrated a complete game by dishing out some tough serves in Las Vegas and anchoring Zone 6 when she's in the back row. The grind continues for South Central NE and its diverse collection of stars.     The Class of 2025 is represented here, too! Carlstrom slots into one of South Central NE's opposite positions but gives the squad a lot more than that. Her setting background has paid dividends at GJNC, as Carlstrom can quickly turn into a secondary signal-caller in out-of-system situations. We've even seen Carlstrom score on dump attacks on the second contact, even while she's not the designated setter in the starting lineup. South Central NE's scouting report keeps expanding.     Haase gives [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Elite all the frontcourt firepower you'd hope to see from a left-side hitter, but her impact goes far beyond her offense. 16 Elite received so many quality passes from Haase through the first two rounds in Vegas, helping keep the team's high-powered offense flowing. This was especially evident on Day 1 as Haase anchored a six-rotation role en route to a pair of sweeps. Exeter-Milligan/Friend High School keeps rolling out hidden gems, and this one has unfinished business at GJNC.     Let's credit another one of [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Elite's six-rotation assets. We've documented Bellamy's oscillation between the left and right pins throughout the season. She's a rare lefty athlete who can bring serious heat at positions other than opposite. Her tenure on the left side is also backed up by some strong middle-back defense, where Bellamy is not afraid to absorb some contact. She and Haase have worked to form an impenetrable passing unit that is making big strides at GJNC.     Premier Nebraska 16 Silver has been a spectacular Great Plains torchbearer in the 16 Patriot division. This squad posted great results during the qualifier season with Lampe leading the way in the middle. She reaches a high contact point when jumping straight up, allowing her to produce one-on-one stuffs against opposing middles. Lampe can also get from pin to pin quickly and close seams on the outside. Best of all, 16 Silver can rely on Lampe to provide in-system scoring when the team needs it most. That has yielded a 4-2 record in Las Vegas and a trip to the top group in Round 3.

We're halfway through Wave 1 of USAV Nationals, and standout players are already emerging.