Role Players Key For Legacy 16-1 ADIDAS At Triple Crown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The overall finish may not have been what Legacy 16-1 ADIDAS was hoping for at Triple Crown last week, but their performance still wasn't far from a championship level outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy finished ninth, but put together some nice win streaks along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After losing to eventual runner-up AZ REV 16 Premier by just two points in the third sets, Legacy rattled off three straight sweeps to earn the ninth-place finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Elevator: [player_tooltip player_id='442995' first='Marlie' last='Smith'], S</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You always pretty much know what you are going to get out of Smith and that is a high-level performance at setter, along with great leadership and energy. She's logged enough big matches in her young career that she isn't rattled by any situation and never lacks in confidence. During Triple Crown, Smith's play was elite once again. She finds ways to make a challenging set look easy, all while keeping her offense at a fluid pace. Each of her hitters get big swings at the ball throughout a match and a chance to showcase just what they can do. Smith elevates the play of those around her, earning this title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Wall: [player_tooltip player_id='592201' first='Frankie' last='Ramsdell-Washington'], MB</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1” Ohio product is fitting in nicely with Legacy this club season. She's been a great option in the middle. Not just with her explosive attacks, but with her relentless effort in her blocking. She was a big problem for opposing attacks throughout the weekend, racking up double digits in blocks. Her timing is what really stands out, as it just seems she gets in sync with the player opposing her and gives them little chance for a clean shot. Ramsdell-Washington has to be improving her stock in the Class of 2027 given her recent outings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Utility: Charlotte Gardner, OH/DS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every successful team has the player on the roster that can fill multiple roles and the squad doesn't miss a beat. Garnder looks to be that for Legacy. During Triple Crown weekend, Gardner shared the libero jersey with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442967' first='Addison' last='Stepp']</strong>, another great defender. Gardner, an Ohio product, looks seamless in her transition from offense to defense. Her anticipation for the ball is great and she is able to get a smooth touch on the ball to keep this powerful offense rolling. When on the attack, Gardner has a big approach that generates a lot of velocity. She can do it all on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Unsung Hero: [player_tooltip player_id='436889' first='Sophia' last='Smith'], OP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy isn't lacking in great hitting. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski']</strong> has been the primary finisher on the team, for good reason, as she's an elite player. But, a lot of praise should also be given to Smith on the right side. Over the last year, Smith's game has grown by leaps and bounds. She looks like she's playing a lot more freely on the court and letting her talents lead the way. Her swing is smoother, its faster, and its producing more consistent results. She's also coming through with some timely defensive plays. Always bringing good energy to the floor, Smith just has a more confident aura about her in 2025. She may not tally the kills as some of her teammates, but she's proving to be a crucial piece to the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->