16Open January Classic: Hitters that Killed

I spent a lot of time watching a LOT of volleyball this weekend at the January Classic. There were many levels of play and all kinds of talent to see. Teams working hard for a bid to the regional tournament made for some very fun and competitive volleyball to watch. Lots of big plays, hard fought wins and losses, and stand out players in the mix. So I would like to highlight some big hitters that rocked the pins in this weekend's play. There was a lot of players to see so keep an eye out for follow up articles covering more outstanding players!    Campbell Manzi, an outside hitter for Fort Worth Fire 16.2 Purple. She is a very fundamental and reliable pin hitter. She reads the block well and shows strong ball control on her swings, allowing her to score and extend rallies with intention rather than relying solely on power. Those skills more than make up for any lack of size, as she consistently makes smart, effective attacking choices. Campbell's high volleyball IQ and consistency make her a solid outside hitter and a dependable option to have on any team.     [player_tooltip player_id='846294' first='Emily' last='Brister'], started off swinging from the right side this weekend for Integrity 16 Intense Blue. There's no doubt she is a strong and dependable offensive presence for her team. She combines a big jump with a solid, powerful swing, allowing her to attack with confidence and put pressure on opposing defenses. Emily's ability to elevate and terminate from the right side consistently puts her team in favorable offensive positions. Her strength and reliability make her an important contributor to Integrity 16 Intense Blue's attack.     [player_tooltip player_id='849408' first='Zoey' last='Williams'], a big outside hitter for TAV 16 Blue, brings a strong and confident presence to the court from the very start. She swings hard and plays comfortably in any situation, showing poise beyond her years. Zoey does a great job making her reads at the net, allowing her to attack with purpose and efficiency. While her swing is powerful, it's her ability to find her shots and target open zones on the court that truly makes her shine as an offensive threat.     [player_tooltip player_id='817474' first='Kailynne' last='Sermarini'] an outside hitter for NRG 16 AMPD Navy, is an explosive attacker who uses her athleticism to create advantages at the net. Her big jump puts her over the block, giving her plenty of room to swing with confidence and range. Kailynne does a great job reading the defense and making smart decisions, using the full court to find open space to score. Her combination of elevation, awareness, and shot selection makes her a tough cover and a valuable offensive weapon for NRG.     [player_tooltip player_id='586644' first='Lucy' last='Gammill'], an outside hitter for [program_tooltip program_id='510733' first='Drive' last='Nation'] 16 Black, is a polished and reliable attacker with a smooth, high swing. She shows strong fundamentals, particularly in her footwork, which allows her to stay balanced and consistent in her approach. Lucy does an excellent job placing the ball into the deep corners, keeping defenses stretched and under pressure. Her combination of sound technique and smart shot placement makes her a steady and effective offensive option for [program_tooltip program_id='510733' first='Drive' last='Nation'] 16 Black.     [player_tooltip player_id='826571' first='Madelyn' last='Patterson'], an outside hitter for 360 Kaos Black, is a technically sound player who approaches every swing with purpose and confidence. She makes a conscious effort to attack the ball aggressively while maintaining control and balance in her game. Madelyn never looks rushed or anxious in her approach, a quality that speaks to her experience and comfort on the court. Her composure, combined with solid technique, allows her to be a reliable and effective presence on the pin for 360 Kaos Black.