<!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>G3 Winter Classic 15-16s Recap</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The newly established <strong>G3 Volleyball Academy</strong> kicked off its tournament series with an exciting 15-and-16-under event. The <strong>G3 15 National Ben</strong> team dominated the competition, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record and an impressive 10-1 in sets. They claimed the title by defeating <strong>G3 16 National Kamryn</strong> in the finals, 25-17 and 25-11. This championship match was a rematch of their earlier encounter on Saturday morning, where 15 National Ben also triumphed, winning 25-17 and 25-22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the tournament, 15 National Ben showcased their skill, including a hard-fought victory over <strong>G3 16 Elite Kallie</strong> (25-19, 23-25, 15-12), before sweeping the rest of the field. Key players included <strong>Zoe Forrest</strong> and <strong>Caroline Roestel</strong>, who made significant contributions at the net. The team's defense was robust, with alternating liberos <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941166' first='Elizabeth' last='Appelbaum']</strong> and <strong>Taylor Bobo</strong> effectively managing the backcourt. <strong>Haley Klopstein</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='788926' first='Leena' last='Cook']</strong> orchestrated the offense flawlessly, making impactful plays when needed. With this performance, G3 National Ben has the potential for a standout club season and is a team to watch as they develop into a formidable 15s squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>G3 16 Kamryn</strong> finished as the runner-up with a 3-2 record, only losing to 15 National Ben at the start and end of the tournament. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='581631' first='Brooke' last='Henson']</strong> was a standout, diligently covering the court and enabling her pin hitters to attack aggressively. Pin hitter <strong>Leila Hertzel</strong> also had a notable tournament, supported by setter <strong>Elli Lowery</strong>, who efficiently managed the offense, and <strong>Saya Siebe</strong>, who made her mark as a hitting option on the opposite side. G3 16 Kamryn is poised for growth as they continue to refine their skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stratman Sports Series – Legacy VTC</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] 14 National</strong> clinched the championship with a flawless 6-0 record, not dropping a single set (12-0). They secured the title by defeating <strong>Titanium 14 Silver</strong> in the finals, 25-15, 25-19. Key players included outside hitter <strong>Keira Melendy</strong>, 6'0" opposite <strong>Brissa Boyd</strong>, tenacious libero <strong>Peyton Vandeven</strong>, and middles <strong>Kyleigh Duby</strong> and <strong>Aubrey Kellett</strong>, who were all instrumental in their attacking strategy. <strong>Charli Bandermann</strong> effectively played both setter and hitter, with Cesia Salinas running the offense and Laila Nelson servingas a defensive specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stratman Sports Series – Beal Center</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the 16s division, <strong>HPSTL 15 Orange</strong> went undefeated, finishing with a 5-0 record and an 11-3 sets tally. They achieved victories in the gold bracket against <strong>HP South 14 Premier</strong> (19-17, 11-19, 15-13) and <strong>PAO STL U16 RDA Green</strong> (19-13, 19-14), culminating in a finals win over <strong>HP Illinois 16 Select</strong> (17-19, 19-15, 15-11).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FVA 15-1</strong> also made waves, ending with a 5-1 record and 10-3 in sets. After notable wins over HP South 17 Premier and SLVVC 17 Blue in the quarterfinals and semifinals, they faced HPSTL 17 White, which had previously defeated them in pool play (15-19, 15-19). In a thrilling rematch, FVA secured the tournament title, winning 19-14, 15-19, 15-8.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HPSTL 17 Royal</strong> wrapped up the 18 Open field with a 3-1 record, achieving victories over <strong>HPSTL 16 Orange</strong> (25-18, 25-18), <strong>HPSTL 16 Royal</strong> (25-23, 25-17), and <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 16 Elite</strong> (25-23, 25-17) to claim the top spot. They also split their matches with <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 17 Elite</strong> (25-22, 17-25).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stratman Sports Series – Legacy VTC</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 15 Elite</strong> team took home the top prize with a perfect 6-0 record, winning all sets (12-0). They defeated <strong>Titanium 18 Silver</strong> (19-8, 19-14), <strong>314 VBC 18 Navy</strong> (19-9, 19-13), and <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428797' first='Pursuit' last=''] 18 National</strong> in the final match (25-19, 25-17). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='774310' first='Samantha' last='Brown']</strong> stood out as a versatile hitter, capable of attacking from anywhere on the net, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='918664' first='Alyssa' last='Pasagic']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='774311' first='Nora' last='Butler']</strong> provided strength in the middle. Pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='774316' first='Danaya' last='Petkova']</strong> emerged as a top terminating option for the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->