Three Set Thriller in 15's Elite Bracket at Triple Crown

Second Teams, First-Class Battle: Skyline Outlasts MadFrog in 15 Open Level Thriller   The stage continues to feel larger by the hour inside the convention center at the prestigious Triple Crown NIT. The Power Pools are reserved strictly by invitation, meaning every team competing has already proven itself worthy of national attention. In the 15 Elite Championship Bracket, a compelling matchup unfolded between MadFrog 15 National Black and Dallas Skyline 15 Royal David. Both are two squads listed as “second teams” within their clubs, yet performing like top-tier contenders amongst the best of the best in the entire nation. Both were still alive for the Elite bracket, validating that their presence in the Power Pool was earned, not gifted. On paper they may not carry the “1” designation, but their play told a very different story.   The tone of the match was set immediately. The opening rally stretched nearly two minutes, a breathtaking exchange of digs, tips, reload swings, and pursuit that had coaches and spectators leaning forward. That single rally felt like a preview of the battle to come. Skyline libero [player_tooltip player_id='752883' first='Ava' last='Williams'] established early control from the service line, delivering tough, strategic serves while showcasing quick, efficient footwork in the back row. On the defensive end, the right-side block for Skyline loomed large, particularly Laine Tomlinson, who seemed to put up a wall against MadFrog's outsides. Bri'Elle Norris, one of MadFrog's premier attackers, kept swinging aggressively but found herself facing disciplined hands and well-sealed seams. In the back court, Skyline's Nicole Igo-Opurum was sensational, covering sideline to sideline and digging balls that looked untouchable.   Offensively, Skyline's [player_tooltip player_id='943721' first='Tinley' last='Brubaker'] was in complete command. Every approach looked explosive and under control, her heavy arm producing swings that felt like home runs off the bat. Skyline built an early 12-6 advantage behind that firepower and suffocating net play. To MadFrog's credit, they refused to fold. Norris continued to swing without hesitation, and the shift to smarter off-speed placement forced Skyline into a timeout at 12-9. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='902142' first='Alondra' last='Delgado'] displayed textbook defensive fundamentals, moving like a machine with impeccable platform angles and clean technique. Her composure kept MadFrog organized even during Skyline's surges. Still, the combination of Skyline's blocking presence and offensive balance proved decisive, and they closed the first set 25-15 with authoritative net control on both sides of the ball.   Set two was an entirely different battle. Tied at 11-11, both teams traded points with relentless intensity, refusing to give an inch. MadFrog's block began to dictate tempo, especially on the right side against Skyline's outsides. The ball started falling MadFrog's way as service pressure mounted and confidence grew. By 22-20, the momentum had clearly shifted. Middle Kennedy Moore came up with massive blocks and timely swings, pushing the score to 24-22 and igniting her sideline. Skyline attempted to claw back, but a powerful tool shot from Sophia Deibert sealed the set 25-23, sending the match to a decisive third and proving that MadFrog absolutely belonged in this fight.   The third set felt like two heavyweight fighters meeting at center ring. Early exchanges were tight, neither team blinking under pressure. Then Skyline's block re-emerged in emphatic fashion as three consecutive stuffs that created separation and forced a MadFrog timeout at 8-5. Strategic zone serving compounded the pressure, stretching the lead to 10-5 and prompting a second timeout. Brubaker and Tomlinson were lights out on the left side in the closing stretch, their swings draining momentum and energy from the MadFrog side of the net. Skyline's discipline in transition and ability to close long rallies ultimately carried them to a 15-8 third-set victory, punching another statement win into their resume.   After the match, Skyline's players spoke openly about what fuels their performance at this level. When asked what motivation comes from being labeled a “second team,” Brubaker said it “pushes her super hard to prove that they belong at this level.” Setter [player_tooltip player_id='776937' first='Ella' last='McNeal'] added that people often underestimate them, but that it simply proves “we can't be taken lightly.” Tomlinson shared that proving they can compete in this environment fills the group with pride. McNeal also reflected on being asked by her coach to stay in the lineup and attack in the third set after not hitting in the first two sets. “We all had confidence in each other and hopefully everyone saw that we can trust each other on the court,” she said. “I didn't think about pressure. My team needed me and I had confidence in myself.”   The mental growth from playing in a lower division last year to now competing in the Open division was a common theme among the trio. Brubaker credited her father, Jerry Brubaker, for helping sharpen her mindset daily and reinforcing the power of confidence. She emphasized that positivity is contagious and that she intentionally uses it to uplift teammates during high-pressure moments. McNeal pointed to their team Bible study and scripture discussions as a grounding force before tournaments and matches. Together, they stressed that mental preparedness gives them an edge in tight contests like this one. In a division where talent margins are razor thin, belief and composure often determine the outcome.   If this match proved anything, it is that labels do not define ceilings. Both MadFrog 15 National Black and Dallas Skyline 15 Royal David showcased the depth of talent within their programs and demonstrated why they earned invitations into the Power Pools. With the Elite bracket still ahead, performances like this suggest neither squad is satisfied just being present. They are here to contend, and after a battle of this caliber, no one should overlook them again.   Stay tuned as we will have some awesome articles covering as many awesome players and teams as we can from this tournament. If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>. Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends. 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Second Teams, First-Class Battle: Skyline Outlasts MadFrog in 15 Open Level Thriller