Day 1 Pool Play Standouts

<p>Day one of pool play has come to an end and there are a few players that have came out fighting! There is still lots of volleyball to be played this weekend and that many more players to catch so be on the look out for more as I do my best to follow the big plays. First up, 15u division standouts! All positions, all levels, all players that came with a different kind of edge in today's play. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">15 Open </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Payton Smith-Johnson, [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 15N Green's outside machine this morning! An early pool has no effect on her, as she came out the gates elevating and swinging. Getting well above the block and swinging to score, aided her team in getting ahead early in play. As a six rotation player, she is dominant from all over the court. Able to be a threat from anywhere with her strong and dynamic swing. Also, pulling the block anytime she is heard, opening the floor for other scoring opportunities among her teammates. She is a definite must see as the weekend progresses.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='773835' first='Soleil' last='Rhodes'], a preview player going into this weekend for Skyline 15 Royal Ryan. She opened up play with big swings this morning making it known that she means business. She has the size to dominate the net and the strength to break through any block. Of course her tricky lefty swing only adds to her scoring ability and immediately makes her a standout player. Her swing and energy get her team going and maintains a high tempo game throughout play. She was expected to make a big appearance this weekend and has not disappointed going into day 1.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='759255' first='Kylie' last='Winn'], Ds/L for [program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline'] 15 Royal, a disciplined and consistent passer for her team. She stays under control in the back row and seamlessly covers the corners of the court. Kylie's high IQ and court awareness make her a reliable defender that her teammates trust to do the job when the ball cross the net. Her discipline, poise, and consistency set the standard for a quality DS at [program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline']. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">15 USA</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Amelia Kerski, dominating outside hitter for [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 15N White came to play! A go to hitter for her team, with good reason. She starts the game with high energy, encouraging big points early and keeping that same energy throughout play. She swings well and swings strong every time she is set, getting around the block with strategic placement. Adding to her front row play, Amelia takes her energy to the back row with an impressive jump serve that troubles opponents. A solid 6 rotation player for [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 15 White going into national play. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='903639' first='Gabriella' last='Maszak'], an incredible flex player for Alamo 15 Premier. She can set, she can swing, she can play! Gabriella plays an aggressive game, attacking every play by whatever means necessary. It's a no brainer that she is a 6 rotation for Alamo, being a threat to any opponent who loses sight of her. At the net she is quick to react and smart with play, finding the open shots and taking advantage of the play. Behind the pass she is decisive with her sets and remains aware of the court on the opposing side. Do not lose her on the court, she will be making the play happen.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">15 National</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia Lee, 6 rotation outside hitter for Arete 15 Navy Telos came out hot in day 1 of pool play. Playing aggressive from first ball, she came out with confident defense and strong back row attacks to set the tone for her team. She makes it clear that she going to do whatever it takes to score regardless of where she is on the court. Encouraging her teammates each point and wanting the ball in every situation, Olivia has a big heart for this game and shows it in every play. Her swing, her serve, her tenacity on defense are key factors to her team's success.</p>

Day one of pool play has come to an end and there are a few players that have came out fighting! There is still lots of volleyball to be played this weekend and that many more players to catch so be on the look out for more as I do my best to follow the big plays. First up, 15u division standouts! All positions, all levels, all players that came with a different kind of edge in today's play.