Midwest Penguins Sending 14s Teams to Prep Dig Gauntlet
The Prep Dig Gauntlet is just over a week away and we are gearing up for some great coverage! Penguins will be sending both their 14 Black and 14 Red teams to play in the Prep Dig Gauntlet. This is…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Dig Gauntlet is just over a week away and we are gearing up for some great coverage! Penguins will be sending both their 14 Black and 14 Red teams to play in the Prep Dig Gauntlet. This is one of the first tournaments we will be covering 14s during as we look forward to them starting high school next fall.
The 14 Black team has seen a lot of success over the course of the season. They have a lot of power and rarely let the ball hit the floor. They won the Juniors Grand Slam this past weekend and placed 5th playing up in the 16s division of Penguin Fest. The team also earned an American Bid at the Badger Qualifier and placed top 20 in the USA Divison of the Mideast Qualifier.
The team has suffered several injuries this season but has played as a cohesive unit no matter what was thrown their way. Middles Maddy McGath and Samantha Fisch put up a huge block and keep up well running a fast offense. Outside hitter Aubrey Berlowski brings a lot of power to the pin. Fellow outside hitter Mya Trafficante has a strong and controlled swing and is extremely consistent on defense and serve receive.
Setters Ava Clinton-Ragonese and Mayson Wiza have transitioned to running a fast offense and run the court very well. They are consistent and a great asset to this talented team. Libero Olivia Clinton-Ragonese sees the court and gets a touch on nearly every ball. Defensive specialist Claire Purtell is scrappy on defense but controlled on serve receive. Right side hitters Annalee Duchow and Myla Glaser both put up a great block and come in clutch on offense during scramble plays.
The 14 Red team is scrappy and challenges themselves in nearly every tournament. They got second place at Penguin Fest, 4th at Badger Region Championships in the 14 Club division, and 2nd in the Junior Madness Tournament. The team will be headed to Indianapolis to compete at USAV Nationals in the Patriot Divison.
Libero Ava Johnson leads this team from the back row. She is consistent on serve receive and reads the ball well on defense. Setters Avary Hamilton and Makayla Golding have unique styles but are both effective setters in their own respect. Right side hitter Ella Hemmer is a dynamic athlete who has good control of the ball. Izzy Boudreau is an outside who is great in the back row and has a consistent swing on the pins. Defensive specialist Emma MacCudden is a very controlled passer.
Both teams have a lot of potential and are fun to watch play! They should have a great weekend competing at the Prep Dig Gauntlet and we can’t wait to see them compete next weekend.