Day 1 Success for MN Teams at NL Qualifier
As the first day of NLQ competition winds down, what we know is that Minnesota was well represented on the biggest stages in both the 18 Open and 17 Open divisions. As the field was narrowed in both divisions earlier…
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Continue ReadingAs the first day of NLQ competition winds down, what we know is that Minnesota was well represented on the biggest stages in both the 18 Open and 17 Open divisions. As the field was narrowed in both divisions earlier Friday, half of the competing teams advanced through to the top division for day two on Saturday. Minnesota teams nabbed three positions among the elite squads and will continue their weekend journey towards a national championship bid. Here are some updates and key athletes to watch for on Saturday.
18 OPEN
MN Select 18-1
With the field cut in half heading into the Division 1 pools for Saturday, MN Select 18-1 finished 2-1 on Friday to claim the #3 seed in Pool 1. They will open Saturday play against the event’s top seed in Coast 18-1 at 8am on Court 1. With a squad full of top talent signed to some very respectable programs at the next level, setter Olivia Johnson (2020 | 5’10) of class 3A state champion Wayzata remains unsigned. She is a reliable floor leader and has great competitive experience, building upon that with events like the NLQ on the sport’s biggest stage and against some of the best teams in the country. Other key athletes that are helping to carry this team forward include the dynamic serving and back row play of Molly Schultz (Univ. of Kansas), the big net presence of middle Grace Daak (Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth), and the powerful and crafty arms of pin attackers Elizabeth Helmich (James Madison Univ.), Ali Hinze (North Dakota State), Jordan Stalpes (Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha), and Halle Olson (Florida Atlantic Univ.).
17 OPEN
Northern Lights 17-1
The tournament’s #2 seed held their position as they did not drop a set during day one play en route to an impressive 3-0 record. They enter the second day of competition against Arizona Storm Elite VBC 17 Thunder at 8am on Court 6. Considered one of the most talented squads nationally, this group of athletes is impressive from top to bottom of their roster. With several athletes committed to some of the biggest programs at the next level, they will rely on their power and versatility to continue to stymie their opponents. Emma Torstenson (Univ. of Colorado commit) is rock solid in the ball control and defensive elements of the game. She has great skills in her movement and platform work that can frustrate the best of attackers. Kira Fallert (Univ. of Northern Iowa commit) also contributes great ball control skills. They have plenty of offensive power that includes the thunder that the versatile Erin Lamb (Univ. of Kentucky commit) and right side Ava Moes (Univ. of Tennessee) can bring. These future SEC foes provide such a great dimension of offense that includes other highly capable arms in uncommitted athletes such as Maddy Hornyak, Kali Engeman, and Lauren Crowl. Uncommitted Ryley Frye and the highly talented Kennedi Orr (Univ. of Nebraska commit) contribute from the setting role while Orr also is very effective scoring points as a right pin attacker. This is a deep squad that has a great opportunity to establish them as a national title contender over the next two days at the NLQ.
MN Select 17-1
Following a 2-1 record on day one, this squad advances as the #4 seed in Pool 1 in day two Division 1 play. They open their Saturday with a big match against A5 South 17-Joe at 9am on Court 5. With good balance across all positions, this roster also features a few athletes playing up. Adri Rhoda is a 6’2 left pin attacker that can get off the floor. With a registered approach jump over 10 feet, this class of 2022 athlete emerged on the scene during the high school season in helping her Hutchinson squad to a very respectable campaign. Emma Goerger is another 2022 prospect and at 6’4 and a near 10 foot approach touch, she has some attributes that have coaches at the next level intrigued. A student-athlete at Wayzata, she will be the future in the middle for the reigning class 3A state champions. Kate Thibault is the youngest member of this team as a 2023 prospect contributing as a defensive specialist. She has great skills, maturity, and experience to compete among the best teams at the U17 level. With all three of these athletes currently uncommitted early in their prep careers, this squad also features Teagan Starkey (2021 | 5’11), and uncommitted 2021 setter. Starkey shows good command of the offense and can set all locations with good accuracy and tempo to develop nice balance in their offensive point production. Other key athletes that have announced their commitment to the next level include Paige Thibault (Univ. of Virginia), Skylar Gray and Anna Wolf (Univ. of Minnesota), Riley Stichter (Michigan Tech), and Kiya Durant (Univ. of Minnesota-Mankato)
Other Notable Results
- MN Select 18-2 – advanced as the #1 seed in Division 1 Pool 3 in the 18 USA competiton
- Northern Lights 18-2 – advanced as the #4 seed in Division 1 Pool 2 in the 18 USA tournament
- MVA 17 Elite – advanced as the #1 seed in Division 1 Pool 2 in the 17 USA tournament
- Northern Lights 17-B – advanced as the #3 seed in Division 1 Pool 1 in the 17 USA event