Alamo 15 Premier “Holds The Rope” In Comeback Win Over Team Dynasty
Welcome to the big show!
For the athletes at the 15s level, this is their first time getting a crack at the big stage with Team Dynasty 15 Adidas of the Kansas City area and Alamo 15 Premier out of San Antonio doing battle in 15 Elite Power pool play.
Mullen
Early on it was all Dynasty with the athleticism or setter, Ashley Mullen Ashley Mullen 5'10" | S Liberty | 2023 State #9 Nation MO . Mullen was high tempo, high energy, and highly efficient. She was able to keep the offense flowing with one of her favorite targets being Calissa Minatee Calissa Minatee 6'0" | MB North Kansas City | 2023 State #25 Nation MO . Minatee was attacking out of all positions in the front row, scoring points while also being a major presence at the net defensively.
Set two set a fire for Alamo which lit up the scoreboard with plenty of fast-tempo sets in their 6-2 offense. Their defense play was on point, led by gritty Libero, Alyssa Manitzas who was relentless in picking up tips, taking pace off the hard swings and being the heartbeat of the team. Alamo also had plenty of offensive firepower by Nayeli Gonzalez, Emma Halstead, and a big left-handed swing by Grace Carroll
Alamo would continue their momentum from set two into set three jumping up early, forcing a Dynasty timeout up 7-4 and leading into the side change at 8-6. The second half of the set Dynasty put pressure on Alamo, but it would be the team from Texas to take set three, 15-1.
“There’s not just one go-to girl, the hitters are all equally the same. They are playing to their potential along with everyone helping each other, talking to each other and we hold the rope for each other,” said coach
For this Alamo squad out of San Antonio this is their first time playing at Triple Crown on the big stage, but the Class of 2023 libero, Manitzas is soaking it all in, taking advantage.
Manitzas
“It’s amazing, it’s a great experience. We are really coming together and in the time we need to, playing every single point and continuing our streak of being the team we set out to be.”
Coming into the tournament as a first time team can provide plenty of pressure, but they are rising to the occasion with the high-level competition.
“We are coming in with big expectations, but also a lot of hope. We are battling through injuries and whatever comes our way and really looking to persevere through whatever comes our way,” said Coach Gonzalez.
Both teams will be in action with crossover matches on Sunday with the winners heading into the top 32 with a chance to continue in the winners bracket towards the championship on Monday.