Synergy’s Top Teams Set for Molten Series #3 Bracket Play
Title Photo: Synergy 18-1 Synergy Volleyball Club a program that should not be overlooked given the attention that some of the larger programs receive both regionally and nationally. There top two teams feature some of the most athletic, skilled, and…
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Continue ReadingTitle Photo: Synergy 18-1
Synergy Volleyball Club a program that should not be overlooked given the attention that some of the larger programs receive both regionally and nationally. There top two teams feature some of the most athletic, skilled, and versatile volleyball players in the state. With a senior group that includes Olivia Tjernagel (Northern Iowa), Mikala Henderson (Illinois-Chicago), Emma Meythaler (Augsburg), and Kaylin Plautz (UW-Superior), the 18-1 squad is one that has great competitive experience. This weekend’s Molten Series #3 event provides a great opportunity to watch their top two teams (18-1 and 17-1) compete against some solid teams from the greater Minneapolis area. With both teams scheduled to compete in Bracket 2, the 18-1 squad begins play on Sunday at 8am against Northern Lights 18-B team on Court 3 at the M1 facility. The 17-1 team opens up against MN Select 16-1 immediately following them on the same court. Below are some notes on uncommitted athletes from the 18-1 squad and a few key members of the 17-1 team.
Synergy 18-1
Olivia Rooney – 2021 | 5’11 | RS
Playing up an age group, Rooney is a nice presence on the right side. She has a long frame that provides for good range in all of her skills. Mechanically, she could benefit from a bigger double arm lift to help her elevate on balance and maximize her contact point at the peak of her jump. Defensively, she can put up a great block with strong hand penetration across the tape. She has a good skill foundation and has some time to keep developing as a member of the 2021 class.
Megan Kruschke – 2020 | 5’6 | L/DS
Kruschke was critical to St. Michael-Albertville’s great success throughout the 2019 high school season. She patrols the back row with great intent and prepares herself well with her weight over her toes and not back on her heels as some do waiting for the hard-driven ball. She is able to pursue the ball in any direction with good accuracy that will allow this offense to stay in system and utilize the solid corps of arms they have around the court.
Emma Guest – 2020 | 5’10 | OH
Guest is deceptively powerful as a pin attacker for this team. She has a compact approach regarding her arm flow but develops good momentum through her footwork. Once she is in the air she creates good torque and opens to the ball allowing her to swing with great speed. She has good ability to put a lot of pace behind the ball. She was a big factor for St. Francis during her high school career and received Mississippi 8 all-conference honors for her work.
Synergy 17-1
Emma VanHeel – 2021 | 6’0 | MB/RS
VanHeel is one of the most well-rounded athletes in the 2021 class. She can swing from both pins effectively for points but seems more fluid and comfortable in the middle. She excelled in this role for her St. Michael-Albertville team that made a great run during the fall high school season. She can hammer a quick attack with great range and power while also showing great patience-to-pursuit when blocking to put a lot of pressure on opposing hitters. She has great upside to her skill set.
Elise Rossing – 2021 | 6’0 | MH/OH
Rossing fulfills her role on the left pin with confidence as she seemingly maximizes her contact point well to make an effective play on the ball. She is strong and has good arm control to swing through a wrist away shot, in challenging the block with good heat, or tossing in a role shot to open zones. As she shows good patience to pursue a higher and slower tempo set for a kill, Rossing perhaps looks very comfortable terminating a faster tempo option.
Taylor Hillman – 5’7 | OH | 2021
Hillman is athletic and brings a dynamic offensive element to the court at 5’7. She has good lift off the court and does not shy away from her opportunities in system and on time to take an aggressive swing whether from the front or back row. She can also be extremely crafty with her arm work to take a controlled swing to open areas on the court as well as strategically push the ball for points or to take the opponent out of system. What she might lack in height as an attacker she certainly makes up for it with savvy and good court sense.