AAU Nationals Spotlight: Iowa Rockets 17R
Over the past few days, I’ve given plenty of looks at Nebraska’s club teams competing at AAU Nationals in Orlando. Today, we’re turning towards an Iowa team that has earned the right to be featured. Iowa Rockets 17R is the…
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Continue ReadingOver the past few days, I’ve given plenty of looks at Nebraska’s club teams competing at AAU Nationals in Orlando. Today, we’re turning towards an Iowa team that has earned the right to be featured.
Iowa Rockets 17R is the only at AAUs representing the state of Iowa in 17 Open. Luckily, though, this Iowa Rockets team has shown enough firepower to bring pride to all their neighbors back home.
Let’s take a look at 17R’s journey through the Orlando field and give some props to the players that helped make the admirable performance possible.
The Journey
Round 1 pools on Tuesday turned into a complete display of domination for Rockets. The team claimed emphatic victories over CPA Xtreme, Summit, and City Beach to notch a 3-0 start to its Orlando trip.
The good times did not stop after the second-day re-seed. Rockets promptly picked up three more wins over VA Elite, MOVA, and A5 Mizuno 17-2. By this point, Rockets still had not even dropped a set.
Rockets faced a deep, talented pool to begin day three. The win streak continued, though, with a win over IMPACT. A team finally got the best of Rockets, as Dallas Skyline claimed a narrow two-set triumph. The scrappy team from Iowa bounced back with a win against VC United to finish pool play.
In the challenge round, Rockets faced off against a juggernaut. A5 Mizuno 17-1 came into its matchup against 17R having dropped only one set all tournament. Rockets handed A5 its second set loss, but they ultimately fell short and dropped to Thursday’s consolation bracket.
The Talent
So, that last section exists to highlight the tough competition that Iowa Rockets has faced throughout the event. This team held firm against some formidable opponents.
Now, let’s give a shoutout to some of the talented players that got them here.
First of all, Kora Ruff Kora Ruff 5'9" | S Pleasant Valley | 2022 State #86 Nation IA has a fabulous command of the setter position. It’s incredibly difficult for opposing blockers to figure her out. Ruff is also a setter who’s not afraid to take a swing of her own in the front row.
Speaking of the front row, Alexis Moses Alexis Moses 6'3" | MB Cedar Rapids Prairie | 2022 State IA has had a big impact at the middle blocker spot throughout the week. Her length has proven to be an asset both offensively and in the blocking phase.
Calia Clubb Calia Clubb 5'10" | RS Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 State #138 Nation IA is another player who can take a variety of approaches to get her kills. She’s an opposite who can seamlessly mix in some one-footed attacks when the situation allows.
I have to give credit to the backcourt, of course, and Gabrielle Schroeder did a great job holding things down defensively in the libero jersey. Both she and outside hitter Macy Daufeldt Macy Daufeldt 5'10" | OH West Liberty | 2022 State #74 Nation IA are accustomed to passing large chunks of the court. Their ball-handling skills just make things so much easier for everyone around them, and it was a big key to the team’s success in Orlando.