Defensive Dynamos at Summerfest: 17 Open
Like the temperatures outside, the volleyball is getting HOT! Columbus was on fire this weekend with some of the best teams in country coming together for one last tune up before we hit the road for nationals! The 17 Open…
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Continue ReadingLike the temperatures outside, the volleyball is getting HOT!
Columbus was on fire this weekend with some of the best teams in country coming together for one last tune up before we hit the road for nationals!
The 17 Open was on fire with some of the biggest names in the nation going head to head. From the likes of Harper Murray Harper Murray 6'2" | OH Skyline | 2023 State #2 Nation MI to Nya Bunton Nya Bunton 6'5" | MB DuPont Manual | 2023 State #7 Nation KY and Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI , the legends of tomorrow were on tap to throw down.
Here are some of the best libero’s from Summerfest!
Sarah Vellucci Sarah Vellucci 6'0" | OH Novi | 2023 State #97 Nation MI – 6’0 L – Legacy
She’s one of the strongest passers you’ll find in this 17s age group. Sarah Vellucci Sarah Vellucci 6'0" | OH Novi | 2023 State #97 Nation MI is the first touch to every ball that comes on Legacy’s side and sets up the heat coming at the net. Her ability to receive serve at such a high level is crucial for this team’s success and it was on full display this weekend.
Alexis Smith Alexis Smith 5'4" | DS/L Anchor Bay | 2023 State MI – 5’3 L – Legacy
Only in as a DS, Alexis Smith Alexis Smith 5'4" | DS/L Anchor Bay | 2023 State MI shows up time and time again reasons why she could easily have the libero jersey herself. A strong passer like Vellucci, Smith is also a scrappy defender. Nothing if off-limits for her to get and she often times gets the toughest of balls up.
Jonna Spohn Jonna Spohn 5'5" | DS/L Oletangy | 2023 State OH – 5’6 L – Mintonette
Mintonette overall was a fun team to watch. Very dynamic with a deep bench of hitters, but the true success comes from their first contact from Jonna Spohn Jonna Spohn 5'5" | DS/L Oletangy | 2023 State OH ! Spohn plays with a lot of speed and is very agile. She’s ready for anything you give her, whether it’s a huge blow cross court or a short off-speed over the block.
Kalliann Cook Kalliann Cook 5'5" | DS/L Birch Run | 2023 State MI – 5’5 L – Michigan Elite
It’s a head scratcher that there’s not more recruiting attention around this libero. Kalliann Cook Kalliann Cook 5'5" | DS/L Birch Run | 2023 State MI is so good! A strong receiver and a defensive dynamo in left back. Cook is really a much larger piece to this team than she’s given credit for.
Allison Berent Allison Berent 5'7" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State #187 Nation MI – 5’8 L – L2
It’s easy to say that this player is the heart and soul of this L2 squad. She’s constantly bettering the ball and she’s going all out without a play off. Allison Berent Allison Berent 5'7" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State #187 Nation MI has really come onto the scene hard and is cementing herself as one of the top liberos in her class.
Sydney Breissinger Sydney Breissinger 5'5" | DS/L Ursuline | 2023 State OH – 5’6 L – Elevation
Running such a middle heavy offense, you better have some good passer and defenders. Sydney Breissinger Sydney Breissinger 5'5" | DS/L Ursuline | 2023 State OH is a huge reason Elevation can run the offense that it does. Her passing is tough as nails and her defense is spot on.