The U.S. Collegiate National Team-Minneapolis program concluded on a high note with CNT Blue taking the championship. Despite losing both pool play matches, CNT Blue rallied and won both matches on the final day to secure the victory.
In an intense final match, CNT Blue defeated the previously unbeaten CNT Red, showcasing the remarkable skills of outside hitter Leah Hardeman and setter Taylor Tashima. Hardeman scored an impressive 29 points, with 25 kills, two aces, and two blocks, while Tashima’s exceptional setting led CNT Blue to a 47% kill rate and .340 hitting efficiency.
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CNT Blue’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. Losing in three sets during pool play only fueled their motivation to come back stronger and defeat their opponents. The U.S. Collegiate National Team program played a crucial role in preparing Tashima for her future within the pipeline and her senior season at Northwestern University.
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The training provided by the program in Minnesota was rigorous, with double sessions that mimicked the intensity of college preseason and competition. Tashima expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at such a fast-paced level alongside exceptional athletes and emphasized the value of the training in preparing her for the upcoming season.
Hardeman also spoke highly of her experience with the U.S Collegiate National Team, describing how the training enhanced her aggressiveness on the court, a skill she intends to bring back to Coastal Carolina for her senior season. Her participation in the program, despite not being from a top conference, has been invaluable, and she encourages other players to seize the opportunity to participate if invited.
In the championship match, outside hitter Veronica Jones-Perry contributed significantly to CNT Blue’s victory with 21 points, including 19 kills. Middle Kirstie Hillyer provided a strong presence with four blocks, while liberos Brandi Donnelly and Brittany Thomas showcased exceptional defensive skills.
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For CNT Red, opposite Holly Toliver led her team with 19 points, followed closely by outside hitter Taryn Kloth with 18 points. Libero Emily Butters displayed impressive defensive skills, handling 21 receptions with a positive reception percentage of 57%.
The success of CNT Blue in the tournament highlights the importance of the U.S. Collegiate National Team program in developing and fostering talent. The team’s training at the University of Minnesota from June 22-26 provided a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.
2017 U.S. Collegiate National Team – Minneapolis
Red Team
14 – Rachel Anderson (M, Western Kentucky University)
5 – Emily Butters (L, Missouri State University)
29 – Olivia Dailey (S, University of Kentucky)
28 – Ashley Evans (S, Purdue University)
21 – Lauren Fuller (OH, University of San Diego)
18 – McKenna Granato (OH, University of Hawaii)
7 – Darrielle King (M, University of Florida)
20 – Taryn Kloth (OH, Creighton University)
4 – Brooke Peters (L, Purdue University)
25 – Casey Schoenlein (OPP, Washington State University)
24 – Holly Toliver (OPP, Michigan State University)
11 – Amber Witherspoon (M, Syracuse University)
Head Coach: Todd Dagenais (University of Central Florida head coach)
Assistant Coach: Marie Zidek (University of San Diego assistant coach)
CNT White Team
2 – Tita Akiu (L, Texas Tech University)
34 – Sherridan Atkinson (OPP, Purdue University)
8 – Jasmine Bennett (M, University of Louisville)
10 – Faith Dooley (M, University of North Dakota)
35 – Angel Gaskin (OPP, University of Maryland)
33 – Sydney Griffin (S, University of North Dakota)
12 – Deja Harris (M, San Diego State University)
32 – Monique Harris (S, Iowa State University)
23 – Brittany McLean (OH, University of Minnesota)
17 – Julia Scoles (OH, University of North Carolina)
16 – Stephanie Williams (OH, University of Pittsburgh)
Head Coach: Lindsey Devine (East Tennessee State University head coach)
Assistant Coach: Jay Van Vark (Grand Canyon University assistant coach)
CNT Blue Team
3 – Brandi Donnelly (L, University of Illinois)
26 – Amanda Green (OPP, University of Louisville)
19 – Leah Hardeman (OH, Coastal Carolina University)
6 – Kirstie Hillyer (M, Colorado State University)
15 – Veronica Jones-Perry (OH, BYU)
31 – Kristyn Nicholson (S, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi)
9 – Kelsey O’Neill (M, University of Iowa)
22 – Alyssa Schultejans (OH, Kansas State University)
30 – Taylor Tashima (S, Northwestern University)
1 – Brittany Thomas (L, Lipscomb University)
13 – Lynsey Wright (M, Missouri State University)
Head Coach: Dennis Janzen (Trinity Western University assistant coach)
Assistant Coach: Lindsey Walton (University of Kentucky assistant coach)
Program Managers and Administrators: Rod Wilde (Madison Elite), Nicki Holmes (NC State University assistant coach), Jeff Wanderer (West Hills College head coach)
Technical Assistants: Rachel Ferguson (Grand Canyon University director of operations) and Jon Wong (Bradley University assistant coach)
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Danh mục: Volleyball
