Two programs that are no strangers to success at Triple Crown, some of the “OG’s” going back to the start of NIT. For Wave and Arizona Storm, their logos are easy to find on the hall of champions banners just outside Bartle Hall.
These two 17s squads were due for another match in power pools with Wave 17 Juliana and Arizona Storm 17 Thunder. The West Coast squads shine brightest when the stage is the biggest.
“Anytime you are part of a power pool it is an honor and we know it's going to be brutal. You are playing the best of the best every match and there is no breathing room ever,” said Arizona Storm 17 Thunder Head Coach Jami Rolfes.
Arizona Storm grabbed an early lead, forcing a time out at 12-7 with a strong serve and a physical block, leaving the club from Southern California scrambling. Wave would make a small comeback before Storm forced another timeout at 19-15. However the aggressive serve of Storm, relentless defense, and the scoring of Madisyn Crnjac (South Carolina) and Addison Wiemann (Grand Canyon) was just too much resulting in a set one win 25-20 for Arizona Storm.
Set two started with both teams trading points until 17-14 where Wave would go on a quick run forcing a timeout by Storm. Wave would continue with aggressive serving and a big block to run away with set two 25-17, forcing a winner take all set three.
In set three, Arizona Storm went to their bread and butter with their middles Brooke Harwood (UCLA) and Hayden Conner (Washington). Setter Lily Rolfes was running a fast tempo, balanced offense all night and found the hot hitters at the right time. Libero Mattea Saunders was on fire from serve receive to the first contact. Storm was just too much, outlasting Wave 15-11 in set three.
“Last season this was a middle heavy team, but this season we have really been working on keeping things balanced and our pins really stepped up in crucial moments.”
Arizona Storm will take on Rockwood Thunder 17 Elite out of St. Louis in their challenge match in hopes of making the Elite bracket at Triple Crown. Wave finished power pool play 2-1 and will take on Triangle 17 Black out of North Carolina.
Coach Rolfes knows the drill at this tournament of taking things one at a time with a “What’s Next” approach.
“I really do focus on what’s next and I want our girls to have that same mindset. At this tournament if you look past anyone you’re going to get yourself in trouble. We’ll sleep in a bit tomorrow, look at some video, and see what’s next.”
