For the past few seasons, EL PASO WILDFIRE has just missed its quest for an Open bid. And this year they are off to a fast start, opening the season with a first place win at the Chili Spike tourney in Albuquerque. Gone from last year’s team is Caroline Brown, who is now an OH at Davidson, but there is a ton of talent back, starting with one of the state’s best setters in Alexia Heist, El Paso’s All-City MVP. And she has some weapons. Sophomore phenom Monica Corrujedo, Nikira Fults, Rose Diaz and senior Franquee Acosta can deliver the heat. The team has made some nice additions in Mackenzie Clark, a 6-foot senior All-State OH from 2009 New Mexico state champion Rio Rancho, and middle Jasmine Bryant. The defense should also be very solid, led by all-state libero Megan Dominguez and newcomers Victoria Castro and Judith Gutierrez.

Losing Brown was a big loss to the team, but it looks like the rest of the team is stepping it up nicely. The Clark mention was also pretty nice. Keep up the great work Wildfire!

Looks like another El Paso club team is starting to make some waves in the region. LoneStarVolleyball.com had this to say about the up-and-coming 16s team:

For example, we don’t have them in the Top 10, but out El Paso way, APAC 16 Black has the look of a contender for a bid to the national championships. APAC recently won the Silver Bracket in 16 Open at the Fiesta Classic in Phoenix, placing ninth out of 38 Teams. APAC lost only two matches — a tight battle with Laguna Beach, ranked #10 nationally, and Arizona East Valley Mizuno, which finished fourth overall. The team features a collection of the area’s top young talent from Franklin, Coronado, Burgess, Gadsden and Montwood.

Coached by Yoshiki Nakamoto, the team is made up by Meghan Kuykendall, Monica Claxton, Celina Hernandez, Grace Park, Sarah Villa, Megan Miller, Kelly Acosta, Mariana Caballero, Mason Mizener and Nivia Grajeda.

Keep up the good work!

Congrats to the teams that earned bids to the Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships taking place June 24 to July 3 in Reno, NV. at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Here’s a quick recap of what I saw: the entire 15s bids tournament and caught pool play for the 16s bids.

15s bid

Headed into the tournament, the teams talked about most were the El Paso APAC, Española Northern Elite 151 and NM Jrs 15 – Russ.

NM Jrs 15 – Russ had a good showing at the Lone Star Classic, and they obviously carried that momentum going into the regional.  The Russ squad looked confident and matched that confidence with their high level of play.

APAC looked strong throughout the pool play, not seeing too much of a challenge from RapidFire 15 Kaepa, Guns Up 151 and Artesia Elite 151. In the semifinal game against Northern Elite 151, APAC looked like the team to beat.

APAC and Russ met in the much-anticipated final.

Unfortunately, APAC picked a bad time to have a flat game. Russ was able to stymie APAC in most all aspects of the game. The APAC back row, normally money on defense, looked perplexed.

Offensively, APAC struggled as well, and I suspect the size and athleticism of the Russ front line may have gotten into their heads. The Jrs team saw equally strong play from Lexi Grady, Alexandria Biondi, Samantha McCants, Andrea Lowe, Autumn Gilbert. What did get through was picked up by Russ’ back row; some crisp ball control from Haley Ng, Delaina Tafoya and Danielle Ortiz rounded out their performance.

The same front line defending the net was equally adept on offense as well. Middle Lauren Roveto had a great game, and as a fellow fan noted, she’ll be someone to keep an eye on.

I’m least familiar with the Española Northern Elite and don’t have their roster, but they played some good ball. They had a nice pair of outside hitters, and their setter played a consistent tournament.

16s bids

Really no surprise the NM Jrs 16 – Marc earned the bid. As mentioned before, this is a complete team; so much so that PrepVolleyball.com recognized them with an “Honorable Mention” in their April 2010 National 16s Club Ranking.

In addition to Brandi Torr’s and Julia Warren’s wicked talents, the rest of the group helps make it happen as well. Rachael Bradley continues to show great hustle and hitters Karia Lujan and Stephanie Wilson also look dangerous.

I did get to watch some of the other clubs, but got the best looks at the El Paso Heat and Net Force teams. Already a tough team, I think if the Heat found some consistency, they’d be much more dangerous. OH Arielle Bond is steadily turning into a “go to” hitter, and look forward to seeing her play in the future.

Net Force 16s have played some good volleyball. The hitters I mentioned earlier, Amber Massey and Jackie Bautista, gave the competition a good game.

17s bids

The Wildfire, lead by Al Rosen continues to dominate the 17s. In spite of injuries and the recent loss of a hitter, the El Paso squad continues to excel at the high level they’re accustomed to. A sweep of the formidable NM Jrs 17-Geoff team (with hitters Mackenzie Clark and Jayla Trombley), put to rest any doubts about Rosen’s team.

18s bid

With some of the best 18s in El Paso, it’d be surprising if the Sunspots didn’t make the championship.

I caught the championship game with the ‘Spots facing the Guns Up club, and the Sunspot’s big guns were just too much. Ashley Newcomb and Jillian Davis were dominating.