By MIchael DeLeon
The atmosphere inside the convention center in Kansas City continues to build as championship-level matchups unfold at the prestigious Triple Crown NIT. With the nation’s top programs battling through loaded Power Pools, every court feels like a late-round showdown. College coaches line the sidelines three and four rows deep, knowing that matches like these often preview what July will look like. In the 17 Open division, Power Pool One delivered another heavyweight clash as two nationally recognized programs squared off with undefeated records on the line.
Texas Advantage Volleyball 17 Jon entered the tournament as the top overall seed and defending champions, having claimed the Triple Crown title a year ago. They won their first two matches of the pool and stepped into a familiar battle against Wave 17 Juliana, a squad they’ve seen multiple times over the years. Wave matched TAV punch for punch in the opening set and may have challenged them more than anyone else in the tournament to that point. The right side defense of Wave was exceptional, highlighted by Olivia Greenwood’s solo blocks that repeatedly shut down TAV’s cross-court attack and energized her sideline. Audie Caban and Ireland Real formed a dynamic scoring tandem, keeping consistent pressure on TAV’s defense, while libero Lila Green was outstanding in the back court, digging heavy swings with control. Setters Emery Gonzales and Kalea Lee distributed the offense efficiently, and Wave rode that balance to a 25-21 first-set win.
Set two carried the same intensity, with Wave refusing to back down from the defending champs. Even as momentum seemed to lean their way, TAV showed why championship experience matters. Ansley Shafer sparked a defensive resurgence, extending rallies and giving her team extra opportunities to reset. From there, Gatorade National Player of the Year Sophee Peterson took command of the match with surgical precision. Her tempo, location, and decision-making were elite as she was pushing balls to every pin and keeping Wave’s blockers guessing. When the set tightened late, outside hitters Lexi Martin and Brynn Stephens delivered in big moments, terminating in high-pressure swings to edge Wave 25-23 and force a deciding third.
The tiebreaker felt every bit like a semifinal, with both teams playing at full throttle and emotions running high. Long rallies, tough serves, and a few tense officiating moments added to the drama as neither side blinked. TAV’s composure ultimately prevailed, and clutch defensive plays from Vanessa Glenn in right back helped secure critical points down the stretch. The Texas squad closed out the third set 15-11 to remain undefeated and strengthen their case as the team to beat. Still, Wave proved they are more than capable of making a deep podium run. If this matchup was any indication, both programs have the firepower and resolve to be standing in contention when the final medals are awarded.
