AVP Seattle Qualifier Preview - Articles

The AVP returns this week to the shores of Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, Wash., for the tour’s fourth stop of the season. Although many of the USA’s Olympic contenders are focused on qualification results, a very strong and balanced qualification field looks for a strong finish. Thursday’s qualifiers are chock full of talent battling for the four main draw spots available. The qualifiers on both sides are so competitive it is difficult to pick a winner. Women No. 1 qualifier seed Lynne Galli/Briana Hinga: Galli is a hard working and intense defender. Although she lacks the altitude of the top defenders, she makes up for it with grit and desire. She is partnering with Hinga, a converted collegiate basketball player and superb athlete. They were disappointed by their recent NorCECA qualification finish and intend to right the ship this weekend. No. 2 qualifier seed Leah DeKok/Amanda Wiggins: DeKok is an experienced and athletic blocker with good reach. DeKok has never made it into the main draw; this is her highest qualifier seeding. She nearly made it to the main draw at Huntington last year with Nicole Bateham. Amanda Wiggins has been making steady progress, reaching the main draw several times last year with Dana Fiume. Her defense is greatly improved; they look to make the main draw together for the first time. No. 3 qualifier seed Aurora Davis/Bree Scarbrough: Davis is a Florida State grad with solid skills, if undersized at 5-foot-9 for the higher levels of today’s game. Davis has finished as high...

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