Dual Threats: Setters Who Can Hit, Hitters Who Can Set

Being good at one position is tough enough in volleyball, but the ability to play set, hit, and play defense is something very rare to find in players.  Here are some of the players to keep an eye on that are versatile in their skills and position with the ability to set and hit. 

Miranda Wucherer – Class of 2018 – Brookfield Central – 18 Sting Gold

Wucherer was player of the year in the Greater Metro Athletic Conference and will make a great impact at Northern Kentucky in the Horizon League next fall.  First off, Wucherer is incredibly athletic and makes difficult plays look very routine.  When she is playing right side, it looks natural where she can fly, use the blockers hands, or put a ball down the line.  When she sets, her athleticism allows her to get to the ball, put her hitters in position to score points, and is incredibly smart.  At the WVA Scrimmage, Wucherer played both positions, and like many times before looked very natural on the right side as well as setting.

Kayce Lietzau – Class of 2019 – Greendale – 17 Sting Gold

Lietzau is the complete player.  She can set, hit, block, play defense, you need her to do something for the team and she’s there.  Her high school team, Greendale, has made three consecutive state tournament appearances with Lietzau apart of each team.  For 17 Sting Gold she will be able to play both positions, but once again, can do anything the team needs her to.  Incredibly fun to watch and a great role model for future players to see how to work on all skills and be open to any position on the court.  

Claire Chier – Class of 2020 – Oshkosh Lourdes Academy – WVA 16 Black

Chier is an uncommitted prospect from the Class of 2020.  This past fall she was a 3rd Team All State player for Oshkosh Lourdes Academy that finished second in Division 4.  Chier is a strong right side that is 6’3, but most right sides of that size do not have the hands of Chier.  With her height, she is able to attack and be very offensive as a backrow setter giving her team virtually four options where there is a solid pass.  Chier and her WVA 16 Black teammates will be making their 2018 debut at the Great Lakes Power League January 20.

Chyna Bacchus – Class of 2019 – Univ. School of Milwaukee – Motion 17 Blu

Bacchus has been mentioned in the Class of 2019 prospects who are on the rise from the Great Lakes Power League the first weekend of January.  Bacchus is a true utility player.  At GLPL, she was setting in the back row while taking swings as a pin while in the front row.  She is also a great defender.  She has the athleticism to play any position, but with more repetition, could turn herself into a very lethal setter that can distribute and score.  

Brooke Mosher – Class of 2021 – Waterloo – 15 Sting Gold

Mosher is the first major commit to come from the Class of 2021 when she gave her verbal to play for Illinois.  At nearly 6 feet tall, Mosher is a combination of her older sisters Madeline and Claire, who will be playing together at Marquette.  Brooke was primarily playing from the pin this past high school season where she earned Honorable Mention All State.  She will set for 15 Sting Gold that will be loaded with options to distribute to which include Mariah Grunze and Makenna Wucherer.  

Brianna Merkel – Class of 2019 – Franklin – 17 Sting Gold

Brianna Merkel was named Player of the Year for the Southeast Conference consisting of SE Milwaukee schools. During the high school season Merkel 550 assists, 239 kills, and 247 digs earning Honorable Mention All State.  Merkel, along with Lietzau of Sting 17 Gold will provide a lot of depth at the setter and right side position.  Merkel brings a lot of power as a hitter from either pin.  The schedule 17 Sting Gold has this winter will allow for Merkel to get plenty of exposure.  College programs love to have athletes who are very skilled and well rounded.