7 Players Leading Verona’s Hot Streak

<p>There is no doubt undefeated Verona is turning heads in the Big Eight Conference, but what is the key to the 12-0 Wildcats' success? </p> <p>That is a conundrum that none of Verona's opponents have solved this season. The Wildcats have several players capable of leaving their mark on a match. It's difficult to concentrate on stopping one major threat. </p> <p>Trimming this list to five is just not possible. Here are the top seven players making an impact for Verona this season. </p> <p><strong>Emma Frahm, senior, setter </strong></p> <p>While the Wildcats are getting plenty of firepower from Sophie Alexander and Maddy Kelley on the front row, it all starts with the table-setter. </p> <p>Frahm is proving why she's one of the top setters in the Big Eight. As of September 12, Frahm has 112 assists, averaging four per set. She is also a feared server with 20 services aces. </p> <p>Defensively, Frahm has 36 digs. She posted six apiece in wins over Janesville Parker on September 4 and Middleton two days later. </p> <p>Coach Kelly Annen said Frahm is one of her top returning players. The senior is living up to the hype. </p> <p><strong>Sophie Alexander, senior, outside hitter </strong></p> <p>Alexander is Verona's most dangerous offensive weapon. Through 12 matches, the 5-11 senior has 62 kills, averaging 2.4 per set. She carries a .292 hitting percentage. </p> <p>Alexander erupted for nine kills in a 3-0 sweep of Parker. She didn't let up on defense, either, finishing with six digs. </p> <p>She blocked three attempts against Shoreland Lutheran on August 25 and has 16 total blocks. </p> <p><strong>Maddy Kelley, junior, middle blocker </strong></p> <p>Alexander has developed a lethal blocking combo with Kelley, a rising junior. Kelley has 20 blocks this season. She stifled Monona Grove with five blocks in a 2-1 September 1 victory.</p> <p>Kelley also posted nine kills against the Silver Eagles. Overall, the junior has 59 kills with a stellar .515 hitting percentage. Kelley has registered eight-kill matches against Parker, Middleton and Oregon. </p> <p><strong>Megan Touchett, junior, outside hitter </strong></p> <p>Touchett busted loose for seven kills in the 3-0 sweep of Parker. For the season, Touchett has 46 kills for a .280 hitting percentage. Defensively, she has nine digs. </p> <p><strong>Amelia Walton, senior, outside hitter </strong></p> <p>Walton stepped up September 1, knocking down six kills in a 2-0 sweep of Tomah. The senior has 38 total kills, 15 digs and seven blocks. Walton had a great all-around match against Middleton September 6, hustling for seven kills and four digs in the 3-0 win. </p> <p><strong>Nikki Phelps, senior, outside hitter </strong></p> <p>Phelps did not play in Verona's first three matches of the season. She is making up for lost time. </p> <p>Against Parker, the senior throttled the Vikings for 11 kills in two sets. She also had nine digs. Phelps followed that with a seven-kill outing against rival Middleton. </p> <p>Phelps provides depth to a talented core of middle hitters.</p> <p><strong>Sydney Rae, senior, middle blocker </strong></p> <p>Rae made her presence felt against Middleton, stuffing the Cardinals for four blocks. The six-foot senior has 11 total blocks and 34 kills. Rae is hitting .292.  </p> <p>Rae is a solid complement to Kelley in the middle and will likely spell the junior during long matches. That is <em>if</em> the Wildcats actually get pushed to four or five sets this fall. </p>