The Small and Tall Stars of Saturday

<p>   Every tall middle needs a short best friend.   They go together and need each other to succeed.  These duos dominated Saturday’s play at the Mayo Civic Center.</p> <p><em>Lake City Tigers</em></p> <p>  The Tigers faced the much larger Red Wing Saturday afternoon winning easily in 4.  Leading the way was senior, 6'1'', <strong>Laurel Cluster</strong>.  This tall, athletic middle dominated.  She prefers a high middle set to that of a quick, but is able to cut the ball to the right or left.  Red Wing typically had a single block against her and when Cluster goes one on one, she can't be stopped.  They couldn’t block her or dig her hits.  When she's in for her three, front-row rotations, the Tigers were able to generate long runs.</p> <p>   When she was off the court, fellow senior, <strong>Morgan West</strong> maintained momentum.  Although much shorter at 5'4'', the libero is just as essential the Tigers.  West is so fast she makes the court seem small the way she reads the hitters.  She plays out of the left back but often covers the middle too, crossing in front of others to ensure a perfect pass.  Her low center of gravity helps her protect her hitters against big blocks.  Perhaps one of Red Wing's biggest mistakes of Saturday was constantly serving to number 21, West.  West had 23 digs and four ace serves.  Lake City will play St. Charles on Thursday.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Stewartville Tigers</em></p> <p>  The Tigers didn't seemed phased by their recent loss to Kasson-Mantorville as they pounded in a win against Zumbrota Mazeppa. <strong> Kaitlyn Prodzinski</strong> was the tall standout for the Tigers on Saturday.  While she struggled in their big game against KM, she proved she is one of the state's best all-around players Saturday.  The almost 5'10'' Prodzinski plays primarily on the outside for coach John Dzubay but is versatile having played middle in the club season too.  </p> <p>  Prodzinski has a few smaller teammates she'll need to lean on in the upcoming matches.  Her somewhat smaller and younger teammate <strong>Allie Elliot</strong>, is only a freshmen.  On a team full of defensive specialists, it can be hard to stand out, but Elliot does that every chance she is given.  While we can't say for sure if Dzubay will use her this coming week, we know that every point played she is proving she will be one of the premiere player in the years to come.  </p> <p>  Another short Stewie star is setter <strong>Jaidyn Brower</strong>.  At 5'6'' she is considered a smaller setter, but this sophomore plays big.  She sees the opponents blockers well and is able to set the ball with such precision.  Likewise, she can play defense and leads her young team.  </p> <p>  Both Tigers will take on their opponents Thursday at the Mayo Civic Center.  And while it's easy to notice the big and tall players, they'd be lost without their short and small teammates.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>