5 Best: OH on Defense
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<p> Typically when talking about the outside hitter position people focus on kills; however, to be a dynamic left-side player, one has to be able to play defense in the front row and back row. These seven players not only swing hard at the net, but they also specialize in dropping off and playing defense.</p>
<p><strong>Kylie Stuass</strong>: From<em> East Grand Forks,</em> this 5'6'' senior on a great defensive team. Their team has over 900 digs thus far. She currently averages 10.8 dig per match. Although she isn't a primary fixture in their offense she still have plenty of chances to attack and score. Her stance is low and she is agile digging side to side. Likewise, she is a primary passer in their serve receive.</p>
<p><strong>Skyler Germann: </strong> <em>Minnetonka</em> is off to a great season with a record of 11-3 overall and 2-0 in conference, due partly to <em>Skyler Germann'</em>s multi-dimensional play. She is a senior who knows how to keep the ball in play in the back row. In a first match-up with <em>Chanhassen</em>, she had 12 kills and 11 digs. Typically she is one of team's best in both categories.</p>
<p><strong>Lauren Johnson: </strong>This junior from <em>Belle Plaine, </em>leads their strong team in digs, even over the team's Libero. She's an athletic 5'9, and they use her as one of his primary passers. Johnson takes over a third of all balls on serve receive. This year she is embracing her role in the back row, and next year she is likely to be a bigger part of the offense.</p>
<p><strong>Payton Rodberg:</strong> Only a sophomore, <em>Proctor's</em> 5'10'' outside is an influential player in the front and back row. She has been a varsity player since 8th grade and already has over 500 digs and kills. Her team's only loss so far was to, the much larger, <em>Rochester John Marshall. </em> Rodberg dug their biggest hitter <strong>Kaitlyn Steffes</strong> a number of times.</p>
<p><strong>Jackie Yang</strong>: Another sophomore driving competitive play in the metro area for AA is Jackie. As part of the <em>Johnson Govenors</em> team. She a team captain probably because of the grit she shows on defense. Currently over 200 blocks, hitting percentage .167, 12 blocks and 32 aces. Her time spent playing for Minnesota Volleyball Academy (MVA) has improved her ability to cover the court.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">* all numbers and stats from MN Volleyball Hub</span></p>
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