Westside Invitational All Defensive Team
Kills get a lot of glory, and so do the big blocks, but in order for that to happen there are a lot of moving pieces. The defense has to be in a position to block as well as pass,…
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Continue ReadingKills get a lot of glory, and so do the big blocks, but in order for that to happen there are a lot of moving pieces. The defense has to be in a position to block as well as pass, if they can be in the right spot before contact happens the rest should fall into place. Here are a few athletes who were definitely impressive all around, but it was their defense that puts them in an elite category.
Devyn Robinson – Ankeny Centennial
Devyn Robinson is in a league of her own and Iowa should be so proud. The future Wisconsin Badger who spent the first part of the season on the US Youth National Team in Egypt capturing a gold medal plays with speed, intensity, and leads a celebration with her teammates after each point creating so much energy. Oh and she moves so well from pin to pin, reaching over the net to take away so many angles. Attackers know her presence no matter where she is on the court.
Natalie Welch – Mount Vernon
Natalie Welch (#17) with the block for Mt. VernonAthletic, positive body language, and versatility to play multiple positions, Welch is someone who can really set up to make a difference defensively at the net. I have seen Welch play out of the middle and this past Saturday, was on the right side and she can really create problems for opposing outside hitters. A high reach and strength in her shoulders really allows her to close and block the ball, avoiding getting tooled. She came up with some big points on Saturday, especially in their three-set thriller against Grundy Center.
Jorie Randall – Mount Vernon
Randall’s style is so gritty as a libero. She covers a big range, communicates, and is solid on the second contact as well. Mount Vernon had a lot of close matches throughout the whole weekend and is looking to build some momentum heading into the postseason. With a libero the likes of Randall, they always have a chance to be in system. Randall is also a really aggressive server and led some key runs for the Mustangs.
Anna Flynn – Dowling
Dowling is incredibly deep in all positions, I would love to see one of their practices because they have multiple athletes who can contribute at any time, especially from the backrow. Flynn leads a group of solid backrow players with how she can put her serve receive on point and is a great communicator. Their passing will be key to making a return trip to Cedar Rapids with an incredibly balanced attack on offense.
Delaney Rice – Marion
Rice played with Welch on the Eastern Iowa Extreme 17 Teal squad who captured a USAV 17 National championship this past summer. Following high school, Rice will head to St. Louis where she will be a major factor for the Billikens in the A10. Long, athletic, and incredibly dynamic, Rice thrives in the middle and right side. Not only can Rice block with the best of them, but her presence really causes attackers to alter a shot where they are sending over a roll or tip instead of a hard-driven swing.
Kracht #18 celebrating with her teammates.Trinity Zika – Marion
Zika has always been solid in the backrow. From serve receive to be in the right position, she plays with a high IQ and anticipation of the ball. Marion was firing on all cylinders against Dowling which started with a clean first contact. If Zika and Marion can continue to distribute to all of their attackers and keep the other side of the net off-balanced, they are going to be so dangerous come tournament time.
Emy Kracht – Grundy Center
What didn’t Kracht do for Grundy Center this past weekend. She sets in the backrow, hits from the rightside in the front row, and it just seems that every play goes through her. A really high IQ type player, Kracht can put up a big block defensively as well. I’ve been to tournaments in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois and this was the first where I’ve seen so many athletes play multiple positions, Kracht does it as well as anyone.