The Best Blocking Duos in the Badger Region
Blocking is an incredibly important aspect of volleyball, and one that includes making extremely fast decisions and then reacting. The entire defense builds itself off of the blockers positioning and the two blockers going up on the opposing hitter need…
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Continue ReadingBlocking is an incredibly important aspect of volleyball, and one that includes making extremely fast decisions and then reacting. The entire defense builds itself off of the blockers positioning and the two blockers going up on the opposing hitter need to be completely in sync with each other.
The relationship between two blockers is very similar to that of a setter and hitter, there needs to be a lot of mutual trust and understanding between them, as well as a seamless movement. It is very hard to achieve this, but some blocking duos in the Badger Region make it look easy.
Monica LaFleur and Natalie Tesch Natalie Tesch 5'10" | S Wisconsin Lutheran | 2021 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 17 Black
Monica and Natalie both are very detail oriented players and extremely diligent. It shows in their blocking form and collaboration with each other. Individually they put up massive blocks, but together they are nearly unstoppable. Natalie, also a setter on the team, is a great all around player. Monica is a great athlete and was a key player in Arrowhead’s state championship in 2019.
Kyla Dunaway and Marissa Corso – FC Elite 15 Navy
FC Elite 15 Navy as a team is arguably one of the best in the state if not region at their age level. They have powerhouse hitters, fast setters, scrappy defense, and, of course, massive blockers. Kyla and Marissa have a great connection on the court and both have great verticals and see the court incredibly well. Together they put up one huge block that stops some of the best hitters in the state.
Berkley Mischler Berkley Mischler 6'1" | MB Appleton North | 2022 State WI and Ella Buddenhagen Ella Buddenhagen 5'11" | OH Kimberly | 2022 State WI – FC Elite 16 Navy
Berkley and Ella are individually impressive, and their blocking chemistry blows most others their age out of the water. They both extend extremely high when they block and use every inch of height they can to press over the net. They also do this consistently in perfect timing causing problems for opponents offenses.
Brianna Geurts Brianna Geurts 6'0" | MB De Pere | 2021 State WI and Jaclyn Wise Jaclyn Wise 6'1" | OH NEW Lutheran | 2021 State WI – FC Elite 17 Navy
Brianna and Jaclyn have a great rapport on the court. They are both serious athletes who do what they can for their team and get their jobs done. This attitude is no different when they are a blocking pair and they work very well together defensively.
Lauren Lang Lauren Lang 5'9" | MB Burlington | 2022 State WI and Cassandra Alsum Cassandra Alsum 5'9" | OH Randolph | 2022 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 16 White
Both Lauren and Cassandra work very hard on the court. They cover and do all of the little things. The same can be said for their blocking. It seems like they perform all of the little details of blocking consistently putting up quite the wall for opponents to attack on. Both are also very fast in transition off of defense to prepare to hit.
Riley Hamilton Riley Hamilton 5'10" | OH Hartford | 2022 State WI and Alana Dvorak Alana Dvorak MB Oconomowoc | 2022 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold
One piece of blocking that can sometimes be overlooked is the communication aspect of it. Riley is a naturally communicative athlete which makes her great as a blocker. Alana’s speed matches very well with Rileys superb communication and together they put up a mighty block.
Blocking is one of the more challenging aspects of volleyball. It is very detailed and decisions need to be made very quickly. Each of these pairs set their teams up for success as blockers and as athletes. Their chemistry on the court is a benefit to their team’s defense.