Lincoln Liberos: Defensive Standouts in the Star City Metro
The overall talent level in Nebraska’s capital city has risen substantially over the past several years, and this statement perhaps best applies to the defensive specialists in the area. It’s a position overlooked by some, but coaches and avid fans…
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Continue ReadingThe overall talent level in Nebraska’s capital city has risen substantially over the past several years, and this statement perhaps best applies to the defensive specialists in the area. It’s a position overlooked by some, but coaches and avid fans recognize that a rock solid back row is the anchor to any elite team. Let’s look at some of these talented anchors from the Lincoln area, including the surrounding towns in Lancaster County.
Miriam Miller Miriam Miller 5'6" | DS/L Lincoln Pius X | 2021 State NE – 5’6 L – Lincoln Pius X – Class of 2021
Miller is another great libero in a long line of elite defenders to come from Pius X. It’s standard operating procedure for the Thunderbolts: plug-and-play fantastic back row players. Miller was named second team all-city after her 2019 campaign, in which she notched 554 total digs and helped lead her team to the Class A tournament semifinals. Her season highlights show her steady platform in serve receive and her non-stop hustle on defense. This savvy libero will be a key piece for Pius as the Bolts look to cement themselves as the Class A title favorites in 2020.
Karsen VanScoy Karsen VanScoy 5'4" | DS/L Waverly | 2022 State NE – 5’4 DS – Waverly – Class of 2022
Just a few minutes outside of Lincoln city limits is Waverly High School, where the Vikings have a rising star at defensive specialist in VanScoy. After a standout sophomore season, VanScoy received Eastern Midlands Conference honorable mention honors. She will look to expand her role in the libero jersey next year, and is thereby poised to boost her stock significantly. Her quickness in the back row and dynamite passing will be huge for Waverly, who surely feels that they are in a position to challenge the five-time defending champion Skutt Catholic Skyhawks in Class B.
Raegan Holle Raegan Holle 5'5" | DS/L Lincoln Lutheran | 2022 State NE – 5’3 DS – Lincoln Lutheran – Class of 2022
There’s one word that aptly describes Holle: active. She has extremely nimble feet, plays low to the floor, and has the kind of hustle and fearlessness that coaches covet. She makes diving, one-armed digs look easy, which is especially impressive considering that she will continue to develop throughout her career. Holle recorded 2.6 digs per set in 2019, and her numbers should soar next year and beyond. She had a chance to hone her back row skills next to last year’s first team all-city libero, Lexie Kreizel Lexie Kreizel Lincoln Lutheran | 2020 NE . With Kreizel moving on to Concordia University, the Lincoln Lutheran back court is in good hands with Holle as the Warriors try to defend their Class C1 state title.
Samantha Pryce Samantha Pryce 5'3" | DS/L Lincoln Northeast | 2022 State NE – 5’3 L – Lincoln Northeast – Class of 2022
Pryce seized control of the libero jersey for the Rockets in her sophomore season last year, which is indicative of her composure and maturity. Add to that the fact that she recorded 3.4 digs per set in 2019 and received 560 serves, and you’ve got the recipe for a very seasoned libero prospect. Pryce was the clear focal point of Northeast’s serve receive pattern as she routinely covered over half the court from the middle back position. Look for her to continue to rise as she gets more reps in the back row.
Faith Van Eck – 5’6 L – Lincoln High – Class of 2023
Consider this a glimpse into the youth movement at the defensive specialist position. Here’s a freshman starting libero. It’s a daunting proposition, but Van Eck handled it like a pro. She accumulated 3 digs per set in 2019 and received the bulk of the serves for the Links. It’s amazing to think that she has three more seasons to develop her game at the prep level. Van Eck is already an impact player in the Lincoln high school volleyball scene and with her VCN club team. The future is bright as players like Van Eck look to uphold the rising talent level in the Star City.