Class 3A: The Amazing Defenders

<p>Facing a talented defender across the net can be annoying to volleyball players. Having to hit the ball several times to finally score a point can not only be physically and mentally exhausting, but it also increases the chance of a mistake. It’s true that teams need offensive power to win championships, but defense is also a big factor and these teams should be in a good position in that regard when the 2020 season starts for the Class 3A in Washington.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="97012" first="Taylor" last="Miche"] – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Senior – Mt. Spokane</strong></p> <p>Every championship-winning team needs to have a good defense and that was the case with Mount Spokane’s side that won the 2019 State Championship. While the Wildcats’ offensive stars ran the show at the net, five-foot libero Talyor Miche commanded the team’s backcourt efforts just as efficiently. Miche was at her best at the State Championship final, where she played a pivotal role in her team’s win against Capital with 35 digs. That performance cemented her status as an All-State first-team selection and her 33rd place at prepdig.com’s class of 2021 ranking.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Mary Carlsen – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Senior – West Seattle</strong></p> <p>Mary Carlsen was a defensive force for West Seattle last season. The 5’4” libero did a great job behind the team’s block and dug impressive 479 balls over the course of the season, averaging 6.2 digs per set, one of the best numbers in the entire state. She also took over the team’s passing duties, registering 425 serve receptions last year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Claire Donovan – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Senior – Eastside Catholic</strong></p> <p>Eastside Catholic’s last year’s State Championship appearance wouldn’t be on the table without the great defensive work of Claire Donovan. The Crusaders’ defensive rock was brilliant in dominating the team’s backcourt with a team-high 348 digs (4.8 per set) and was crucial in several wins. That made of her one of the team’s three All-State team selections as an honorable mention.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Jasset Smith – Middle-Blocker – Junior - Snohomish</strong></p> <p>Middle-blockers can play defense and there aren’t many better examples of that than Jasset Smith’s 2019 performance. As a sophomore, she extrapolated her main duties at Snohomish and ended the season as the team’s second-best defensive player with 276 digs, averaging five per set. Smith’s 5’11” frame wasn’t an issue as she showed great technique and good mobility in the backcourt for the Panthers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Surina Soumpholphakdy – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Senior – Lynnwood</strong></p> <p>Surina Soumpholphakdy was a bright spot on Lynwood’s 2019 campaign. Even if the team didn’t make it to the State Championship, the 5’3” libero showed enough to earn an All-State team honorable mention. A very technical defender with fantastic positioning, she led the Royals’ backcourt efforts with mastery.</p>