The Few, But The Mighty, Right Side Attackers: 2023

Photo: Parent

Emma Adams

October 3, 2020 @ 05:29 PM

Very few athletes specialize as a right-side attacker, especially in high school. It’s an awkward attack to get used to if you are right-handed as the set must cross your shoulder and you are responsible for setting the block up against most teams most frequent and powerful attacker: the outside hitter. With only seven right side attackers in the state of Oregon, they really are the few but the mighty. Below are the four right-side attackers in Oregon from the class of 2023. [caption id="attachment_111010" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.ncsasports.org/womens-volleyball-recruiting/oregon/portland/jesuit-high-school1/ceanna-oloughlin"><img class="wp-image-111010 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/ceanna-oloughlin-headshot-e1601745348946-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: Athena VB[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91348" first="Ceanna" last="O’Loughlin"], 5’10", RS, Jesuit High School, Athena Volleyball Academy O’Loughlin had a stellar freshman season as one of two freshmen to make the Jesuit High School Crusaders varsity team. At the beginning of the season she saw a substantial amount of playing time with their starting setter [player_tooltip player_id="91115" first="Peyton" last="Griffin"] out with an ankle injury. When Griffin made her way back into the starting lineup, O’Loughlin was still able to see some court time but helped her teammates bring energy to the court when on the bench with her enthusiasm. She helped the Crusaders secure a first-place finish in the 6A State tournament. Incredibly athletic and coachable, she has made significant strides to her game in a short amount of time. With a fast arm swing and explosive approach, she is lethal on the right side, but can also play on the left side when needed. This past club season she played for Athena 16-1 National, one of two freshmen to make the team. [caption id="attachment_111011" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14137016/Avery-Pickard"><img class="wp-image-111011 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/avery-pickard-headshot-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: Athena VB[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91352" first="Avery" last="Pickard"], 6’0", RS, Jesuit High School, Athena Volleyball Academy Pickard played for the Jesuit High School Crusaders on their Junior Varsity team last season. She shines on the right side. She uses her height to her advantage and is able to put up a strong block. She can also jump into the setter position when needed. This past club season she played for Athena Volleyball Academy 15-1 National.   [caption id="attachment_111012" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14137027/Claire-Williams"><img class="wp-image-111012 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/claire-williams-headshot-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: Athena VB[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91392" first="Claire" last="Williams"], RS, Lake Oswego High School, Athena Volleyball Academy Williams played for the Lake Oswego High School Lakers on their Junior Varsity team last season. Being left-handed, she thrives on the right side. An incredibly steady and consistent player, her teammates can rely on her to keep the ball in play. She has also seen success playing on the left side. This past club season she played for Athena Volleyball Academy 15-2 Silver.   [caption id="attachment_111013" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14137025/Abby-Berndt"><img class="wp-image-111013 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/abby-berndt-head-shot-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: Athena VB[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91397" first="Abby" last="Berndt"], 5’7", RS, Valley Catholic High School, Athena Volleyball Academy Berndt played for the Valley Catholic High School Valiants Junior Varsity team last season. Being left-handed, she flourishes on the right side. With an explosive approach and an arm swing that continues to get better, she is able to rack up kills. With good ball control, she is sometimes seen passing in the back row. This past club season she played for Athena Volleyball Academy 15-2 Silver.