Midseason Stat Report: Setters and Defensive Specialists

Austin Kingsley September 30, 2021 @ 10:55 AM

Here’s the second installment in our stat report doubleheader: setters and defensive specialists! The players in this feature help anchor the ball control on their side of the net. They allow their offense to flourish. With the regular season nearing its conclusion, teams will rely on athletes like these to deliver in big moments. Let’s meet a few of these "stat stuffers."   [player_tooltip player_id="103120" first="Emily" last="Quinn"] - 5’4 S - Mead [Class of 2022] Mead’s fast start to the 2021 season hasn’t just been fueled by efficient attackers. Quinn regularly sets up the offense well, and her experience shows in the way she distributes the ball to her hitters. The Raiders have a diverse attack that has been difficult to stop this year, and Quinn is the one leading the way.   Jillian Kelly - 5’8 DS/L - Ogallala [Class of 2022] Kelly is the kind of libero that attacks every point with everything she has. This effort shows up on the stat sheet, too, as she has produced some of the most eye-popping dig totals in the entire state. The Ogallala backcourt is nearly impenetrable as long as Kelly is back there.   [player_tooltip player_id="122766" first="Ellee" last="Glogowski"] - 5’5 DS/L - Millard South [Class of 2022] Millard South is a solid ball-control team, and Glogowski has holds an important role in the backcourt. Aside from making point-saving defensive plays, she can also pass a large chunk of the court and keep the Patriots’ offense in system.   Liah Haines - 5’7 S - Lexington [Class of 2022] Haines knows how to keep the Lexington offense rolling, and she’s one of Nebraska’s assists leaders as a result. She also puts in plenty of work as a back-row defender and has directed her team to a winning record this year.   Audrey Nelson - 5’6 S - Axtell [Class of 2023] Axtell has had some great showings against top competition in their class. Nelson deserves a fair amount of credit for this success, as she provides steady production and leadership from the setting position. The young Wildcats roster will continue to show improvement as they rally around their junior setter.   [player_tooltip player_id="78673" first="Kirsten" last="Jensen"] - 5’1 DS/L - Aurora [Class of 2023] Aurora’s frontcourt gets a lot of hype, but don’t forget about the players that help hold things down on the back line. Jensen has been a consistent contributor to the Huskies’ defense this year, and her role will continue to expand as she gains more experience.   [player_tooltip player_id="104674" first="Carolyn" last="Maser"] - 6’0 S - Grand Island Central Catholic [Class of 2024] The Maser name lives on in GICC lore. The latest Maser to come through the Crusaders program is a 2024 setter with excellent hands and incredible physicality. Simply put, GICC has one of the best setters in the state right now, regardless of class. It’s no wonder they’re undefeated.   Keira Hennerberg - 5’5 S - Diller-Odell [Class of 2024] Filling the void left by Diller-Odell legend Addison Heidemann is a daunting task. Luckily, Hennerberg has the talent and determination to step right in. She has put her solid stable of hitters in good spots this year, and the Griffins hope to be a postseason threat once again.   Sage Brabec - 5’2 DS/L - Wood River [Class of 2024] Brabec is only a sophomore, but she has already managed to put up numbers that are nearly unrivaled across Nebraska. She’s managed to approach or exceed ten digs per set in a few matches this season. This kind of production will earn Brabec a few accolades before her career is done.   Adi Rennerfeldt - 5’7 S - Oakland-Craig [Class of 2025] Oakland-Craig has proven that it’s a legitimate title contender in 2021, and it’s a freshman setter that’s helping to carve a championship path. Rennerfeldt will not hesitate to lead the team despite being a first-year player.   [player_tooltip player_id="155030" first="Anna" last="Jelinek"] - 5’8 DS/L - Norris [Class of 2025] I’ve praised the strength of the Norris backcourt before, and Jelinek has been a worthy new addition to the group. She has a great opportunity to learn from the team’s veteran leaders as she creates a legacy of her own.