Skyline Classic #1: The Liberos – 17s
The club volleyball season had few, but quite exciting tournaments in the few weeks between the end of the high school calendar and the Holidays. The level of play displayed in those events has certainly set the field for great…
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Continue ReadingThe club volleyball season had few, but quite exciting tournaments in the few weeks between the end of the high school calendar and the Holidays. The level of play displayed in those events has certainly set the field for great competition during the next several months across the state of Texas.
One of the top tournaments held in the Houston area in the period was the Skyline Classic #1, which reunited 12 17s and eights 18s teams in the courts of the traditional Houston Skyline club on December 18.
PrepDig.com was closely following the action and have, during the last couple of weeks, been providing reports on the most promising players competing in the event.
These are some of the liberos who stood out in the 17 Division:
Gabriella Espiricueta – Asics Willowbrook 17 Gold – HS: Cypress Creek – 2023
A very talented libero from the Houston area, Gabriella ‘ Gabby Espiricueta Gabby Espiricueta 5'1" | DS/L Cy Creek | 2023 TX was a rock for the Willowbrook team that won it all at the Skyline Classic. The 5’1” defender brought her usual high-energy play to the court and was extremely reliable on the backcourt. Espiricueta is electric on a volleyball court and does a great job in consistently communicating with her teammates. An outstanding passer and defender, she also adds a lot in little nuances of the game such as serving, setting in transition and covering hitters. She ranks 133rd in our 2023 Prep Dig State Rankings and was outstanding in the high school season with 492 digs and 674 passes.
Brooke Austin – TAV Houston 17 Molten – HS: Concordia Lutheran – 2023
A reliable defensive player, Brooke Austin was extremely consistent for her TAV Houston team. She’s a libero who produces on defense and serve receiving, but also pays attention to the little details of the game. Another of Austin’s strengths is her powerful top spin jump serve, which often produces points for her team.
Bailey Newman – FR Premier Jrs 17 Gold – HS: Clear Brook – 2023
Bailey Newman was one of a handful of talented players in a Friendswood Premier Juniors team that finished third in the division. Mostly used as a setter in her high school team Clear Brook, the 5’4” Newman stood out as a libero and controlled her team’s backcourt with ease. A former player of the AVA club, she allowed the team to run a fast-paced offense with her consistent passing and did very few mistakes during the tournament.
Destiny Conde – Houston Stellar 17 Select – HS: La Porte – 2023
Destiny Conde was a bright spot in a struggling Houston Stellar team that won just a set in three matches. The 5’5” defender did her part fairly well, leading the team’s backcourt and providing some consistency to the team. Conde combines good positioning and superior ball control and also does a good job when covering her hitters. She also helps the team score points with her tough floater.