2023 Club Profile: L2 161 And 162

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2025 in Michigan is proving to be an elite one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That means club teams throughout the state are competing at a high level on the national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>L2 wants to make sure it is included in the fun in 2023, and early results show that it should be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at its top 16s teams for this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>L2 161</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team will be coached by Amber Hildebrandt and has a lot of promise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the big stories for 161 is it has brought in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Chloe' last='Giehtbrock']</strong> to the roster. Giehtbrock has been a utility player that can fill in any position, but this club season she wanted to take a real shot at becoming a setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1 Giehtbrock is all-in at setter and seems to be happy to get the chance to explore the position. She's got a feel for every position, so it's allowing her to take on the leadership role for this team. Her experience at the top levels of national play are also quite valuable to this L2 squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Supporting Giehtbrock will be a team of hungry players eager to prove they belong in the discussion with the other top players in this deep Class of 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ava Fitzgerald</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='357522' first='Bella' last='Colon']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196766' first='Tara' last='Creekmore'] </strong>make up the primary outsides for the squad. Each plays with a high motor and can cover a lot of ground quickly. <strong>Taylor Wyatt </strong>will be a right side for 161 and is a real hidden gem out of the Webberville program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the middle, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='179732' first='Isabelle' last='Henry']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261152' first='Grace' last='Cooney']</strong> are a pair of 6'1” middles that pair very well with Giehtbrock and give L2 a lot of length at the net, both for offense and for blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156310' first='Kylie' last='Kennedy']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156317' first='Keira' last='McNutt'] </strong>exemplify the character of this team. Both are hard-nosed defenders that are relentless with their pursuit to get to every ball. They are going to be key to the team's success and helping Giehtbrock develop as a setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>L2 161 opened its season at the JVA Rock ‘N Rumble two weeks ago, going 3-2 on the weekend with a loss in the bronze bracket of the 16 Open. They picked up a pair of three-set wins and didn't score less than 17 points in a set for their two match losses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As this team learns how to win, it will help them take a big step forward. They've got a lot of talent and competitive fire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>L2 162</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Omar Tarabah will be coaching this squad, which similar to 161, will be built around the setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261174' first='Kaylin' last='Schroeder'] </strong>will be running the offense this year and is a player L2 is very excited about and a big reason why L2 feels this squad can compete with the top teams in the state this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schroeder has good control and can make the tough sets look easy. She has a nice mix of size and athleticism to work with on this roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the outside, <strong>Micaiah Bottom</strong> and <strong>Gracie Hoener</strong> have worked hard on being all-around players and that should continue throughout the club season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156331' first='Madison' last='Stager'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='191143' first='Sidney' last='White'] </strong>will be the RS options for the squad, providing a nice compliment for Schroeder to get the ball to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the middle, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='400168' first='Lucy' last='Monahan']</strong> already has playing experience with Schroeder at Bedford. They also have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='189713' first='Addison' last='Ashley']</strong>. Both are 6-foot middles that are just tapping into their potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, L2 162 has three back-row specialists to mix in. <strong>Cecilia Regoli</strong>, <strong>Rylee Bero</strong> and <strong>Giovanna LoCicero</strong> will handle the back row and look to keep this offense in-system. Each has the potential to get into a real zone, giving this team a reliable defense to turn to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This squad also competed in the 16 Open of the Rock ‘N Rumble two weeks ago. After dropping its first three matches, it bounced back with a pair of wins in the Copper Bracket, topping Legacy 16-2 ADIDAS in the bracket final in three sets. The squad did a nice job of moving on from its bad sets and found ways to win some tough third sets in the early going. It's a nice jumping off point for 162.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->