2023 Club Profile: L2 171 And 172

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The L2 Volleyball Club is pretty excited about what it brings to the table for its 17s in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already with some promising results, L2 171 and L2 172 are eager to help make a splash for the young club program this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>L2 171</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":265853,"width":254,"height":332,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/13-Catherine-Flaharty.jpg?w=782" alt="" class="wp-image-265853" width="254" height="332" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='153662' first='Catherine' last='Flaharty']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fresh off a D1 semifinal run with Saline, Darien Bandel will be coaching this L2 171 squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has some familiar faces on the squad in 6'2” outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153662' first='Catherine' last='Flaharty'] </strong>and DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172207' first='Olivia' last='Behen']</strong> from Saline's program. These two are part of a 12-player roster, so 171 won't be lacking in depth and options to piece around the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's squad has two setting options in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110298' first='Lea' last='Gage']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172200' first='Julia' last='Gojcaj']</strong>, two very athletic players for the position that will give L2 some flexibility with the lineup and allow them to run big at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team will have some size to work with, most notably in 6'5” middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176596' first='Marianna' last='Rivera'] </strong>out of Williamston. Rivera is a lot more than just a long frame, though, as she has shown a lot of explosiveness at the net and the ability to move around the floor well. L2 is excited about 6-foot middle <strong>Elise Hudak </strong>as well. The Salem player is someone they think could have a breakout year and performing well for 162 last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110331' first='Karlie' last='Vogelheim']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110297' first='Brooke' last='Foucher']</strong> are two hitters that can also play the middle or the right side and add even more power to compliment the likes of the outsides. Along with Flaharty, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110304' first='Cameron' last='Herman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110327' first='Ava' last='Thomas'] </strong>and <strong>Katie Berry </strong>also are outside options for L2 171. Each brings their own skillset to the position, but all have worked hard to polish their defensive play as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of defense, L2 should have great ball control behind the likes of Behen, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110313' first='Greta' last='McKee']</strong>, as well as Thomas, the back row should compete with anyone. Behen and McKee faced many of the best hitters in the state during the prep season and come into the club year as confident as ever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group showed that it should be right in the mix to contend with the best in the state during the JVA Rock ‘N Rumble when it finished fifth in the 17 Open. Their gold bracket loss was by a combined five points to the eventual runner-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A year ago, this team was in need of some size and some power. Early results indicate they added both of those things for 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>L2 172</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kristen Althouse will be coaching this squad of 10 2024 prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group has a lot of athleticism, but will but outsized in many matches, as they lack a true 6-footer on the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like 171, 172 will be utilizing a pair of setters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176603' first='Kate' last='Creighton'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172202' first='Kaitlyn' last='Schram']</strong>. Both are good floor generals for the squad and can get the most out of their hitters despite not having the size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The L2 172 hitters will be able to move around the net. None will be limited to just a middle or an outside label.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The roster lists <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523637' first='Elle' last='Robbins Oliver'] </strong>and <strong>Alyviah Wright </strong>as middles, but both have shown the ability to play on the pins as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outsides are listed as <strong>Abigail Manika</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523639' first='Lydia' last='Fraser']</strong>, <strong>Allison Bockrath </strong>and <strong>Alyssa Swanson</strong>. All are multi-sport athletes that are putting in an emphasis on volleyball right now, so it leads to a lot of athleticism to utilize. Each has an explosive step and a well-rounded defensive game. Placement will be key for these hitters as they can't rely on towering over opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive will also be important and will be reliant on <strong>Chesley Hewett </strong>and <strong>Clare Kotre</strong>. Two Ann Arbor-based defenders, they will look to make 172 a ball-control team that can consistently remain in-system to keep opponents on their heels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This squad is likely to compete in Premier Division throughout the club season. They put up a ninth-place finish in Premier during the Rock ‘N Rumble. One loss came in three sets, while another was a pair of 25-20 results. As this team finds its identity and gets the feel for the right lineup, it should be one that will show a lot of improvement as the club season moves along.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->