37th Annual Las Vegas Classic; Libero/DS Names to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Libero, Defensive Specialist has an important job while on the court. We often see them make explosive plays that look impossible. They tend to be very good at passing and digging the ball. They hustle on the court to cover hitters, they go after the tip, they chase after shanked passes, and they sacrifice their bodies. Meet eight Liberos/Defensive Specialist from the 37th annual Las Vegas Classic. Some are from Southern California and some are from Northern California. They made unbelievable plays to keep rallies going. They are in order of their graduating year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":330708,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Stormy Grant-Gorence","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023 Committed: Smith College","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sherman Oakes CES High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"City 18 Gold","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eStormy Grant-Gorence u003c/strongu003ewas listed as an outside on the roster but she wore the libero jersey and played the position very well. She was digging and diving, popping balls up, quick on her feet, and communicating with her teammates. Grant-Gorence was fun to watch as she kept a smile on her face and good energy on the court. There were several times that she was on the floor saving kills from landing. I didn't get to see her play in the position of an OH but just knowing she is listed as OH and plays libero lets us know she has more tools to utilize in the sport. Coached by Mitch Kallick and Karl Rojo, Stormy will be a great asset on the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":330729,"_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='160946' first='Grace' last='Min']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2023 Committed: Cal State Fullerton","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"5'2u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Sunny Hills High School","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"Apex1 18 Black","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='160946' first='Grace' last='Min'] u003c/strongu003ehas an advantage with her size by being able to get to the floor quickly and stop a ball from landing. She communicates well and hustles to cover her hitters. She has a strong mental game by being able to handle tough situations. Min has quick lateral mobility being able to get into position ready to halt an attack. She recovers quickly and can save a hit off the block. Coached by Gus and Joshua Tuaniga and Katrina Tagaloasa, Grace will be beneficial on the next level of play.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":330731,"_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Sophia Sharp","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Long Beach Wilson High School","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"Apex1 16 Black","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eSophia Sharp u003c/strongu003edoesn't hesitate to get on the ground and make a play. Her speed and explosiveness helped with her back-row defense. She runs into position, covering her pins. She can bump pass on target to her setter or hitters. Sharp did not hesitate to go after balls to make plays. She would dive and dig then get right back on her feet ready to defend. Sophia is coached by Teddi Esko and Candance Nicholson. She's a libero to keep an eye on.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["200328"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eAshlyn Victa's u003c/strongu003egreat reaction time helps her dig hard kills. She is one libero who hustles on the court and is light on her feet. She appeared to be calm under pressure and made smart decisions on where to go with the ball when she received the second touch. Victa has a solid platform that makes for perfect ball control. She can pass the ball on target making it easier for the setter to get off a perfect set. She showed no fear when sacrificing her body to dig a ball. Coached by Andre Badillo and Justine Lee, Ashlyn is a libero to be on the radar.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":330733,"_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Kylie Grundman","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Edison High School","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"Seal Beach 17 Blue","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eKylie Grundman u003c/strongu003ehas no problem with getting down on the court to dig an opponent's kill. She protects the floor and plays well under pressure. Grundman has a quick reaction to recover balls and dig them up to place on target. She was ready at all times in a position to receive an attack, cover the tip, or get the second ball.  Coached by Litara Keil and Joy Umeh, Kylie is a libero to watch.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":330735,"_player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"Lindsay Fong","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"5'4u0022","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"Dublin High School","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"NorCal VBC 15 Blue","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_5_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eLindsay Fong u003c/strongu003ewas ready to defend after every play. She would get in a ready stance, her platform solid and focused for serve receive. Passing is an important fundamental skill that she is pretty consistent at. Fong hustles to get the tips, covers her pins, goes after shanked balls, and saves balls that go off the block.  She is quick to react to balls that come her way. Coached by Jay Felch and Carrie Archer Lindsay is a hidden gem to be showcased.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":331055,"_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"Jadyn DeRuiter","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Clovis West High School","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"Valley Volleyball Academy 16-2","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eJadyn DeRuiter u003c/strongu003eshows one of the most important skills a libero possesses: consistent ball passing. She can turn a hopeless point into a victory by her passing. Her defense back row helps her pick up the junk balls like tips off the block. She can pass the ball to start her team's offense.  Coached by Matt Terra, Courtney Thacker, and Jerry Vang, Jadyn is a name that should be known.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":331059,"_player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"Sophia Montiel","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"Rancho Bernardo High School","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"San Diego Volleyball Club 16 Lindsey","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_7_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eSophia Montiel u003c/strongu003eis listed on the roster as a libero but in the game, I watched she was the defensive specialist. She plays well under pressure and is proficient in her defense technique. She helped her team side out. She was utilized for critical moments in gameplay. Montiel has a good balance of skills with strong importance on defense. Alongside the libero, she took control of the court by being smart and reliable. She made her presence known by passing and diving. Sophia is coached by Lindsey Olhausen Scott, Danielle Lamb, Connor Bentley, and Kristopher Pua. She should be on the radar.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd84c5af7c4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great way to support our volleyball athletes and teams is by sharing our stories with family, friends, and fans. This can be done by subscribing or sharing on social media. Follow Prep Dig and Prep Dig California on their many different social media platforms ie: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Sometimes unintentional errors happen. For any corrections, please email them to niqnaq23@gmail.com and put “PrepDig correction” in the subject line. Thank you for the support and happy reading!! *If you are a player, please claim or create your player profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->