DII State Semis: 2025 Role Players to Watch

Jacsyn Hilliard – MarlingtonThe 5’5 libero is leading the Dukes defensively at 4.7 d/s. Over the most recent two seasons she has been steady with an average of over 14 digs per match over that stretch. Her recent postseason effort…

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Jacsyn Hilliard – Marlington
The 5’5 libero is leading the Dukes defensively at 4.7 d/s. Over the most recent two seasons she has been steady with an average of over 14 digs per match over that stretch. Her recent postseason effort has produced some of her biggest numbers including a new career high of 36 digs in Marlington’s 3-2 regional semifinal win over Kenston.

Layne Graffice – Marlington
The 5’9 pin hitter is the offensive leader for the Dukes at 4.3 k/s. She has been making contributions for Marlington for a handful of seasons and 2023 is her best yet. She has earned a career best 383 kills through highs of efficiency at .407 and kill percentage at 50%. Defensively she adds 7.4 d/m. She was recently named DII 2nd team all-Ohio.

Ashley Sess – Mercy McAuley
Sess leads the Wolves defensively at the net with 75 total blocks. Her net presence is a big factor in helping her team to keep opposing offenses at bay. On the offensive side, the 6’2 middle has increased her level as she has earned more kills at 185 in 2023 for a 2.1 k/s average while hitting more efficiently at .317.

Caroline Moore – Mercy McAuley
The 5’11 lefty opposite has helped to create some of the best offensive balance among these remaining DII teams. She is earning comparable numbers to a season ago but this group has more consistency in their full offensive arsenal. At 2.3 k/s Moore is second on the team in attacking with better output at a career best .308 efficiency. She is committed to Oakland.

Brie Habeeb – Gilmour Academy
Recently named to the DII all-Ohio honorable mention list, Habeeb has had a big season defensively for the Lancers. Her 6.3 d/m average is among the best in the state as she has picked up 527 total digs with the state semifinals ahead of her. Habeeb has made a significant leap in her production for this program, which includes earning double-figure digs in every match of 2023 thus far. In the postseason alone she has earned 102 total digs, including some of her biggest efforts coming in their most recent wins in the regional round with 27 and 28 digs to help lead the Lancers to the state semis.