Which 2027 Liberos Made Big First Impressions at NLQ?
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Let’s bring a few backcourt specialists into the mix. Yesterday, we discussed a few Class of 2027 middle blockers who had fruitful trips from Nebraska to Minneapolis. Our player features from NLQ continue with lockdown liberos from the same class.…
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Continue ReadingLet’s bring a few backcourt specialists into the mix.
Yesterday, we discussed a few Class of 2027 middle blockers who had fruitful trips from Nebraska to Minneapolis. Our player features from NLQ continue with lockdown liberos from the same class. The 15s are on the rise.
Add these standouts to the list.
Nevaeh Jacobson Nevaeh Jacobson 5'4" | DS/L Millard South | 2027 NE
Nevaeh Jacobson Nevaeh Jacobson 5'4" | DS/L Millard South | 2027 NE
Here’s our chance to expand on Jacobson’s role with Premier 15 Black. This instinctive defender was the cornerstone of 15 Black’s defense en route to a Nationals bid at NLQ. Jacobson could always be relied upon to dive into the crosscourt and pick up any tips or roll shots. She was similarly effective in serve receive while picking up any seams between her teammates. Jacobson will keep rising while 15 Black hones its skills in preparation for this summer’s big stage.
Ferguson earned some valuable reps as a starting DS for Elkhorn last fall. It’s no surprise to see her thriving for Premier 15 Red in a variety of roles. Ferguson’s command of 15 Red’s back row doesn’t waver whether she’s in the libero jersey or playing as a defensive sub. She has the quickness to track down balls and the instincts to put herself in the right place. Ball control could become a significant strength for 15 Red.
Martha Lampe
Martha Lampe
15 Red has multiple defenders who can don the libero jersey. Lampe saw a lot of time in the contrasting uniform during NLQ and elevated 15 Red’s ball control to an even higher level. Not only was Lampe effective at keeping her team in system, but her wicked serves forced opposing teams out of system, too. Having a defensive specialist who can tilt serve receive in your favor on both sides is a huge asset. Lampe has it all.
Averi Scardina Averi Scardina 5'1" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Averi Scardina Averi Scardina 5'1" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2027 NE
Don’t forget about Premier 15 Silver. Scardina was a persistent playmaker for this group as it pushed toward the final 15 American bracket. Quality passes were especially important for 15 Silver as it leaned on its middle production throughout the even. This is where Scardina added value by setting up the offense for success. This is just the beginning of Scardina’s development as Premier Nebraska’s libero depth continues to build.
Samantha Hagaman
Samantha Hagaman
Nebraska ONE ‘s storied history of standout liberos will carry on. Hagaman is one of a few 15 Lime defenders who stood out at NLQ. Her steady Zone 6 presence was a catalyst for the team’s success in the 15 American division. Keep this squad bookmarked as we dive back into Power League action this weekend.
Nebraska Elite 15-1 has some incredibly versatile defensive talent. Casey has extensive experience as an outside hitter but also displayed her adaptability as a DS in Minneapolis. She’s a natural fit for the middle-back area and will gladly take her share of first contacts in serve receive. We might see Casey light it up in the front row before this season is over, so stay tuned.
Highlights
We couldn’t leave Schroeder out of this conversation. Our bid tracker feature on Nebraska Elite 15-1 already mentioned how extraordinary this libero was. The Bennington prep star had a knack for making difficult plays look incredibly easy. That can be attributed to Schroeder’s self confidence and her willingness to take chances. It’s that attitude that lifted Nebraska Elite to the top of the 15 Open race in Minneapolis.
Highlights
Maddie McGreer Maddie McGreer 5'7" | DS/L NE
Maddie McGreer Maddie McGreer 5'7" | DS/L NE
McGreer patrols a large chunk of the court for Nebraska Elite 15-2, so it’s hard not to notice her impact on any given match. She remains steady whether she’s passing with her platform or her hands, allowing McGreer to show some impressive range in the backcourt. Future qualifiers will offer us an even better glimpse at how stout this defender can be.
Kailynn Carlstedt Kailynn Carlstedt 5'5" | DS/L Millard West | 2027 NE
Kailynn Carlstedt Kailynn Carlstedt 5'5" | DS/L Millard West | 2027 NE
As we’ve mentioned in a lot of prior NLQ features, Nebraska Elite had good performances across the board from the 15s age group. That includes Carlstedt’s stint as the libero for Nebraska Elite 15-3. Carlstedt’s team climbed into Gold contention behind some solid backcourt defense and reliable passing throughout the tournament. That’s where this up-and-coming libero showed her leadership while also leaping onto our Class of 2027 radar.