Five 10th Region Defensive Specialists to Watch this Fall

The 10th Region returns some experienced defensive specialists this fall. Those solid first contacts could go a long way in determining if the winner again comes out of the 37th District.   These five come to mind and the list could grow as the season progresses. Scott has been region runner-up to a fellow district opponent the past two seasons, but [player_tooltip player_id='477094' first='Elise' last='Manhardt'] is hoping to help get the Eagles over the hump this fall.    Manhardt (pictured) has been a consistent defensive specialist for the Eagles since her eighth grade year in 2020. Manhardt does a great job squaring up her arms to balls and making solid passes to setters. She gives great effort going after balls, even going to her knees and moving toward the sidelines. She keeps her eyes on where the ball is going and does not hide behind the blocks. The coaches can rely on Manhardt to consistently start Scott's offensive rhythm. The lefty also has a deceptive back row serve. It may appear to be going out, but Manhardt finds ways to keep it in, even if only by an inch or two. Manhardt led Scott with 402 digs last year to go with 43 aces helping the Eagles to a 24-16 record, a 37th District Tournament championship and second straight 10th Region runner-up finish.     McIntyre became a nice six-rotation player for the Camels this past fall. McIntrye covers the floor well constantly making nice passes and backing up hitters and blockers. McIntyre also has good form on her serve reception, consistently starting the Camel attack. McIntrye has shown she can be an offensive threat when needed. She keeps her swinging arm near her body allowing more power to go into balls. McIntrye always sends ball across the net with a purpose. McIntyre had 457 digs helping the Camels to a 19-14 record and 10th Region championship last fall.     Reckner gained some valuable experience as a freshman for the Mustangs last fall, contributing in every statistical category. She mainly played defensive specialist for the Mustangs with some setting. Reckner is trying to become a solid all-around player as her role expanded to some hitting at the club level. Reckner constantly moves her feet getting herself into a good form to pass balls. She is a lefty and that could be more of a weapon for the Mustangs this fall. Reckner has shown the ability to rise up and place balls to different parts of the court. Reckner had 148 digs helping the Mustangs to a 21-13 record with another All "A" 10th Region crown.     Bourbon County head coach Lauren Eads said Barnes is an extremely dedicated athlete and it shows on the court. She goes hard after everything. Barnes is not afraid to go down on her knees after balls. Barnes can quickly transition from defender to hitter. Barnes can hit balls to different parts of the court from the front and back row. When she follows though, her hits are hard to dig up. Barnes is also a reliable server. Barnes had 296 digs, 169 kills and 56 aces for the Colonels last fall, giving her more than 1,000 career digs.     Verst is a sound, three-sport athlete for Pendleton County. Verst makes solid first contacts in serve receive and digging for Pendleton County. Her experience and leadership could go a long way for the Wildcats this season as the team adjusts to a third head coach in three seasons. Verst ranked among the state leaders with 543 digs helping the Wildcats to a 16-14 record and spot in the 10th Region Tournament last year.

The 10th Region returns some experienced defensive specialists this fall. Those solid first contacts could go a long way in determining if the winner again comes out of the 37th District.

These five come to mind and the list could grow as the season progresses. Scott has been region runner-up to a fellow district opponent the past two seasons, but Elise Manhardt Elise Manhardt DS/L Scott | 2025 State KY is hoping to help get the Eagles over the hump this fall.