2025 Club Preview: L2 161

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A promising group of 2027 prospects, L2's 161 squad is coming off a 2024 season that saw it hold its own among the best in Michigan and the Lakeshore Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into the 2025 season, L2 161 has high hopes that it can continue to build on the young club's brand and come through with some notable wins throughout the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>L2 161 is being coached by Eric Lindstrom and Rachel Speck.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>L2 161</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='471313' first='Nellie' last='Alves'] - S</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='442991' first='Leah' last='Bongiovanni'] - OH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='523833' first='Tessa' last='Boomhour'] - MH</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='442989' first='Kyler' last='Madison'] - DS/L</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='454368' first='Lexa' last='Pierson'] - OH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='523832' first='Charley' last='Romeo'] - RS/OH</td></tr><tr><td>Ellaena Michelin - MH</td><td>Lauryn Bitzer - OH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='442968' first='Amelia' last='Vogelheim'] - DS/L</td></tr><tr><td>Sam Monroe - MH</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Setting Experience</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>L2 will be handing the offense reins over to Novi setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471313' first='Nellie' last='Alves']</strong>. The 5'11” Alves has put in a lot of work to hone her craft and looks set for a big club year. On top of her ability to run a quick offense, Alves isn't afraid to be aggressive, herself, and turn on the ball. She also brings a tough serve to the floor, which should be a common theme for this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Offensive Depth</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This L2 squad will have no shortage of arms to work with at the net. On the outside, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442991' first='Leah' last='Bongiovanni']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454368' first='Lexa' last='Pierson']</strong>, <strong>Lauryn Bitzer </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523832' first='Charley' last='Romeo']</strong> can all put the ball down. Bongiovanni is a new addition to the squad. A 5'11” outside that can play either pin, Bongiovanni could be in for some highlight-reel kills this club season. Romeo is an option that can play anywhere along the net. Pierson brings a dynamic game to the floor as a six-rotation outside. She can change the game with her hitting or her defensive ability. Bitzer is an all-around option that provides a lot of depth. She can play as a six-rotation outside, or even move into a setting role if need be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the middle, L2 brings a lot of size with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523833' first='Tessa' last='Boomhour']</strong>, <strong>Sam Monroe </strong>and <strong>Ellaena Michelin</strong>. Boomhour is a 6'1” middle from Dexter and can be a real game changer on the court. She's got quickness and is very agile, which makes her very dangerous on the block. Monroe is a 6-footer that is a new addition to the squad. She's got great arm speed and can put the ball down no matter where she is on the floor. Michelin doesn't have the same size as her teammates at 5'9”, but her quickness is a big asset for the squad. She can get a lot of lift off the floor, which allows her to compete against anyone in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Options</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>L2 will utilize <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442989' first='Kyler' last='Madison'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442968' first='Amelia' last='Vogelheim'] </strong>as their two primary defenders. Madison is coming off some injuries, so it may take her some time to get fully up to speed, but L2 looks at her as a big part of their ball control game plan. She's a fiery competitor that is willing to put it all on the line for her team. Vogelheim also brings a lot of good ball control to the floor. She challenges herself to make the tough plays and also can be a big difference maker from the service line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Expectations</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team shows a lot of promise and it will come down to how quickly they can mesh together and find a good stride for the season. They've got all the intangibles to be a team that can compete with the best 16's in Michigan. Things gets started quickly for them with the L2/Rise Train and Play even this weekend in Grand Rapids before heading to The Nike Classic next week. That should give this squad a clear indication of what is ahead for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->