Oregon Top250: Defensive Specialists Dominate (Pt. 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was quite the afternoon at the Courts in Beaverton on Sunday, December 22nd. With over 100 athletes from Oregon and Washington gathering to compete, it was a fast-paced and high-energy-filled gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To wrap up our coverage of the showcase, we'll be spotlighting athletes by position who attended the event. Check out our evaluations of the DS/L in attendance!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547610"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746481,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e4d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Palaniuk is a 5-5 defensive specialist/libero from Tumwater, Washington. Her commanding presence in serve receive stood out from the start and continued to impress throughout the showcase. She demonstrated a controlled platform and active footwork, consistently delivering quality passes to the setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740383"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746482,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e569"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooley is a 5-0 defensive specialist/libero from Portland, Oregon. Her quick reaction time was evident during position work, especially when digging challenging swings outside her zone. An athletic and dynamic defender, she made several electrifying digs during gameplay, keeping her team alive in rallies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["575180"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746483,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e5e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morimatsu is a 5-6 defensive specialist/libero from Beaverton, Oregon. Her reliable first contact was instrumental in setting up successful plays. Diligent and focused during serve receive, she moved her feet efficiently to position herself for quality passes. Her consistency carried over into gameplay, where her passing kept her team in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["736126"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746484,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e656"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Spence is a 5-3 defensive specialist/libero from Medford, Oregon. She relied on simple yet efficient movements on serve receive, allowing her to consistently deliver accurate passes to the setter. On defense, her controlled platform and active footwork helped her maintain composure against tough servers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740390"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746485,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e6cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wellnitz is a 5-5 defensive specialist/libero from Beaverton, Oregon. She immediately made her presence known with her commanding court presence and communication skills. During position work, her ability to make quick defensive adjustments stood out. Additionally, her confidence in stepping in to deliver well-placed out-of-system balls with her hands added another layer to her skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740391"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746486,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e73f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jondahl is a 5-7 defensive specialist/libero from Beaverton, Oregon. Her defensive instincts shone brightly during position work, seamlessly translating into gameplay. Her hustle and determination on defense kept her team in rallies, making her a valuable asset on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["713621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746489,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e7a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">O'Malley is a 5-6 defensive specialist/libero from Bainbridge Island, Washington. A standout defender, she made her mark early in the showcase. Her refined technical skills in both serve receive and defense were evident. Her controlled yet quick movements allowed her to make key saves for her team during game play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["499209"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":746490,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6799623a2e7fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prunk is a 5-6 defensive specialist/libero from Bellevue, Washington. Her defensive performance was impressive, marked by quick footwork and high level angles that consistently directed the ball to the setter. On serve receive, she displayed exceptional control, combining a solid platform with diligent footwork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We can support these amazing athletes by sharing articles with family, friends, fans, and coaches. To do this, subscribe to our site and share across your social media platforms.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay informed by following Prep Dig on its various social media platforms. Follow Prep Dig PNW on Instagram (@prepdigpnw) for updates on Oregon and Washington athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes, unintentional errors happen. For corrections, please email prepdigpnw@gmail.com with“PrepDig Correction” in the subject line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->