Standout Special Teams: Tulsa Attack Pt. 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tulsa Attack is over, but I'm still thinking about the talent in the 16s division. The liberos and setters stood out, proving they're just as crucial as the point scorers. The 16s special teams showed they're on the right path to success on their volleyball journeys. As the tournament wraps up, here's a look at some of the top special teams players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741359"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67856817d8c7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='741359' first='Paisley' last='Leyva']</strong> showed us what a solid, consistent libero looks like this weekend. In serve reception, she had a strong performance all weekend. Paisley provided stability for her team, consistently passing 3s and 2s when needed to avoid being aced and keep the offense flowing. Paisley's court awareness was exceptional, allowing her to read the game and make smart decisions. Her flat float serve was destructive to other teams' plans, as she went on several serving runs, strategically mixing short and deep serves to keep opponents guessing. In addition, Paisley showed her technical ability by using her hands to push free balls to the setter ensuring a smooth transition to offense. She was a standout special teams player this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741366"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67856817d8d81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='741366' first='Addison' last='Hendren']</strong> stuck in my mind as an excellent setter this weekend because of her timing, location, and smart decision-making that kept her team's offense running smoothly. As a true defensive setter, she prioritized digging first in the back row before transitioning to set. In the front row, Addison's athleticism and bounciness made her a dual threat. Her ability to hide her sets kept opposing blockers guessing, creating opportunities for her hitters. She also took advantage of her offensive skill, executing well-timed, tasteful dumps that caught defenders off guard and added an extra layer to her team's offense. Addison's all-around skills are impressive and make her one of the best in the state!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Marleigh O'Connor","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Norman High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Kaizen 16 Black","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67856817d8d31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Marleigh O'Connor</strong> was a force in the back row this weekend, as a libero with her impressive communication and competitive edge. She optimized her space on the floor, making digs before resorting to diving, showing off her volleyball IQ in reading, anticipating, and positioning. In serve receive, Marleigh stayed low and opened up when the serve required, allowing her to take the ball outside her body and deliver more accurate passes with her angle. Her consistent communication and encouraging demeanor on the court uplifted her teammates and kept the energy high. Marleigh's blend of skill, determination, and leadership made her an integral part of her team's defensive success, proving her value time and time again. She is one to watch for the future!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sydnee Jackson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bishop Kelley High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='430897' first='Ultimate' last='Performance Volleyball Club'] 16 Pink","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67856817d8e09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Sydnee Jackson</strong> showed out as a six-rotation setter this weekend, demonstrating her athleticism, hustle, and commitment to bettering the ball in any situation. With strong hands, she could push the ball from anywhere on the court into the perfect spot for hitters to take full approaches. She was integral in creating consistent opportunities for her hitters. What set Sydnee apart was her ability to handle difficult situations or passes. Whether digging out balls thrown low to her or pulling passes out of the net, she found a way to keep the ball alive and upset a lot of teams at the Tulsa Attack this weekend. Sydnee's hustle and determination to make every touch count put the weight of the game on her shoulders, ensuring her team stayed competitive even in tight games. Sydnee's play impressed me this weekend and helped put her on my standout special teams list!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more articles on Oklahoma's finest volleyballers! If you have anyone you think we should watch, please e-mail me at abisnailjoy@gmail.com. To help these athletes get exposure, please repost and share this article on your social media and with family and friends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->