Five 2026 Liberos Trying To Steal The Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 is loaded with talented hitters, so much so that they may be taking the spotlight from away from some really strong defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Being a libero can be a thankless job, but there are plenty in the Class of 2026 that deserve to get the spotlight. Here's five that are working their way toward getting more of that light.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["525571"],"_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-67cb1f8497af4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='525571' first='Cierra' last='Betson'] is having a great club season with Five:1, racking up the digs. Betson looks in control in the back row and isn't wasting a lot of movement. She stays low to the ground to get underneath attacks, but also can supply an accurate pass with a quick reaction or sprawl.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["517120"],"_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-67cb1f8497b50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='517120' first='Rayeann' last='Deriemacker'] has quietly been going about her business and putting together a really sound game in the back row. Whether in the libero jersey, or playing DS, Deriemacker has a good approach and stays squared up to make clean passes to her setters. She looks very composed in her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535359"],"_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-67cb1f8497b98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='535359' first='Delaney' last='Fillman'] has a lot of athleticism, which also allows her to play outside when not sporting the libero jersey. Her quickness and length give her the ability to cover a lot of ground. She also stays very light on her feet and is able to make some dynamic plays that other defenders can't.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490351"],"_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-67cb1f8497bdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Northview wouldn't have had the breakout season it did without strong defensive play. [player_tooltip player_id='490351' first='Quinn' last='Hanna'] was a real unsung hero for the squad at libero. She played with great energy and took on some of the best hitters in the state and came out on top. Her serve receive and passing shows the ability to react quickly, but remain accurate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["446705"],"_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-67cb1f8497c2d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='446705' first='Ava' last='Merlo'] is a player that can turn the tide of a match with her defensive play, or her serve. She's technically sound in both areas and knows what she brings to the table. As a defender, she rarely looks rattled and is able to react quickly during a chaotic rally. No matter where her arms while digging the ball, the setter has a good chance to keep the offense running.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->