Star Liberos Dominate at Midwest Power League #3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We shouldn't be surprised to see defensive excellence at a Great Plains Region event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our recent features have honed in on a handful of standouts from this year's third Midwest Power League. Lincoln hosted various age groups and clubs, allowing us to get a broad glimpse at the regional scene before a crucial stretch in the 2025 season. Unsurprisingly, liberos are leaving their mark on some of Nebraska's best squads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few lockdown defenders gaining momentum through the Midwest Power League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518571"],"_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-67db29dbb54af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schuster is becoming a do-everything addition to the Nebraska Juniors gym. This Beatrice standout has showcased her setting prowess in past seasons, but her ball-control influence took on a different form at the most recent Power League. She donned the contrasting jersey for Nebraska Juniors 17 Red and had a productive morning as the team's defensive anchor. Schuster has a great feel for knowing whether her platform or hands are suitable for particular situations. She snared plenty of impressive digs against tough foes and will maintain her multi-positional role with 17 Red.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396734"],"_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-67db32d74e24e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We couldn't wait to catch up with this star libero from the small-town scene. South Central NE 17 Black has an incredible lineup of heralded attackers in the front row, but we can't forget about Griess' influence along the end line. This Sutton junior has shouldered plenty of responsibilities as 17 Black's only true DS on the roster. Griess is willing to be the unquestioned leader at this position, and she constantly delivers perfect passes to her setters. GJNC wouldn't be the same without this South Central NE crew, so keep an eye on upcoming qualifiers and regional bid tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396746"],"_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-67db32d74e2d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kubat remains one of the most dynamic defenders in the Club Legacy gym. We've documented her incredible leadership during Omaha Westside's rise to Class A prominence. That experience has translated to a wealth of accolades with Club Legacy 17 Alpha, including a runner-up finish at this month's Midwest Power League. Not only is Kubat a steady commander of 17 Alpha's first contacts, but she can also step in as a secondary setter and deliver perfect out-of-system sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521192"],"_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-67db32d74e344"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Premier Nebraska 16 Red has leaned on its defensive chops throughout the 2025 campaign. Stukenholtz remains a integral part of this equation and took another step forward against regional competition. The Platteview sophomore helped her squad secure at 16 Club championship in dominant fashion. Stukenholtz frustrated opposing attackers with her sprawling saves and kept 16 Red in-system to produce first-ball side-outs. With NLQ quickly approaching, Stukenholtz and her team are looking to dial in the defense even further.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["521233"],"_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-67db32d74e3ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Black's roster is loaded with high-impact defenders who can play any position across the back row. Twarling has thrived in the middle-back area for this squad, but we've also seen her lock down the contrasting jersey. The Norris sophomore makes quick defensive reads and is an indispensable member of the passing formation. 16 Black was one of several [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] teams playing up an age group at the Midwest Power League, preparing this team for the long grind ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["575243"],"_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-67db29dbb558e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nebraska Elite's top 15s squad has a little bit of everything: frontcourt weapons, pin-to-pin balance, and a tone-setter in the back row. Menicucci ties all of this together with her uncanny ability to absorb heat and make pinpoint passes. The Omaha Marian freshman nabbed an early spot on our watch list after appearing on last year's Prep Dig Circuit, and Mecicucci has kept improving since. Her Nebraska Elite 15 Koa squad is a serious regional contender with designs on national success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["567542"],"_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-67db32d74e43c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nowling continues to turn heads in the Premier Nebraska 15 Gold lineup. Her squad aimed high as the only 15s squad in the Power League 17 Open division. This challenge was no problem for Nowling, who already gained a ton of elite experience as a varsity starter for Gretna last fall. Nowling's game is defined by relentless pursuit and incredible anticipation of where the ball is heading. We've also seen her command large areas of the court in serve-receive, freeing up 15 Gold's attackers to terminate. Upcoming qualifiers will be a perfect venue for Nowling's continued ascent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->