Road to June 15th: Revisiting Top Pin Hitters in 2027 Rankings

Let's dive deeper into Nebraska's top 2027s as we approach June 15.   Last weekend, we set up our latest spotlight series by discussing the <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/05/road-to-june-15th-our-favorite-2027-features-of-the-club-season/">significance of June 15</a> in the yearly volleyball cycle. It's the start of open communication between college recruiters and rising junior prospects--or, in this year's terms, the Class of 2027.   Nebraska is stacked with recruitable 2027s, and we'll break down many of them over the next few weeks and beyond. Today's future highlights top-tier pin hitters with three different "superlatives" listed below.     Multi-Position Standouts   Though this feature is all about pin hitters, we're highlighting a few elite athletes who can flex into multiple frontcourt positions.    Wallraff has remained our top-ranked player in Nebraska's Class of 2027, and that's after lighting up the scoreboard at two different positions. We now know Wallraff for her high-flying kills on the left side, but we're not far removed from her tenure as a first-year middle blocker for Elkhorn North. Wallraff was among Nebraska's most efficient attackers as a freshman and has accomplished the same as a full-time outside hitter. She does it all.     Ervin first captured our attention as a hard-hitting middle blocker for Ogallala on the prep stage. She has now transitioned into one of Nebraska Juniors' most lethal attackers, and she's primarily doing it on the right side. This exceptional lefty is a perfect fit for the opposite position and is allowed to run a variety of routes for Nebraska Juniors 16 Black. She has even expanded her backcourt game, giving us another wrinkle for Ervin's scouting report.     Roger has changed clubs and positions since we first covered her prep journey, and she's playing her best volleyball this spring. She has emerged as a game-changing left-side hitter for [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Black, helping the team clinch a GJNC bid through the Great Plains Region. Roger was a force as a middle blocker but has flourished as a pin hitter who can remain aggressive in out-of-system situations.     Sidlo has done it all. She has played middle blocker for Lincoln Lutheran, run offenses at the setter spot with [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''], and has exhibited her versatility again with [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE']. This state champion is a vital piece of the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black operation, all while playing up an age group. Sidlo is a stout right-side blocker and still puts plenty of quality work as a setter. Her positional designation is ever-changing.      All-Around Specialists   This is similar to our last segment, but this group has become known for backcourt prowess in addition to their terminal abilities on the pin.    Lauenstein is one of the most well-rounded six-rotation outsides in Nebraska's 2027 class. She's a go-to attacker, an excellent passer, and has transformed matches through her lethal serve. Her Premier Nebraska 16 Gold had its big Open breakthrough at the Show Me Qualifier, an accomplishment that wouldn't have been possible without Lauenstein's versatility and leadership.     Yes, Premier 16 Gold's lineup is stacked with six-rotation juggernauts. Bails has embraced her role as a "wildcard" player in the starting rotation. She has stacked up highlight-worthy kills on the left side but has also been a stabilizing substitute in the middle-back area. This Papio South sophomore is eager to defend last year's state title, but GJNC is on tap first.     Bornschlegl's development has accelerated as she gains a wealth of experience on big stages. She provided crucial kills during Norris's long-awaited breakthrough to the Class B title. This dynamic pin hitter is also a staple in the [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] gym, especially as Bornschlegl continues to hone her backcourt skills. She has grown into a true six-rotation threat who can do far more than carry an offense, and Norris will likely lean on these skills this fall.    Not-So-Hidden Gems   We sometimes refer to Nebraska's small-town standouts as "hidden gems," but rural athletes have established a major footprint in the state's 2027 class. They're not hidden anymore.    Herian has helped turn Pierce High School into a state tournament mainstay, but that's not the only place where she's finding success. This rangy left-side hitter joined the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Synergy crew this spring and has seen her game translate to the Open level. Herian has also learned how to carry a heavier burden in the back row and keeps elevating her defensive presence. This small-town star has massive impact potential.     We have another [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black pin hitter playing up from the Class of 2027. Timmons has been with this group for a while, so we got an early introduction to her strength and power on the left pin. She is perhaps best known for her production with Fairbury High School, where she is putting up head-spinning numbers as the team's featured attacker. Timmons had a whopping 6.4 kills per set last fall and managed to hit well over 0.300 with that volume. This is one of the best on the small-town scene.     Grossart has been one of the athletes leading a small-town renaissance with South Central NE. She had a spectacular 15s campaign last year and kept dominating en route to a state tournament appearance with Central Valley. Grossart skies over opposing blockers and has become a more well-rounded player with South Central NE 16 Black. Qualifier stops and regional events have perpetuated Grossart's steady ascent.

Let's dive deeper into Nebraska's top 2027s as we approach June 15.