Gauntlet 14/15 Premier Defensive Specialists - Making an Impact!

I feel defensive specialists never get enough credit and are often overlooked, when in fact, they should be some of the players that are more frequently showcased. They are expected to be tough servers, pass effectively, take big swings from the back court, and be super quick covering the back end line from corner to corner. They are often also the players that are routinely expected to fill in other spots for those that are absent or for those that are having “off days”. The following defensive specialists all were on fire at the Gauntlet and left a lasting impression.   Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for up to date event coverage, stories, and more.    Majka jumped on my radar right away after I watched her go on a huge serving run with that float serve of hers that has a ton of movement. She was constantly acing teams or had them out of system. She was also solid on serve receive, passed effectively off her midline, and created good angles. She was also scrappy in the backrow, read the opposing teams attackers well, and moved quickly allowing her to pick up a ton of balls that were pushed to the deep corners.     Mathias is a a player with a big skill set that can likely play just about every position on the court. She can serve receive effectively, passing off her midline and delivering balls routinely to target. She also anticipates well and is a digging machine in the backcourt. Mathias hustles, has good instincts, and is also keen on anticipating the next play. Mathias is also an offensive threat at well. She has a great arm swing and will take big rips from the back court.     Hughes was a scrappy defensive specialist that was all over the court last weekend. She was constantly hustling and diving after every ball. She made some huge saves out of the middle back in key moments. Hughes is also solid on serve receive. She anticipates the ball well and created good angles to keep her team in system so they can run their offense.     I have seen Palmer play a few times now and while it has primarily been in the DS position, but I have also seen her in the libero jersey. Palmer is straight up a versatile player that will do whatever is asked of her and make an impact while doing it. She works hard on serve receive, passing off her midline and creating angles to deliver balls to target effectively. She also has a good read on the ball, anticipates quickly, positions herself properly, and thus comes up with some impressive digs and saves.     Schwade was on fire this past weekend at the Gauntlet. She is a scrappy defensive specialist with a big back court presence. She has a good float serve that is flat with a ton of movement. She used it to score her team many points and keep the opposing teams out of system. Schwade also made some impressive digs and saves while covering the end lines, and will even attack from the back court making herself an offensive threat as well.

I feel defensive specialists never get enough credit and are often overlooked, when in fact, they should be some of the players that are more frequently showcased. They are expected to be tough servers, pass effectively, take big swings from the back court, and be super quick covering the back end line from corner to corner. They are often also the players that are routinely expected to fill in other spots for those that are absent or for those that are having “off days”. The following defensive specialists all were on fire at the Gauntlet and left a lasting impression.