Nebraska 2028 Top 50: Lockdown Liberos Ready for Prep Impact

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's shift over to the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have a lot to discuss in the wake of our <a href="https://prepdig.com/nebraska/rankings/2028-rankings/">Nebraska 2028 rankings update</a>. Our first Top 50 has arrived, and we've already highlighted a group of <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/08/nebraska-2028-top-50-elite-middles-poised-for-sophomore-surge/">middle blockers</a> poised for a stellar sophomore season. Today's feature brings out another position group with plenty of top-tier representation in the Top 50: liberos.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect a few underclassman liberos to top Nebraska's stat sheet this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["737370"],"_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-68a5ff05e7395"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ashland-Greenwood gave us an excellent introduction to our top-ranked libero during last year's high school season. This elite defender racked up over 400 total digs last fall and transformed the Bluejay backcourt in her debut campaign. We were already familiar with Bridges' game before her freshman season, as she plays up a year with [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] on the club side. She adapted to any role for this year's VCN 16 Elite squad and helped the team climb to 16 Open's final Gold bracket at GJNC. That was the final triumph leading to Bridges' high standing in the 2028 rankings.</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-68a5ff05e73eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nowling has amassed an impressive list of accolades while still having a long prep journey ahead. She was one of many featured freshmen on last year's Gretna squad that climbed to the Class B quarterfinals. Nowling played various DS roles for the Dragons and amassed 250 digs en route to the postseason. Speaking of postseason volleyball, Nowling was at her best as she anchored the Premier Nebraska 15 Gold defense throughout 2025, culminating in a 15 USA title at USAV Nationals. Gretna's defense will have several familiar faces in this year's backcourt, and Nowling's role will keep expanding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["625558"],"_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-68a5ff05e7458"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's something about a libero being the emotional leader of a team. That's what we saw from Gutz during [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 15 Black's memorable 2025 season. Gutz brought infectious on-court energy as 15 Black scratched and clawed to Gold brackets and a postseason appearance. We got a glimpse of Gutz's skills when she competed on the Prep Dig Circuit, but this year has completely overhauled her scouting report. This first-year starter at Lincoln East will have more to gain in Year 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["573571"],"_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-68a5ff05e74b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As mentioned in our introductory feature, Cisneros was a vital catalyst to South Central NE 15 Black's ascent to the GJNC podium. The Milford standout passed dimes in Dallas and allowed 15 Black's frontcourt attackers to flourish. This year's fall season will provide ample opportunities to remain in the spotlight after Milford reached the 2024 Class C1 semifinals. Cisneros has become accustomed to that pressure and will add to the triple-digit dig total she logged as a freshman.</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-68a5ff05e74fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Omaha Marian has a lot of defensive talent to replace from last year's squad, opening opportunities for players like Menicucci to step in and shine. This instinctive libero was Nebraska Elite 15 Koa's back-row leader this year and compiled an impressive highlight tape from the 2025 season. Menicucci did not shy away from the nation's most physical lineups at national qualifiers. Of course, 15 Koa also leaned on Menicucci's pinpoint passing to operate its dynamic in-system offense. Jumping to the Class A scene will not slow Menicucci's positive momentum, especially following another quality summer outing at AAU Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730564"],"_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-68a5ff05e7542"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nebraska Elite gets another one. This year's Nebraska Elite 15 Koa roster was stacked with defensive talent, and Timmerman proved she can shoulder any responsibility while facing Open competition. Regardless of whether she was a DS substitute or wearing the contrasting jersey, Timmerman brought the intensity and precision needed to upgrade 15 Koa's back row. Her exceptional club campaign wasn't a surprise, as Timmerman put up a massive 500-dig total for Norfolk Catholic as a freshman. Expect a similar output as the Knights chase another tournament berth this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->