No Balls Shall Fall : Top DS/Liberos of Rally Cup – Part 2

Great teams are built on great defense, and these athletes showed why the back row is just as critical as the front line. Whether it's controlling serve receive, chasing down tips, or shutting down a hot hitter with a jaw-dropping dig, the six players below brought energy, discipline, and heart to Rally Cup's toughest matches.    A steady veteran presence in the back row, Ruby anchors the defense with confidence. Her 5'10” frame gives her range, and she uses it to full advantage by covering deep court and attacking seams aggressively. She also adds value behind the service line with smart, well-placed serves. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Felicia's intensity and speed make her a valuable defensive asset for Blessed Trinity. She reads hitters exceptionally well and rarely lets anything drop in her zone. Her serve receive is reliable, and she knows how to keep the game flowing when things get chaotic. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Dakota's fearless play in the back row makes her one of the most exciting young liberos to watch. She covers an impressive amount of ground and has a fast reaction time that allows her to get a touch on even the most difficult balls. Expect her to continue climbing as a defensive leader in Georgia. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Still an underclassman, Lyra is already making waves as a key defensive presence. She communicates well, adjusts quickly to changes in tempo, and brings a spark of energy that lifts her teammates. Her hustle never fades—even in high-pressure points. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Lilly's defensive awareness stood out throughout the weekend. Her ability to track tips, roll shots, and off-speed attacks made her a key part of McIntosh's defensive core. She brings quick feet, great anticipation, and isn't afraid to get low and gritty on long rallies. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast       Nana is one of the most composed defenders on the floor. Her read-and-react game is elite, and she makes hard digs look effortless. She was especially impactful in serve receive, often neutralizing strong servers and giving McIntosh's offense a clean start. Quiet but consistent, Nana does the little things right every time. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    Note to GA Athletes: If I didn't get the chance to write about you this week — I see you and I appreciate your game! I covered as many players as I could at AAU Nationals, but with limited time and so many talented athletes, I couldn't feature everyone. If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following<a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"> BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community! ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast

Great teams are built on great defense, and these athletes showed why the back row is just as critical as the front line. Whether it's controlling serve receive, chasing down tips, or shutting down a hot hitter with a jaw-dropping dig, the six players below brought energy, discipline, and heart to Rally Cup's toughest matches.