Metro West: Power Programs and Players Turning Up the Heat

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   *Please note that stats are always changing; these were the most current numbers available at the time of publication.*   The Metro West Conference is running neck-and-neck as the regular season winds down, and the level of volleyball being played is electric. Chanhassen continues to set the pace, remaining undefeated and showcasing a deep, balanced lineup that fires on all cylinders. But the real tension sits just below — with Benilde-St. Margaret's, Chaska, and New Prague locked in a three-way tie for second, every match from here on out carries postseason-level intensity.   The competitive gap is razor-thin, and tournament play is shaping up to be nothing short of thrilling. These teams are trading heavy swings, quick tempo offenses, and defensive grit that makes every set a battle. The atmosphere in gyms has that unmistakable playoff feel — every rally matters, and every kill, block, or dig could shift momentum.   With all this firepower on display, a handful of standout athletes are proving to be the difference-makers — players whose consistency, leadership, and ability to execute under pressure are fueling their team's success. What makes this group even more impressive? Each of them has topped 200 kills this season, a testament to their endurance, skill, and dominance at the net.   These athletes aren't just putting up numbers — they're driving their teams deep into the postseason conversation. Their mix of high IQ play, strong shot selection, and relentless work ethic make them the kind of competitors every college coach should have circled.   So as we head into the most crucial stretch of the year, here are the Metro West players who have separated themselves from the pack — the ones you'll want to write down, watch closely, and expect to see make big noise in tournament play.    [player_tooltip player_id='442682' first='Ella' last='Zieske'] – Outside Hitter – 377 Kills There's no question that [player_tooltip player_id='442682' first='Ella' last='Zieske'] has been the offensive engine for her squad this season. With 377 kills and counting, she's commanding the left pin with veteran-like poise. What stands out most is her ability to score in rhythm—whether she's facing a double block, attacking high off hands, or threading the seam, Zieske finds a way to produce. Her approach mechanics are clean, with explosive first-step speed and a fluid arm swing that generates serious torque. She's also developed strong court awareness, adjusting to block placement and using her vision to exploit soft spots in the back row. Zieske's all-around play extends beyond her offense; her back-row defense and serve receive have shown steady improvement, allowing her to stay terminal without sacrificing control. She's a legitimate six-rotation weapon and one of the most complete outsides in the Metro West right now. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='508163' first='Avery' last='Minor'] – Outside Hitter – 274 Kills [player_tooltip player_id='508163' first='Avery' last='Minor'] is a gamer — the kind of outside hitter who thrives under pressure and swings with purpose. With 274 kills on the season, she's been a consistent scoring threat from both pins. Her contact point is high and fast, and she brings strong shoulder sequencing that gives her the ability to attack over the block instead of around it. Minor's transition footwork is crisp, allowing her to stay available even in long rallies, and she's not afraid to go after tough out-of-system balls. Defensively, she brings strong reads and disciplined positioning that keep her team in system. She's an athlete that brings intensity every point, and her competitive edge shows up when matches tighten — exactly what college programs look for in a dependable, high-IQ outside. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='338397' first='Bryn' last='Lunski'] – Right Side/Outside Hitter – 245 Kills – Committed to St. Thomas Committed to St. Thomas, [player_tooltip player_id='338397' first='Bryn' last='Lunski'] is proving exactly why she's headed to the next level. With 245 kills this season, she's a versatile attacker who can terminate from both pins. Lunski's biggest weapon is her ability to read the block early and adjust mid-air — whether it's tooling off hands, swinging down the line, or rolling into open space, her shot variety makes her unpredictable. She's also become a reliable blocking presence, pressing hands over with great timing and creating tough matchups for opposing outsides. Her volleyball IQ and composure stand out — she never forces swings, instead choosing smart, high-efficiency shots that keep rallies alive or end them outright. Lunski's balance of physical power and strategic play is exactly what sets her apart as a next-level scorer. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='509917' first='Sailor' last='Friedly'] – Outside Hitter – New Prague – 211 Kills For Benilde-St. Margarets, [player_tooltip player_id='509917' first='Sailor' last='Friedly'] has been a steady offensive anchor all season, registering 211 kills while leading by example in competitive match environments. Her swing is smooth and technically sound, allowing her to score in rhythm off both high sets and quick-tempo balls. Friedly reads the block early and makes intelligent adjustments, using a mix of deep-corner shots and sharp angles to stay unpredictable. What stands out is her defensive transition speed — she moves from coverage to attack fluidly, keeping rallies alive and turning second-chance balls into kills. Friedly plays with quiet confidence, the kind that grounds her team and fuels consistent success match after match. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

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