M1 Scrimmage Invite: Owning the Middle

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Rochester, MN | National Volleyball Center</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle position often determines the pace and physicality of a match, and at the M1 Elite Scrimmage Invite, that impact was on full display. With an invite-only field packed with top-tier talent, the level of play demanded middles who could control the net, close blocks with purpose, and stay dynamic in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the day in Rochester, these middle blockers separated themselves by owning space at the net—slowing opposing offenses, creating second-chance opportunities, and becoming reliable options in first-tempo attacks. Their ability to influence rallies on both sides of the ball elevated the competition and set the tone in every match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the middles who didn't just compete—they dictated play and proved why the middle remains one of the most impactful positions on the court that I saw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nora Lieser","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Centennial","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Minnesota Select","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695ebc037c740"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nora Lieser was one of the most technically sound middles we saw at the M1 Invite, and her skill set translates immediately to the club season. Her slide is crisp—clean footwork, efficient crossover, and excellent timing with the setter—which consistently pulled blocks out of position. Nora stays balanced through her approach and contacts the ball high, giving her control and range. At the net, she showed strong read-blocking skills, closing seams with purpose rather than guessing. Expect her offensive efficiency and blocking impact to continue rising as club play speeds up. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["506478"],"_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-695ebc037c7ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='506478' first='Ashlyn' last='Schulze'] looked every bit the high-level Division I middle she's committed to becoming at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Her blocking presence was commanding—quick lateral movement, strong eye sequencing, and aggressive hand penetration over the net. Ashlyn closes blocks fast and seals space, forcing hitters to adjust mid-swing. Offensively, she runs a fast first-tempo with confidence and stays available in transition. Her physicality and consistency make her a middle who can dictate matches, and club season is where that dominance will only sharpen. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199399"],"_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-695ebc037c7fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='199399' first='Kendall' last='Worwa'] controlled the middle with size, timing, and discipline, showing exactly why she's headed to North Dakota State University. Her blocking stood out at the M1 Invite—particularly her ability to read setters early and close pin-to-middle with urgency. Kendall's hands are strong and well-positioned, taking away high-percentage angles and slowing offenses. On the attack, she stays efficient, runs clean routes, and scores without forcing swings. As club season ramps up, her ability to control the net will be a game-changer. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735803"],"_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-695ebc037c848"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='735803' first='Addyson' last='Quandt'] showcased a well-rounded middle skill set that continues to trend upward as she prepares for the next level at Montana State University Billings. She runs efficient offensive routes and adjusts smoothly to different tempos and set locations. At the net, Addyson's blocking technique has improved—better hand positioning, stronger presses, and more discipline in closing space. She stays active through transition and doesn't disappear between touches. Club season will be a great stage for her to turn steady production into consistent point control. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913835"],"_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-695ebc037c892"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='913835' first='Ava' last='Meyer'] might only be a freshman, but her skill level and court management stood out immediately at the M1 Invite. She transitions quickly off the net, runs confident first-tempo routes, and shows advanced timing for her age. Ava's blocking timing and spacing are well ahead of the curve, allowing her to stay involved play after play. She plays with calm control and a high volleyball IQ, rarely looking rushed. As club season unfolds, her growth curve is steep, and she's a middle who will continue to surprise people. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->