Oklahoma Block Party: Meet 5 Disciplined Blockers

A well-executed block can make all the difference in a volleyball match. When a back-row defender can trust the front row to eliminate large portions of the court, she can position herself to see the hitter's angles and dig more attacks. These Oklahoma blockers are the first line of defense for their teams.    [player_tooltip player_id='819203' first='Sophia' last='Lynch'] is a strong right-side blocker and hitting option for [program_tooltip program_id='432025' first='OK' last='Charge']. At Redlands Rendezvous earlier this month, Sophia scored three of her team's first five points. She set a strong block with her middle to shut down her opponent and followed it with two right-side attack kills. Her setter prefers her as a first option for attacking.     [player_tooltip player_id='902270' first='Lydia' last='Matlock'] has a textbook static block. At the Oklahoma Prep Dig Expo Tour, Lydia showed off at both pins. She swung for a line kill on the left side and then switched to the right side, where she scored with a sharp cross kill in front of the setter. Her blocking is impressive. She gets in a good position and loads well to put a good static block up that is easy for a middle to close. When young players block without good body control, it can be problematic for their team, but Lydia is an example of calm, precise blocking movement.     [player_tooltip player_id='752754' first='Taylor' last='Covey'] provided court IQ and strong communication for her team. At the net, she chatters between each rally about the number of hitters and the location of the setter. Her communication is clear, direct, and accompanied by hand signals. She has good court awareness and reads the setter well, giving her plenty of time to camp on her hitter and load a well-placed block. Her blocking skills supplement a strong offense; I watched her block at the right-side pin, transition, and run a smooth shoot for a kill at Redlands. She covers a lot of court with graceful movement.     [player_tooltip player_id='752820' first='Autumn' last='Brennan'] is a middle with TPV who has great communication with her setter. Working hard to close the block, she moves intentionally without superfluous steps. When she closes well to her pin blocker, she has a great defensive reach at the net. Her blocking technique is great, but she is also a supportive teammate who works well with the players on either side of her.     Everleigh Sears is a dynamic player who executes in diverse areas of the game. She has a strong serve and disciplined serve receive, but blocking is where Everleigh shines. She has good body control at the net and moves with determination. When her opponent overpassed, Everleigh had to make a quick decision between swinging, blocking, or passing the ball. In a savvy, controlled touch, she put a directional block down to score.

A well-executed block can make all the difference in a volleyball match. When a back-row defender can trust the front row to eliminate large portions of the court, she can position herself to see the hitter's angles and dig more attacks. These Oklahoma blockers are the first line of defense for their teams.