Top Underclassmen From Southeast Michigan, Part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southeast Michigan is one of the territories where volleyball teams can get overlooked, but it's clearly a diamond mine for talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From Detroit to Ann Arbor to Macomb County, Southeast Michigan covers a lot of space and there's a lot of great underclassmen to keep an eye on from that part of Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's Part 3 of a 3-part look at the top sophomores and freshmen from Southeast Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916055' first='Brooklen' last='Minix'], So. DS/L Homer</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Minix was a machine in the back row this fall, as she put up 775 digs in one of the most impressive season you can ask for out of a sophomore libero. She was everywhere and made sure to keep every ball she could off the floor. It'll be exciting to see if she can best that lofty number next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Zoe Moulton, So. OH Rudolf Steiner</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In Division 4, Moulton was a breakout talent as an outside hitter. She had limited action, but when she was on the court, she was electric. Her final number was only 108 kills, but she hit .353 on the year. She also had 115 kills and 69 aces in her limited action. It will be exciting to see what Moulton can do with more time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='760364' first='Sydney' last='Palmer'], Fr. DS/L Grass Lake/MSF Flight</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Palmer showed no hesitation as a freshman libero. She wasn't afraid to make aggressive plays that might lead to a few bumps and bruises. Her efforts led her to 514 digs, and she also provided a challenging serve with 58 aces. Palmer is going to put up a big career digs number when all is said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765800' first='Olive' last='Rivera'], So. OH Livonia Churchill/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rivera was a nice complementary hitter for Churchill this fall, contributing 210 kills while picking up steam the more reps she got. Rivera also added 177 digs and 53 aces, proving she can be a strong six-rotation talent in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849862' first='Claire' last='Ryan'], Fr. OH New Boston Huron/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ryan had a nice balance of kill production and dig production this fall. She had 220 kills and 242 digs. Ryan is still putting together aspects of her attack, but she clearly isn't going to back down from a challenge. She finds ways to finish points, and her arm speed should only get better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732303' first='Annie' last='Saenz'], So. MH Concord</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saenz didn't have the length of some of her opposing middles, standing 5'8”, but she showed good explosiveness and timing to be a standout player this fall. Saens had 497 kills while taking on a big offensive workload. She also was a great blocker with 86 on the year to go along with 336 digs and 48 aces. Saenz was All-State in D4 and All-Prep Dig in D4 as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='915670' first='Maddy' last='Willis'], Fr. S Divine Child/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willis moved around to different positions during the season but was very impressive as a setter/hitter combo option when she got a chance to play. Willis shows the ability to be a hitter, setter, and defender without needing much adjustment. She should be in store for a big couple of years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->