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<p>Defense wins long rallies, and liberos and defensive specialists are often the players making those long plays possible. Whether it's reading attackers, controlling serve receive, or chasing down out of system balls, these athletes keep the game alive.</p>
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<p>Here are a few Class of 2028 Libs/DS's to keep on your radar.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Libero/DS's to Watch</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Posada is quick and scrappy in the back row, consistently putting herself in position to make plays. She reads attackers well and isn't afraid to dig balls even when there's no block in front of her. She stays ready for off-speed shots and uses a strong split-step with solid defensive form. If blockers get any touch at the net, Posada is ready to react and extend the play. In serve receive, she is steady and handles float serves well.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Mayes shows great defensive form and quick movement. She doesn't rely too much on diving, but rather her feet to get to the ball. She reads hitters well and is active in pursuit, often getting touches on balls above her platform when needed. In serve receive, Mayes shows fast feet, strong angles, and consistency holding her platform to target.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Hernandez brings a steady presence to the back row both defensively and in serve receive. She does a nice job taking control of the backcourt, actively communicating with the defenders around her and helping organize the floor. Hernandez is confident defensively and isn't afraid to use her hands when needed on higher attacks, showing good awareness and control in tough situations.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Benz plays with a fearless approach in the back row and brings an energy that settles the defense around her. She isn't afraid to take the second ball and uses her hands well to deliver hittable balls to the pins. Benz does a nice job filling defensive seams and shows solid all-around play, bringing consistency to both defense and serve receive.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next</h2>
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<p>The Class of 2028 continues to show strong defensive talent across Colorado. These liberos and defensive specialists bring energy, communication, and consistency to the back row, and their ability to control serve receive and extend rallies will continue to stand out as they gain more experience through club and high school play.</p>
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Defense wins long rallies, and liberos and defensive specialists are often the players making those long plays possible. Whether it's reading attackers, controlling serve receive, or chasing down out of system balls, these athletes keep the game alive.
Here are a few Class of 2028 Libs/DS's to keep on your radar.
Posada is quick and scrappy in the back row, consistently putting herself in position to make plays. She reads attackers well and isn't afraid to dig balls even when there's no block in front of her. She stays ready for off-speed shots and uses a strong split-step with solid defensive form. If blockers get any touch at the net, Posada is ready to react and extend the play. In serve receive, she is steady and handles float serves well.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Mayes shows great defensive form and quick movement. She doesn't rely too much on diving, but rather her feet to get to the ball. She reads hitters well and is active in pursuit, often getting touches on balls above her platform when needed. In serve receive, Mayes shows fast feet, strong angles, and consistency holding her platform to target.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Hernandez brings a steady presence to the back row both defensively and in serve receive. She does a nice job taking control of the backcourt, actively communicating with the defenders around her and helping organize the floor. Hernandez is confident defensively and isn't afraid to use her hands when needed on higher attacks, showing good awareness and control in tough situations.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Benz plays with a fearless approach in the back row and brings an energy that settles the defense around her. She isn't afraid to take the second ball and uses her hands well to deliver hittable balls to the pins. Benz does a nice job filling defensive seams and shows solid all-around play, bringing consistency to both defense and serve receive.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Highlights
What's Next
The Class of 2028 continues to show strong defensive talent across Colorado. These liberos and defensive specialists bring energy, communication, and consistency to the back row, and their ability to control serve receive and extend rallies will continue to stand out as they gain more experience through club and high school play.
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