PD Champions Cup: Who Was Built To Be A Pin

<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/image_b1c269.png" alt="" class="wp-image-943383" style="width:314px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   At the PD Champions Cup, it became clear which athletes were truly built for the pins. Playing outside or right side isn't just about putting up big swing numbers — it's about handling out-of-system balls, terminating against a formed block, and producing in high-pressure transition moments.   The left side carries the load in serve receive, defends sharp cross-court angles, and still has to find ways to score on high balls, tempo sets, and broken plays. The right side must be disciplined in closing the block against elite outsides, efficient running behind the setter, and decisive when attacking tight windows or second-chance opportunities.   This weekend, certain athletes didn't just swing — they read the block, tooled high hands, changed tempos, and showed the composure and physicality required to anchor the edges. Those are the competitors who proved they're built to be a pin.    [player_tooltip player_id='918400' first='Lyndsey' last='Bender'] played the pin with authority all weekend. Lyndsey creates real separation in her approach — controlled in the first two steps and explosive through her last two, consistently contacting at full extension. She wasn't just swinging high and hard; she was reading hands and attacking with purpose. I noted multiple swings where Bender tooled the outside hand or snapped sharp cross when the seam opened.   In transition, Lyndsey accelerated her tempo and beat the block to the spot. Her shoulders stayed square, allowing her to see deep corner late and wipe high hands when defenders committed early. When the offense was pushed off the net, Bender looked comfortable carrying the high ball load — that's a true left-side trait. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What This Means For Recruiting: [player_tooltip player_id='918400' first='Lyndsey' last='Bender'] projects as a volume left-side attacker who can manage out-of-system reps and terminate against a formed block. Coaches looking for a pin who can shoulder swings and still score efficiently should keep her on their radar.     [player_tooltip player_id='743023' first='Kayana' last='Turner'] brought edge and explosiveness to the pin. Kayana's transition speed stood out — quick reload, aggressive arm, and she attacked with conviction. What impressed me most was how Turner handled tight or drifting sets. She adjusted midair, stayed high through contact, and still found ways to score.   On the right side of the net defensively, Kayana closed blocks with discipline and sealed line with strong hands over the tape. When the rally extended, Turner wanted the ball. That competitive demand for swings is something you can't coach. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What This Means For Recruiting: [player_tooltip player_id='743023' first='Kayana' last='Turner'] has the physical tools and mentality to develop into a high-impact edge attacker. Her ability to score in broken plays and compete in transition gives her upside at the next level, especially in fast-tempo systems.     Ruby Jones played with composure and control. Ruby's approach tempo remained consistent all weekend, and she did a strong job mixing her shots instead of becoming predictable. I charted multiple sequences where Jones attacked deep seam one rally and followed with a sharp cross the next.   Ruby doesn't over-swing. She uses the block — high hands, controlled roll shots to zone two, and smart decision-making when the set was inside or off the net. That efficiency makes her a tough read for defenders. She understands how to score without forcing. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What This Means For Recruiting: Ruby Jones offers offensive efficiency and high volleyball IQ on the pin. Coaches who value shot selection, ball control, and tactical attacking will appreciate what she brings as a steady scoring option.     [player_tooltip player_id='526441' first='Lila' last='Tesch']'s length immediately impacts the match. Lila gets above the tape and contacts at a difficult angle for defenders. Her cross-court swing carried heavy pace, and she wasn't hesitant to challenge the block straight on.   When the pass was clean, Tesch elevated her tempo and stayed ahead of the block. Lila's physical tools allow her to stretch defenses, especially when attacking in rhythm. As she continues refining her shot selection and transition timing, her ceiling is high. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What This Means For Recruiting: [player_tooltip player_id='526441' first='Lila' last='Tesch'] has the frame and terminal upside college programs look for on the pin. With continued development in decision-making and tempo variation, she projects as a strong offensive piece at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='934930' first='Faith' last='Romenesko'] brought presence every set. Faith transitions quickly from defense to offense, which allowed her to beat blockers who were late closing. Her first step was explosive, and she attacked with range — sharp cross, deep line, and high hands when the seam disappeared.   Faith also pressed well over the net on the block, taking away space instead of reaching. When matches tightened late, Romenesko didn't fade — she elevated. That's a trait you notice immediately when evaluating pins. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What This Means For Recruiting: [player_tooltip player_id='934930' first='Faith' last='Romenesko'] competes like a primary pin. Her ability to score in transition and close blocks with discipline makes her a strong recruiting prospect for programs needing an edge attacker who embraces pressure moments.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</h3>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🔥 Players Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to take the next step? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility matters.   🎯 College Coaches Tag these athletes in University Athlete and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. 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