Defense Wins Games: 16s Ed.

<p>It's finally time. The 2026 Girls Junior National Championships have finally begun and exciting is an understand for volleyball lovers. Games for the class of 2028 are just days away and there are so many Texas teams to see! Between North Texas and Lonestar regions we have 13 teams competing in the open division and 6 Texas match ups on day 1 of Pool play. With that much competition on deck, let's get into defenders you don't want to miss. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17s Ds/L</h2>   <p>If you missed out on the defensive specialists of 2027 on their way to nationals, give them a read and stay tuned for the defenders of 2029. </p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/06/defense-wins-games/">https://prepdig.com/2026/06/defense-wins-games/↗</a></li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> C/O '28 Ds/L</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='731157' first='Carly' last='Pipes'], Ds/L for [program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline'] 16 Royal. She plays a calm and controlled game from the back row. Her demeanor and consistency on the court only show her experience and know how with the game. Carly does the hard job of maintaining a rhythm for the defense in the tough games, communicating effectively and efficiently to keep her team moving under control. Her defensive play is incredible, with little hesitation in her reaction to reading the hit, Carly is a great addition to her team.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='556825' first='Ella' last='Peden'] Ds/L for TAV 16 Black Josh. No stranger to the back court, and shows off the talent by the consistency she has for being in the right spot to make the play. Her experience and court awareness only ensure ability to play with the best of them. Ella is quick and swift on her feet and reads every play with confidence and intent. She is a player of true discipline and will be a sight to see in play. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='574167' first='Taylor' last='Malone'], a disciplined Ds/L for TW Skyline 16 Royal. She plays a fundamental game and produces the results to show for it. Her pass is clean and controlled and stays on an even tempo for her setters to be successful with. Watching her play, it is clear to see that she does little things to keep her game clean and efficient. Taylor is attentive to detail on the court, such, a style of play, gives her an edge in the tough games, and will be interesting to see at nationals.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='534607' first='Kaitlyn' last='Shoumbert'] Ds/L for [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 16N Green. A top contending team in the 16 Open division, and a defensive dawg like Kaitlyn brings the energy this team needs to stay on top. Her ability to run the middle back is a specialty. She is not scared of making a big dig from anywhere on the court, all play is fair play for Kaitlyn. She is a hustler and will not stop until the whistle blows. Be aware of this team and pay special attention to the defense that will be on display.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='797413' first='Shylah' last='Taylor'], Ds/L for UEPA 16 Diamond. The court is hers when she is one. Hustling for every play and maintaining a pace that is hard to beat. She moves well and she moves quick off her read of the ball. There is little room for error when it comes to her team, and she plays to prove it. The hustle, the fight, the energy behind her play can only be described as that of a winner. UEPA is a definite team to see and Shylah is a player you cannot miss when the game is on.</p>

It's finally time. The 2026 Girls Junior National Championships have finally begun and exciting is an understand for volleyball lovers. Games for the class of 2028 are just days away and there are so many Texas teams to see! Between North Texas and Lonestar regions we have 13 teams competing in the open division and 6 Texas match ups on day 1 of Pool play. With that much competition on deck, let's get into defenders you don't want to miss.