Defense Wins Games

<p>Every sport has it's own sayings and mottos to live by, but one that has made it's way into each one, "defense wins games". Volleyball is no acception to this statement. As we enter into the junior national championships this week it is important to make note of the defenders leading the back court. Teams have made it to this tournament by doing the little things right and defense leads that front. So without further a due, here some top DS/Liberos of '27 that have covered the back court all season. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other '27 Standouts</h2>   <p>If you haven't caught other position shoutouts for the class of '27 that are heading to nationals, go get caught up and be on the look out for tournament coverage!</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/?p=992129">https://prepdig.com/2026/06/need-to-see-at-nationals-2027-mbs/↗</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/?p=992664">https://prepdig.com/2026/06/hitting-up-nationals-c-o-2027/↗</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/?p=995021">https://prepdig.com/2026/06/opposites-attract-right-side-edition/↗</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/?p=996651">https://prepdig.com/2026/06/2027-setters-to-see-in-indy/↗</a></li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NT '27 DS/Liberos</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kaitlyn Francis, Ds/L for 1United 17N Blue. There is no denying her ability to command the back row. She moves quickly and with intent, never hesitating to make the play. The communication she has with her teammates is a great example of a defensive leader, she calls out hits, encourages others and pushes for excellence. Her hustle and ability to start are play with a good pass, are only the beginning of her outstanding play. Catch Kaitlyn on the court at nationals making a difference and making plays. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Siena Ebert, a fearless Ds/L for TAV 17 Black Jon. No matter what the play needs, she is going to make it happen. She is quick and reactive on her feet, pushing to the ball every time it is in play. She is disciplined in coverage and transition, as anyone would want in a defender. Siena reads the play first and is intentional with her move to and through the ball, she makes the impossible plays happen for her team. Going into nationals this is the kind of aggressive and determined play that is necessary to stay ahead of opponents.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Nia LaMons, Ds/L for Skyline 17 Royal Sean. Dynamic and disciplined is the name of her game. She follows every ball ready to create or save a play. She displays excellent transition, with little hesitation to react to change. A chaos ball is nothing for Nia as she has a great ability in resetting a play both vocally, and with a high controlled pass. While her defense and control is impressive on it's own, Nia enhances her game with her ability to take the second ball with her hands and deliver a hittable ball. A dynamic DS is a key to a successful defensive team and Skyline has figured it out with this one.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">LS '27 DS/Liberos</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Gemma Hopkins, Ds/L for HJV 17 Elite showcases elite play with her ability to read the play and be in the right spot consistently. There is no hesitation when she makes a read and reacts to make a clean pass. The consistency and discipline, Gemma plays with, make it easy for her teammates to trust her to play the ball behind them. Not only can she start a play, she can also develop a play in taking the second ball when needed. A setter out ball does not change Elite's rhythm with Gemma on the court. She will be in the right spot, make the right read, and finish with a good pass. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Caylee Young, a Ds/L with some size for Houston Skyline 17 Royal. Her size and speed are her weapons in the back court. She can cover the corner shots effortlessly by getting to the ball quickly and efficiently. It does not take long to recognize her discipline and technique in her transition movements and play.She is constantly aware of the play and spacing, never faltering in her judgments. She covers her hitters well and is ready to keep the ball in play no matter the effect of the initial touch. Caylee, reacts to her read and makes it difficult for opponents to find space to score.</p>

Every sport has it's own sayings and mottos to live by, but one that has made it's way into each one, "defense wins games". Volleyball is no acception to this statement. As we enter into the junior national championships this week it is important to make note of the defenders leading the back court. Teams have made it to this tournament by doing the little things right and defense leads that front. So without further a due, here some top DS/Liberos of '27 that have covered the back court all season.