From the Stat Sheet: Top Utility Defenders in 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense can come from anywhere on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four players prove exactly that. From outside hitters who can swing and defend to setters who are willing to chase down the second ball, being a strong defender adds another layer to any lineup. Their offensive roles may look different, but all four found ways to make a major impact in the back row last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831458"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a87d6319b775"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards finished last season with 296 digs and 3.9 digs per set as an outside hitter. That is some serious defensive production from a player who is also expected to carry an offensive role. She brings a true six-rotation mindset to the court and does not mentally check out when the ball is not coming her way. Edwards can pass, defend, transition, and then turn around and take a swing. As stated before, she stays involved from start to finish, which makes her the kind of all-around player coaches love having on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["738604"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a87d6319b80e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sonnenfeld recorded 294 digs while averaging 3.0 digs per set, showing her ability to contribute well beyond one area of the game. She brings a competitive mentality to every rally and is the type of player who stays active around the ball. Whether she is attacking or stepping into the setting role, Sonnenfeld's ability to read the play helps her stay involved. That versatility gives her more ways to impact a match, and her defensive numbers show that she is not just waiting for her offensive opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776333"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a87d6319b882"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Booth finished with 288 digs and 3.2 digs per set, adding strong defensive production to her explosive offensive game. She can bring plenty of energy to an attack, but she also stays ready when it is time to switch gears and defend. That willingness to compete on both sides of the ball matters. Booth does not just wait for the next swing. She is prepared to chase down a tough ball and make a play for her team. Her ability to bring that same energy to defense makes her an even more valuable player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1020215"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a87d6319b8f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mcfadden recorded 273 digs and 2.9 digs per set last season. She is already an impressive offensive leader as a setter, but her defensive game deserves attention too. Her length gives her a great advantage when she has to cover ground or extend for a tough ball. Mcfadden stays willing to go after it and find ways to keep rallies alive for her team. A setter who can run the offense and defend when the play breaks down adds a whole different level of versatility to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Than One Job</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwards, Sonnenfield, Booth, and McFadden all have different responsibilities, but their defensive numbers tell a similar story. They are willing to do more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They attack, set, transition, defend, and compete through the entire rally. That versatility can make a huge difference for a team, especially when the ball does not go according to plan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are four 5A players showing that a defensive impact can come from anywhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->