DS’ Dominating The Game 1A/2A/3A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Libs and ds' are usually some of my favorite people to talk about. With one of volleyball's main points being passing, having a strong back row is crucial. The pace and tone of the rally always start with their first contact, plus it's usually always up to them to put their bodies on the line to keep the ball alive. To be a high-end DS, you have to be quick on your feet, read and react while the ball is getting hit at you, and you need to be able to communicate and help guide the girls playing next to you. Here are some athletes that I think have filled that role quite well this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["403543"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acbf2c94caf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't think there is a single soul that doesn't love watching this kid play. The intensity and energy that she brings to the court is truly unmatched. There is clearly a reason why Bollier is going on to play Division 1 volleyball. That's because not only is she fundamentally driven, but she is also incredibly smart when it comes to her defense. Her ability to read her opponents and stay 3 steps ahead of them is so amazing to watch. She is so quick to react and makes digging off of the toughest hitters look easy. Addie is not just a kid you'll want to watch now, but also keep track of next year at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913847"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acbf2c94caa1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='913847' first='Mya' last='Wagner'] is a lib that I don't think is talked about as much as she should be. Wagner has run Wapello's back row since her freshman year and has been a key part of their defense. Wagner not only brings the skill set of a libero, but she also brings the leadership. Every time I've watched Mya, she always looks so relaxed and helps her team to stay calm in tough situations. You can tell by watching them play that a lot of the girls lean on Wagner for reassurance and guidance. She is sharp and disciplined with her passing and has an incredibly strong first touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730492"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acbf2c94cb29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='730492' first='Tenley' last='Nixt'] has been a powerful player for the Comets and has really stepped up this year as a leader. As a senior playing with a lot of underclassmen, she has made it her mission to help try and lead her team to success every chance she gets. Her ball control, grit, and relentlessness have really set her apart this season. Even when things weren't going her team's way, that never stopped her from giving it her all. I'm hoping we get to see a little more out of Nixt in the post season as well as club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["488579"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acbf2c94cb85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Similar to Bollier, [player_tooltip player_id='488579' first='Mavrik' last='Schweer'] brings another level of energy and intensity the second she steps on the court. When I think of a selfless libero, Schweer is one of the first kids to come to mind. She will put her body on the line for her team time and time again if it allows her team the opportunity to score. I've gotten the privilege of seeing her in action quite a few times this season, and I'm always left impressed by not only her grit, but also her passion. It doesn't take much for her to get people watching. And the plays that make their heads turn and leave them amazed, are just part of her everyday gameplay.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["493967"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acbf2c94cb57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Similar to Nixt, [player_tooltip player_id='493967' first='Abbie' last='Keitges'] has done a fantastic job stepping up this season, being one of the only seniors amongst a team full of underclassmen. Keitges is an incredibly crafty libero and is a tough one to score on. Also, similar to Bollier, she does an exceptional job reading her hitters and sets herself up for success on defense. She doesn't hesitate when it comes to chasing a ball down, and she isn't afraid to throw herself on the floor to keep the ball in play. She is consistent when it comes to her serve receive, and she isn't afraid to take up space in the back row. If you're looking for a new lib to cheer on in the post season, I highly suggest checking this kid out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->