Sophomores Helping Lead Their Playoff-Bound Squads

Hieber is leading the offense of Patrick Henry on a career best 3.8 k/s average as the Patriots remain unbeaten in 2026 at 20-0. Earning 220 total kills last season, she easily surpassed that output this season with what should be a lot of volleyball left ahead of this team heading to the postseason. Hieber is athletic and dynamic in the air as a primary pin. She is explosive in how she elevates with big contact that features pace and ability to drive the ball through all zones of the court. Her arm is also dangerous at the service line as she leads her team with 51 aces as well.     Riethman arrived on the radar recently and is an athlete we will keep an eye on as she has a couple of years ahead of her still for Coldwater. At 6'0, she is an athletic prospect with versatility to make an impact from different locations across the net and on both sides of the ball. The Cavaliers are 17-2 overall and unbeaten in the Midwest conference. Riethman is among league leaders defensively with 60 total blocks while contributing offensively as a key point scorer with an increased output in year two at 2.3 k/s. She has been a big force recently as she has averaged 3.5 k/s on a .411 efficiency over Coldwater's recent four matches.     The Patriots are 17-3 overall and a perfect 8-0 in the Ohio Capital-Central league standings. With great contributions from some younger prospects, Aquillo is key in sharing the floor distribution. She leads the setting role at a total of 367 assists for a 5.7 a/s average. Her defense makes a big impact as well at 8.2 d/m. At 5'7, Aquillo is an efficient setter in he pursuit of the ball. She uses good balance and preparation to contact high and use the right touch and force to locate her hitters through a variety of options between the pins.     NDCL is 15-5 overall in 2026, including an 8-2 record in the North Coast conference. This puts them atop the NCC standings, a big leap from their overall finish of fourth place a season ago. With a solid core returning this season, Rand is back and contributing well as part of their trio of leading offensive threats. She is second on the team with 171 total kills while adding nearly eight digs per match. The later half of the 2026 season has been one filled with more consistency as she has averaged 3.0 k/s over the Lions' last seven matches.     At 17-2 overall, Parkway is part of a log jam for second place in the Midwest conference. Triplett is the Panthers' second leading offensive threat as she averages 2.5 k/s on 155 total kills. A 5'10 pin, she delivered consecutive performances of 13 kills in their most recent two matches as the regular season is winding down. Triplett is also a team leader defensively at 8.4 d/m.