Nevada Expo Showcase Preview: 7 Sophomore Pin Hitters to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2029 pin group includes a hitter who helped Mater Academy East reach the playoffs for the first time, a returning Shadow Ridge prospect with posted freshman numbers, and an out-of-state outside from Manteca. The Expo gives us a chance to see how these sophomores handle a new setter, a new block, and the passing responsibilities that come with playing outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922343' first='Leilani' last='Rivas Aviles'] | 2029 | 5'7” | OH | Mater Academy East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rivas Aviles helped Mater Academy East reach the playoffs for the first time, leading the Knights with 138 kills, 160 digs, 54 aces, and 166 serve receptions while hitting .454. She's known for her heavy arm, and this season she took on a significant workload in the back row as a passer and defender. She's also shown she can hold her own against older players, playing up and competing alongside upperclassmen at club tournaments. At the Expo, I'm looking forward to seeing how quickly she transitions from serve receive into her approach so she can stay available for the next </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='786198' first='Kiera' last='Ramirez'] | 2029 | 5'6” | OH | CIVICA NV</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ramirez put points on the board from the pin and the service line in CIVICA NV's sweep of Trinity International, finishing with 10 kills and eight aces. The Expo will be my first time seeing her in person, and discovering talent from smaller programs is one of my favorite parts of these events. I'll be watching what shot she turns to when the block takes away her first option and how she uses her serve to pull passers out of position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055745' first='Zoe' last='Meijer'] | 2029 | 5'7” | OH/OPP | Durango</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meijer held down the right side for Durango's varsity this season, recording 31 kills and raising her block total from 13 last season to 25. She was listed as Durango's blocks leader last year, and that jump gives me another reason to watch her front-row play at the Expo. I'm looking forward to seeing how quickly she gets off the net after closing a block and gets into position for her next swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881397' first='Azulet' last='Rascon'] | 2029 | 5'5” | OH | Shadow Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rascon returns to the Expo after earning MVP honors at last year's event. She recorded <strong>46 kills across 43 reported sets</strong> for Shadow Ridge's freshman team last season and moved up to JV this fall. She brings energy to the court, has experience at multiple positions, and can make an impact as both a hitter and a blocker. At the Expo, I'll be watching how her shot selection has developed, especially whether she can change direction late in her swing or use the blocker's hands when the set takes away her best angle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sophia Gusman | 2029 | 5'5” | OH | Manteca, CA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gusman brings JV experience from Manteca and has played right side in club with Pulse. Seeing her take outside reps against the Nevada group gives us a chance to evaluate how her pin experience carries across the net. I'll be looking at how she adjusts to the left-side approach and what options she uses when the set is tight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1021686' first='Allyana' last='Martinez'] | 2029 | 5'8” | OH | Del Sol</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinez was on Del Sol's freshman roster in 2025 and has also been listed as a defensive specialist in club. That backcourt experience is an interesting part of her profile as she takes outside reps at the Expo. I'll be watching how she handles serve receive and gets back into position to attack after taking the first ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1062233' first='Erynn' last='Stewart'] | 2029 | 5'2” | OH | Shadow Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stewart will play outside at the Expo and is set to join the Hornets for the upcoming club season. She has experience as a setter and isn't afraid to get on the floor to keep a rally alive. After watching her run down tip after tip from right back with Sin City Broncos last club season, I can tell you those balls don't stand much of a chance when she's back there. At the Expo, I'm looking forward to seeing how she brings that same defensive effort to the outside, especially when she has to pass or dig the first ball and transition into her next swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are excited to see both familiarand new faces at this upcoming event. Be sure to stay tuned to our Instagram <strong>(<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdignv">@prepdignv</a>)</strong> for live video updates throughout the event and post-event articles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/app/"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->