From the Stat Sheet: Top 5 Returning Dig Leaders in 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First contact is going to matter a whole lot in 4A this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These five athletes all finished last high school season with big defensive numbers, and each brings a different style to the back row. From steady platforms to huge defensive nights, this group knows how to keep rallies alive and give their teams another chance to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734457"],"_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-6a85d569d1449"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smiley finished last season with an impressive 548 digs while averaging 5.5 digs per set. Her movement and platform work stand out, especially when she has to cover a lot of ground. Smiley trusts her technique and does not hesitate to go after a tough ball. That confidence makes her a reliable first-contact player who can keep the rally moving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["803229"],"_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-6a85d569d1496"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">John is coming off a season with 497 digs and an impressive 6.7 digs per set. That kind of defensive production is even more notable when you consider she is also a three-sport varsity athlete. Playing multiple sports takes serious commitment and athleticism, and that experience can translate directly onto the volleyball court. John will be one to watch as she brings that competitive mindset back to the 4A floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808858"],"_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-6a85d569d14be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Naranjo finished with 417 digs and averaged 6.2 digs per set, but some of her individual performances were absolutely wild. She had a night where she averaged 11 digs per set, showing just how much ground she can cover when she gets rolling. Naranjo has a knack for keeping momentum on her side and turning long rallies into opportunities for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1006052"],"_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-6a85d569d14e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Saenz also finished with 417 digs, averaging 5.0 digs per set. Her energy is one of the first things that stands out. She communicates openly and keeps her teammates connected, which helps everyone get ready for the next play. Saenz also reads hitters well, giving her a chance to get underneath tough attacks and extend rallies that could have ended quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1019113"],"_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-6a85d569d1504"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martin is the lone outside hitter on this list, finishing last season with 389 digs and 3.9 digs per set. She is already showing the all-around game of a much more experienced player, despite heading into just her sophomore season. Martin brings athleticism and versatility to the court, and her defensive numbers add another layer to her game. If last season was any indication, she is only getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Back Row Is Ready</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smiley, John, Naranjo, Saenz, and Martin all finished with impressive defensive numbers, but their impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Keeping the ball alive against strong 4A hitters takes discipline, movement, and plenty of fight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These five have already shown they can do it. Now, they get another season to build on it.</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 -->