Digging Dynamos of the NJAC ’21

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most important and underrated piece of this game by far has to be back row defense. As impressive as it is to make last-minute diving saves or killer third ball over plays, the real heroes of defense are those consistently pass nails. Check out the top four class of 2021 athletes of the NJAC from the 2019 - 2020 season below. No team is complete without a robust back row!</span></p> <p><b>Michele Kifyak, L, Mendham, Class of 2021</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mendham had an impressive 2019 season. Their impeccable defense was a huge factor in landing them a spot in the final round of the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions. Libero Michelle Kifyak certainly racked up more than her fair share of digs: 304 to be exact. With a defensive leader like this championing the back row, it’s no wonder this team performed so well last season.</span></p> <p><b>Vicky Huang, L, Morris Tech, Class of 2021</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This dynamic libero carried a ton of defensive weight last season for her high school squad. They faced some tough competition, but that didn’t get in this fierce athlete’s way. She garnered 334 digs, likely without even breaking a sweat. Huang moves on the court fluidly. Her teammates can depend on her to back them up and play balls beyond what she’s expected to. Her effort match after match is truly unparalleled. </span></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="99840" first="Riley" last="O’Hagan"], S/RS, Morris Catholic, Class of 2021</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">O’Hagan had a terrific season in terms of personal stats, notably her roundup of 294 digs. What impresses me the most is that she busted out such high-level defense as a setter. We expect to see Liberos and Defensive Specialists topping the division in digging numbers, but a setter being the #4 in the NJAC is quite impressive.</span></p> <p><b>Alicja Pokrzywa, L/OH, Morris Catholic, Class of 2021</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also from Morris Catholic is the top dig stat producer of the NJAC: Alicja</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pokrzywa. With 468 digs last season, she has the highest number of digs by over 130! Though Morris Catholic’s season wasn’t what it could have been - they had some staffing changes over the years - having Pokrzywa dominating as a libero and outside certainly helped their success. With 35 blocks, 35 assists, and 29 aces, this athlete certainly knows how to put the pressure on while also keeping herself cool. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>