Defenders To Dig Up At Northern Lights

Vernon Birmingham January 28, 2021 @ 10:49 AM

There are still many uncommitted defenders waiting on the right opportunity who will be playing at the Northern Lights Qualifier this weekend. Below are some of the ones we are aware of. Chelsea Gillespie - 5-7 - DS - Highlands Performance 18-1 - 18 American Gillespie has had to wear many hats over the years. We’ve seen her on the pin in previous years but the back row is her likely position at the next level. She is a solid defender who can also swing from behind the 10-foot line. She is quick and has great reaction speed. Grace Lyndes - 5-4 - DS - Highlands Performance 18-1 - 18 American The second Highlands player on this list, Lyndes is also a high energy player who will instantly make a team better. She played a key role on the undefeated Liberty North state championship team this past season. She is a good passer and reads her blockers well to be in the right position. [player_tooltip player_id="41786" first="Megan" last="Hoover"] - 5-9 - L/DS - Invasion 18 White - 18 American We first caught sight of Hoover during the high school season playing libero at Park Hill high school. She has good length, which helps her get to balls that may be just out of reach of others. She is reliable in the passing game. Another strength we saw in her game is her serving. She is aggressive behind the service line. Her size has also allowed her when needed to contribute on the pin. Abigail Frerking - 5-7 - L/DS - 417 Juniors Columbia - 18 American Frerking is another player with good size and ability who can help the right program defensively. She is one of the better passers in central Missouri in serve/receive. She has a great platform and gives her setter many options off of the pass. She is smart behind the blockers and puts herself in a position to make difficult plays. Taylor Cackler - 5-3 - L/DS - Dynasty 18 Black - 18 USA Cackler also caught our eye during the high school season. She ended up being stellar defensively for Lansing, one of the top teams in Kansas 5A last fall. She is going to give you her all on the court. She doesn’t give up on plays and does what she can to keep a rally going. She is going to bring instant energy and enthusiasm to the right program. [player_tooltip player_id="41776" first="Bailey" last="Willis"] - 5-7 - L/DS - Mavs 816 18-1 - 18 American Willis is the type of player you love to have on your team. She isn’t afraid to stand in front of missiles in order for her team to have the opportunity to score a point. She is tough as nails. Her volleyball I.Q. is high and she’s like a coach on the floor. She handles tough serves with ease and will be a great addition to a small college or university.