2022 Player Rankings: Top 10 Liberos

<p>It’s no easy task to be a freshman libero. Jumping into high school and being asked to take on powerful hitters that are four years older is quite a challenge. In the Class of 2022, there have been some liberos and defensive specialists who have proven they could take on that challenge. Here’s a look at 10 upcoming stars in the back row in the state of Michigan.</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/2G0A5TS"><strong>RELATED: 2022’s Top Outside Hitters</strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/2V3DPya"><strong>RELATED: 2022’s Top Setters</strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/2Y2b6qC"><strong>RELATED: 2022’s Top Middle Hitters</strong></a></p> <ol> <li><strong> Chloe Fornetti, East Kentwood/FaR Out: </strong>Fornetti took on the tough task of being a leader in the back row as a freshman, but she handled herself well. Fornetti had over 350 digs this fall while being the primary receiving option for opponent’s serves. She continues to improve on her fundamental skills as part of FaR Out 15 Black this club season.</li> <li><strong> Josie Bloom, Notre Dame Prep/Legacy: </strong>Part of a talented, young defense for the Irish, Bloom was a key asset for the Fighting Irish on their way to the D2 state finals this fall. Bloom had 300 digs and 44 aces and has the athleticism to contribute in other areas as she matures as a player. Bloom was an All-Region player in Division 2 and is currently part of a talent defense on Legacy 15-Elite.</li> <li><strong> Annelyse Bates, Portage Northern/Dead Frog</strong>: Bates made a pretty big impact as a freshman, earning All-Region honors for Portage Northern. Bates had over 450 digs this fall and approached 60 aces. She can be the foundation for Portage Northern for years to come and is now shining for Dead Frog 16 Black.</li> <li><strong> Hanna Rutila, St. Catherine Academy/Team Detroit: </strong>Rutila was part of a SCA squad that reached the Division 2 quarterfinals this past fall. Joining her sister, Abby, they were two of the top three dig leaders for the Stars. With SCA losing some big hitters, defense will be crucial in 2019 and Hanna will be a big part of that. She is playing at a high level for Team Detroit 15-Red and should be very improved for the start of the prep season.</li> <li><strong> Jessica Mondragon, Northville/Michigan Elite: </strong>Mondragon didn’t get a chance for varsity play this fall, as Northville had one of the best in the state in the back in Hannah Grant. With Grant graduating, Mondragon could get a big opportunity in 2019. She is a steady player for Michigan Elite 15 Mizuno and shows all the abilities of being an elite defensive player.</li> <li><strong> Summer Jidas, Clarkston/Legacy: </strong>Jidas saw a little varsity play for Clarkston this past fall and her growth will be helpful to the Wolves in 2019, as Clarkston could make a big surge in the state picture. Jidas will join her sister, Skyelar, in the back row for the Wolves this fall. She has shown good growth this club season as part of Legacy 16-National.</li> <li><strong> Lily Arcari, Utica Eisenhower: </strong>Eisenhower got a sample of what Arcari could provide this fall, as she appeared in 87 sets for the Eagles. With the team losing Sam Palazzolo, who had close to 900 digs in 2018, Ike will need to fill that void and Arcari is likely to see an increased role with the team.</li> <li><strong> Alina Anderson, Rockford/MVA: </strong>Anderson hasn’t seen varsity experience yet either, but Rockford is losing four of its top five dig leaders from 2018, so she could be getting a chance to prove herself this upcoming fall. A well-rounded, multi-sport athlete, Anderson is playing well for MVA 15 National Black this club season.</li> <li><strong> Carlina Bender, Hudsonville/FaR Out: </strong>Hudsonville had a tremendous 2018 season that saw it go five sets with Division 1 runner-up, Rockford in regional play. However, the Eagles were a very veteran team, so new blood will have to step up in 2019. Bender could certainly be part of that. She has really established herself as part of FaR Out 15 Black this club season.</li> <li><strong> Sierra Nausieda, Grand Rapids Catholic Central/MVA: </strong>Grand Rapids Catholic Central is hoping to establish itself as one of the stronger programs on the East side of the state and Nausieda could be part of that surge in the future. A strong junior varsity season has led to her taking the next step this club season for MVA 15 National Black.</li> </ol>