Top Defenders to Watch This Postseason

<p style="text-align: justify;">  If "defense wins championships," these eight defenders will have their time to shine during playoffs.  Some were able to help their teams to win their first round match and others fell short. Regardless, they are some of the best defenders in the state.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> Often, the leader on defense is a team's libero.  The role of these defensive specialists has evolved.  Not only do they read the hitter's arms, have strong serve receive, and now, be able to take the second ball to set up hitters.  We like this change because these players have strong volleyball knowledge and seem to thrive when given the chance to make more of an impact.  Whether they play middle back or left back, these players find their way to the ball.</p> <p>  Others on the list include outside hitters who's influence is felt on defense in addition to front row play.  They are pros at dropping off the net, covering hitters, protecting the deep left corner of the court.</p> <p><strong>Bianca Weis</strong> - <em>Red Rock Central</em> (5’8”, L - sr.)</p> <ul> <li>14 digs in victory over Edgerton. </li> <li>45 digs in win over Hills Beaver Creek (3-2)</li> <li>Next match today (10/25) vs Murray County Central)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Molly Bense</strong> - <em>Elk River</em> (5’5”, L - sr.)</p> <ul> <li>27 digs in loss against Blaine (2-3)</li> <li>Next match (10/25) vs. Grand Rapids</li> </ul> <p><strong>Mia Scanlan</strong> - <em>Cretin Durham Hall</em> (5’8”, OH - sr.)</p> <ul> <li>33 digs in loss against Concordia Academy (1-3)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Avery Bolles</strong> - Andover (5'8'', OH, fresh.)</p> <ul> <li>averages 16 digs/set</li> <li>29 digs in Totino-Grace loss (2-3)</li> <li>Next Match (10/24) vs. Cambridge Isanti</li> </ul> <p><strong>Mya Bredemus</strong> -<em> Legacy Christan</em> ( L- jr.)</p> <ul> <li>25 digs in loss vs. St Croix Lutheran</li> <li>3 seed in section 4A</li> </ul> <p><strong>Kjerstiana Corson</strong> - <em>Fillmore Central</em> (5'3'' L-jr.)</p> <ul> <li>8 matches with 20+ digs. </li> <li>Game high- 48 digs vs Winona Cotter</li> <li>First round win (3-0) over Spring Grove</li> </ul> <p><strong>Lauryn Delger</strong> - <em>St. Charles</em> (5'6'' OH, fr.)</p> <ul> <li>41 digs &amp; 7 kills in loss vs. Plainview (2-3)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Haley Hewitson</strong> - BSM (5'5''-DS - sr.)</p> <ul> <li>averages 10+ digs a match</li> <li>helped in come-back win vs. <em>Robinsdale Armstrong</em></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>