This NL 15-2 team is loaded with talent and on quite the roll at AAU. Rivero is definitely one of the players who stands out. Whether she’s setting or attacking, this lefty finds ways to impact every single game. She was solid with her decision making and delivered a consistent ball all morning to her attackers. She also had a big day from the service line, going on some huge serving runs that teams could not recover from. Rivero is simply one of those players who contributes in a variety of ways and makes her team better.

Penelope Rivero Penelope Rivero 6'0" | S/RS Cretin-Derham Hall | 2029 State MN runs an offense that just feels right. The ball comes out clean, on time, and exactly where it needs to be. She establishes her middles early, which opens the floor, and then starts working the edges with confidence. What stands out is how quickly she processes the block. She’s not guessing, she’s reading and adjusting in real time. When the pass breaks down, she still finds a way to deliver a hittable ball that keeps the play alive. There’s a steadiness to how she plays that keeps her team in rhythm. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Why I’m excited to watch: She controls the match without forcing it, and that kind of command shows up more the longer you watch her.

Penelope Rivero Penelope Rivero 6'0" | S/RS Cretin-Derham Hall | 2029 State MN stood out for her composure and precision. She consistently delivered a neutral, hittable ball regardless of pass quality. Her hands were soft yet controlled, and she extended fully through contact, allowing for clean tempo to both antennas. Penelope showed patience, re-establishing her middle after long rallies and refusing to become predictable. Her defensive coverage also kept points alive. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Day 2 Outlook: Expect Penelope to continue controlling match rhythm and elevate her offense in tight sets where decision-making becomes critical.

Penelope Rivero Penelope Rivero 6'0" | S/RS Cretin-Derham Hall | 2029 State MN brought dynamic movement and creativity to the setter position. Rivero’s footwork to the ball was elite, allowing her to stay balanced even when first contact pulled her off the net. She effectively changed tempo, mixing quick attacks with high, heavy balls to the pins to keep blockers from settling.

One of Penelope’s biggest strengths this weekend was her ability to disguise. She held blockers with her eyes, used subtle body positioning to sell the middle, and opened seams for her outsides. When the match tightened late, Rivero elevated her decision-making and trusted her hitters in high-pressure swings. She played assertively and with visible confidence — a tone-setter in every sense. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Penelope Rivero Penelope Rivero 6'0" | S/RS Cretin-Derham Hall | 2029 State MN – Setter/Right Side
Penelope Rivero Penelope Rivero 6'0" | S/RS Cretin-Derham Hall | 2029 State MN is a freshman already making waves with her rare combination of size, skill, and versatility. Standing 5’11”, she commands the court with quick movements, precise hands, and the ability to run a fast-paced offense with confidence. Rivero’s setter instincts are elite for her age — she delivers hitters in perfect rhythm while reading blockers and defenders to maximize every opportunity. Beyond her technical skill, she brings leadership and composure, guiding teammates through tense moments with poise. And if needed, she can slide into the right-side hitting role, giving her team a dynamic weapon at both the net and the back row. Penelope is the kind of freshman that immediately changes the game, and she’s one to watch as she continues to grow. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas