Spotlight on Top 2026 Class 2 Attackers for the Upcoming Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, several athletes are poised to make significant impacts, with their skills and stats setting the stage for exciting matchups. Among them is Kate Ruble, whose transfer to St. Vincent has transformed the team into a formidable contender for the state title. With an impressive record of 366 kills and 233 digs last season, her return to the middle could elevate St. Vincent's chances even further. Other notable talents include [player_tooltip player_id='735534' first='Gloriaha' last='Farmer'] from Portageville, who leaves a legacy as the school's all-time best player, and [player_tooltip player_id='237005' first='Olivia' last='Engeman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='835010' first='Lizzie' last='Clifton'] from Adrian, both key figures in their team's playoff aspirations. As the season unfolds, players like [player_tooltip player_id='839919' first='Sofee' last='Garrett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='666303' first='Kalen' last='Post'] will also strive to leave their mark, each contributing to their teams in unique ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225325' first='Kate' last='Rubel'] – 6'1” – St. Vincent</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the transfer of Kate last year to St. Vincent, they instantly became a state title contender. Kate moved to the outside last year and made a big splash as she ended the season with 366 kills and 233 digs. Ruble currently has 1021 career kills, and a move back to the middle, where Kate is a dominating blocker, could give St. Vincent a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735534' first='Gloriaha' last='Farmer'] – 5'9” – Portageville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Farmer had a fantastic season for the Bulldogs and will leave as the school's best player. She finished last year with 381 kills and 343 digs. With Gloriaha in the starting lineup, the Bulldogs have gone 58-11-5 with two district titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237005' first='Olivia' last='Engeman'] – 5'8” – Adrian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blackhawks are returning a bunch of talented players, and Olivia is the driving force, playing great on the defensive side and a fierce offensive player. Even with missing a quarter of last season, she still put down 376 kills. Olivia is one of the best defenders in all of Class 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835010' first='Lizzie' last='Clifton'] – 5'9” – Adrian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Blackhawk returning who will pass 1000 career kills in the first couple of weeks. A force on the outside is a fantastic combo with [player_tooltip player_id='237005' first='Olivia' last='Engeman'] and should lead the Blackhawks deep into the playoffs if all can stay healthy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839919' first='Sofee' last='Garrett'] – 5'10” – Fair Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending Class 2 state champions lost the entire starting lineup except for Sofee. Sofee was a big reason why Fair Grove went undefeated, as she played a significant role offensively with 290 kills. Impressive for the only underclassmen on the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='666303' first='Kalen' last='Post'] – 5'10” – El Dorado Springs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalen has been following a very successful class that graduated last year, and I expect her final year to be a monster season. The high-flying middle who can thump the ball is the top returner for the Bulldogs and will be a force at the net. Don't let her 219 kills fool you, as she will be a heavy hitter this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->